By ENDYA TYSON – 1.2 million students in public schools drop out every year because they are struggling with school. Students struggle with school because of personal reasons, not enough help in classes, or just in classes that they don’t have an interest in. Even students here at IHS struggle with school. Usually, when a  student is struggling, their grades tend to decline and students can become disconnected. Then, when that student is disconnected, they stop participating and stop asking teachers or classmates for help. 

Sometimes a student is not understanding or comprehending what is being taught, or not being motivated to complete the problem that was given to them, or they may be just plain bored with the subject. Many students at some point will experience a problem and not know how to get the proper help, so here is some helpful advice that is very simple and (almost) guaranteed to work. 

One of the best things to do when you want to succeed in school is to ask a lot of questions. Students have to be able to set goals and go out of their comfort zone, even if that means working up the courage or motivation to ask a question. There is no such thing as a stupid question and every school-related question has an answer. Asking questions include asking for help with an assignment, and there’s never a need to feel embarrassed because you have a question or need extra help. Remember, you are a student who is in school to learn.

Students also have to be motivated to pass their classes, and one of the best things to do for yourself as a student is to take classes that you are interested in. Students should never take a class just because their friend is taking it. Subjects that you enjoy will be easier to understand and keep your attention, thus resulting in better grades.  

Also, another way to be motivated in school is to set goals. Your goal could be that you want to get a higher score on an upcoming exam. School goals could also fall in with life goals. A student could take certain classes in high school because they have an interest in something related to that for college or even a career. Being motivated doesn’t just involve you, students should surround themselves with people who have the same goals as them and will support each other to help them reach that goal. Don’t try to pass high school all by yourself. 

The best way to survive high school is to always have communication. Poor communication is one of the hardest things students have to learn to overcome. Students have to know that even if they don’t understand something, that it is not always their fault, and they shouldn’t be ashamed of it. If you have poor communication skills you have to learn how to get your point across in a proper and understanding way, or you will never go anywhere in life.  When you learn how to combine all these tips in school you will accomplish anything that gets in your way. 

[Photo by Endya Tyson ]

{Photo Caption: “Junior Nate Skalican works through a class assignment.”}