By Rachel Flowers

Dear Rachel, This semester is definitely getting the best of me. I’m definitely having an issue juggling school work and a social life. I’m currently living on my own while my family is away. It feels like I have no moral support because my friends have their own lives to worry about as well. Can you help me?

Dear Reader,
I, too, used to have the same problem. Being a full time student and having a full time job is a heavy weight for people to carry, but there are many ways to solve this problem, starting with a planner. A lot of students’ problem is they stretch themselves too thin. If you get a planner and you document everything you know you have planned, you will stay on top of things and be a little more organized. Make sure in this planner you schedule time for homework, work and a social hour here and there. Staying responsible plays a key factor. When your social time is over, you must have the responsibility to get back on track. Keeping your money organized is a good way to be able to downsize your work hours and have more time to focus on school, which just means staying financially responsible. There are many students in the same boat as you. If you find someone struggling just as much as you are, go to them. You guys can help each other get through it by being there for each other and helping one another stay on track.

Dear Rachel,
I’m pretty sure one of my teachers this semester hates me. He is constantly failing my essays and when I ask him for help it’s as if I’m bothering him. What should I do?

Dear Reader,
A teacher is there to guide you in the right direction, not to push you down. Just like everyone else, a teacher has a personality, too. His is just one you have to get to know a little better. Over the years, I have found that teachers love it when you come to them with questions. Just as if someone came to you and asked you about something you loved. They take that one question and run with it, and by the end of it all you have learned everything plus some. I don’t think he is failing you on purpose. If that’s how you truly feel, then ask him why it seems like you’re bothering him, and if that doesn’t get you the reaction you are looking for, then you should consider seeking help from a peer or even a different teacher in that department. There are alternate ways to success elsewhere.