As I re-read through this chapters of this book I have been given from fourth period sociology class, I recognize similar struggles between myself and the young adults in the chapters....
I- like many of the students in this book face challenges in and outside of school. More often than not I blame myself for my failures in school. Nine times out of ten, I let my personal life interfere with my progress in school. For instance, if something is disturbing me at home or in any other aspect of my life, I usually wouldn't do any school work that day or the following day and I wouldn't go to class. I haven't figured out a way to separate school life from my personal life.
Not saying that I'm literally a DUMB student though. I have a 4.1 gpa, and am a "prized student" for most of, if not all of my teachers. But when something's heavy on my mind I can't focus. If I can't focus, then I won't do well on whatever class assignments I may have that day. So what;s the point in attending class if it wouldn't be beneficial? Though I'm not literally dumb, I do dumb things. Cutting class, not doing school work, and allowing my personal life affect my school life are alll things that I consider to be very stupid and dumb. But I can't help it, no matter how much smarts I have, I still have more weight from the world to carry. Right about now it's coming down to choosing between school and work/early adulthood. I used to love school but now I look at it as a complete waste of my time because I don't feel as though I'm making any progress what so ever...
Few people can compartmentalize their life, that's why some strategies for improving student performance at school need to keep in mind that things happening outside of school will interfere with in-school performance (look up multi-systemic therapy).
ReplyDeleteYour experiences are likely shared by many of your fellow students. What organizations and resources in the city might provide adequate support for you and the others?
Mr. Ostertag