Advice Column
Dear McKenzie,
I’m really worried about school. I’m falling more and more behind, and can’t seem to keep up with everything. I’m trying as hard as I can to get everything in on time, but my grades just keep going down! What should I do?
~Stressed Out
Dear Stressed,
Believe me, I know how you feel. I’ve been behind before, and it’s not fun. I always tend to procrastinate and get things done last minute. Here are some tips:
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Don’t procrastinate. I know, it’s really hard. I have a procrastination problem myself. But you should try to get everything done at the start of the week. No matter how hard the assignments seem, it’s really just your mind freaking out. Calm down and think about it. What are you so stressed about?
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Get a parent or older sibling to help you out! My siblings have helped me a lot with my assignments, and have given me great ideas. Are you the oldest? Then see if a younger sibling can help!
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Email your mentor. Tell them about your situation. Your mentors are here to help, not just make you stressed, as hard as that is to believe sometimes. Your mentors adjust to your situation.
I hope this helped!
~McKenzie Adams
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Contact us
Dear Ember,
I’m having a lot of trouble writing. I know that some people are just naturally good at it, but I just can’t think of anything when I sit down and try to write. I really want to write books, but it’s just really hard, and everyone around me thinks it’s a pretty lame hobby. What should I do?
~Weary Writer
Dear Weary,
Sit down and write every object that comes to mind for a few minutes. Then, look back
on the things you wrote and try to write a small story on one of the objects you listed. That should get your creative juices flowing! As for everyone thinking writing is a lame hobby, be proud of your writing! Don’t ever let anyone tell you to stop doing what you love.
~Ember Grace
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Dear Anne,
I am having trouble getting ideas for a book I'm writing. I don't seem to have time to do it, and when I do, I'm not thinking about it. I don't know how to stay on track of it. What should I do?
~Busy
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Dear Busy,
What I find helpful is trying not to think of ideas, look at your surroundings. Try to change them to fit your book. Also, sit down with your parents and ask them if you can set a time each day that you just get to write. Have that as your writing time. Also, keep a notebook, and have all your thoughts about your book in there. As for not thinking about it when you're writing, (I have the same problem) just don't think about it and don't put pressure on yourself. Try signing up for NaNoWriMo. It helped me last year. Anyway, I hope this helps!
~Anne' Klein
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