School is stressful. I don’t care what you say. It’s hard trying to juggle homework, sports and extracurricular activities. Junior year is perhaps the toughest year of our school career; Pre-Cal, U.S. History, Physics, Algebra 2, and English 3. Oh you’re not in 2 math classes? Well aren’t you lucky. Last year I failed Algebra 2. And now it’s coming back to haunt me.

School doesn’t come naturally to me, and that is my biggest issue. My sister (who graduated in June) made great grades. Yes, she did apply herself, but she was naturally good at retaining information. Me on the other hand, I can’t remember anything. I tried to go about my sophomore year doing the minimal. I wouldn’t study or do extra work. I thought that sitting in class and listening to my teachers talk I’d make the grades I wanted.  Obviously that didn’t work.

I failed the 4th six-weeks of Algebra 2 last year. I waited until the last week of the grading period to try and fix everything and get all my missing work in. My teacher had known by then how I was. She said there was nothing else I could do to get the grade up that late in the six weeks.

So what? I failed a six weeks? Well that happened to be right in the middle of soccer season. I was ineligible to participate. I was angry at my teacher. So I sat in the back of the class with my headphones in and wouldn’t listen to her lessons. Oh, but did I learn one.

Three weeks went by. All I had to do was be passing by the time progress reports came out. However, I was too busy being angry to try and work on my grade. I ended up not making it. I was out for the playoffs. I didn’t get to sit on the bench with my team. I also didn’t get to play with my sister in her last high school soccer game. The worst feeling was knowing I let my team down by my immature choices.

Now I’m paying the price. I’m having to retake Algebra 2. My teacher and I were able to work out the issues from last year. I even requested to be in her class again this year. I, along with taking algebra, am also taking pre-calculus. I knew I didn’t have too, but I wanted to. I didn’t want to get behind all my friends. I messed up last year. I feel it’s my responsibility to stay caught up and not give myself a break.

I’m not going to lie; it’s hard. Twice as much homework, tests and quizzes. I’m so thankful for my algebra teacher, she understands and is helping me anyway she can. It really does make a difference. Coming into class with a positive attitude and showing your teacher you care will help you later on. If you don’t act like you care about the class and your grade, your teacher won’t either. They have hundreds of other students to worry about. What you put into the class, is what you’re going to get out of it.

I’m having to manage my time, study more and work harder. I come home from a long day and have to force myself to study and do my homework. I know what’s on the line now. And how much it can affect my life.