Questions
 

Group Chat Drama: I am in a group chat with a large group of friends and sometimes I feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to leave the group chat because then my friends will think I’m weird and ask questions. I feel like as soon as I leave my friends will all talk about me behind my back. What can I do to prevent or stop this? 

 

-A Not-So Drama Queen

 

Staying Organized: I am having a hard time staying organized because we only have three minutes of locker break and I end up rushing from class to class. I need to figure out how I can get from lunch/exploratory/ PE to my next class without being late and using my locker because I don’t have enough room in my bag to fit all my stuff. Not only that, but I also need help learning how to open my locker better and quicker. 

 

-Wannabe Neat Freak

 

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Time Management: What if I can’t get my homework done in time and I have a lot of after-school activities? I am too embarrassed to tell my teacher I have extra school activities and don’t have time. Also, I’m afraid it might be perceived as an excuse.  

 

  -  A Busy Bee

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    Answers

 

Dear Not-So Drama Queen

If you feel uncomfortable in a group chat, you should definitely leave! Your friends will understand, and they don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. If you don’t want to leave you should talk to the people in the group chat and discuss how you feel uncomfortable and what they can do to help. You definitely don’t want to blame your friends and list everything that is wrong. To start, you should just list 1 or 2 constructive criticisms that can make everyone in the group chat feel more comfortable. 

If they end up not using these suggestions, you should probably leave the group chat. You should never stay in something that makes you uncomfortable!

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Dear Wannabe Neat Freak, 

I know that it can be hard to stay organized, but this is an important life skill. You need to be able to open your lock. A suggestion for that is buying a practice lock. They’re probably about $5. You can practice at home or, if your teacher allows you, practice in class!

Fitting all your folders, books, and binders in your backpack is hard. An idea is cleaning out your backpack for papers and trash. If that doesn’t help, you could make sure you’re not bringing unnecessary things in your backpack. For example, if you have a pencil case full of things you don’t need, you could take a couple of pencils out and put them in your backpack. You could also store your pencil case in your locker. Additionally, if you have a lot of folders, I recommend grouping certain subjects. This can be beneficial, especially in subjects where you don’t use your folder a lot. If you focus on these things, stopping at your locker will be easier!
 

Dear Busy Bee, 

I know it can be very hard to complete your homework. If you have time before your sports, you can always join Homework Club or Bridge Tutoring. This could be very helpful and teachers or high school students are there to help you. 

If you can’t do, this you can also always talk with your teacher about resources that can help you. Depending on your teacher, they might be able to push back the deadline. If you have to, you might have to skip an activity one day or even drop out of it. This can help you find more time. 

If you absolutely cannot do any of these things, talk to your parents to find a time when you work on homework. They can help you manage your time. If needed, you can also do your homework in the car going to sports.

I know it can be very hard managing your sports and homework, but you can make it through! Your family, friends, teachers, and the Beck community are here to help you.