Ask Olivia

Everyone has bad days, but don’t worry, you are not alone; the advice column is here to save you. Libra students have questions lingering in their minds that need to be answered. Don’t be afraid to ask.

I have been struggling to keep up with my schoolwork because of my sport. It’s getting so exhausting and difficult to balance the two. Any advice to help me out? Balancing a sport and schoolwork is extremely challenging and a lot of responsibility. However, time management is the key. Have an agenda where you can write down your homework assignments, projects, and deadlines. This way your week can be planned based on what you need to do. This will prevent you from procrastinating and pulling all-nighters. If you need to take a nap or a shower after practice, do it. Relax a little and then get to work. School is just as important as your sport, make time to do your work.

Lately, I have been feeling really anxious and stressed. I honestly get so nervous when I think about what’s going on at home and school. I don’t know how to deal with all these emotions. Any help? First of all, take a deep breath. If there is something going on at home that distracts you at school, you need to talk to someone. Talk to an adult or friend you trust and let them know what is on your mind. You cannot keep all your emotions bottled up because that is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. You will feel much better after telling someone how you feel and why you feel that way. Also, make some time for yourself and just relax. Sometimes all you need is some alone time doing something you enjoy like going to the gym, reading a book, going for a run, playing video games, and so on. Always take care of yourself.

I noticed how I’m not clicking with my group of friends as much as I used to. Most of the time, they just talk about parties and boys. It gets so boring, and I am never included in their conversations. What do I do? You have two choices. One, you can build up the courage to change the conversation. Maybe they keep talking about the same thing because they think it is a common interest. They will either include you in this new conversation or continue with the same old conversation. At that point, you have the power to decide to stay or move on and find a new group of friends. I went through the same experience during freshman year. I was friends with someone who was filled with negativity and was very possessive. I realized that she was dragging me down, and I was not myself around her. All she could talk about was herself; she was not concerned about me. I decided it was time to end the friendship. I told her I needed needed my space from her. I told her I wanted to have fun, share some laughs with good people and not talk about the same thing over and over again. She then yelled at me and called me a “dumb bi***.” Her reaction was just a confirmation that ending our friendship was the best decision I could have made for myself. My words of wisdom: you need to be surrounded by people who make you happy, who are supportive, and who you are comfortable around. It is all up to you to make this change in your life.

All Libra students can submit questions in a box outside of room 123. You can choose to state your name or stay anonymous. Don’t be afraid to ask.

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