LASA Raptor: Dear Stu,
I recently started a few sports, both fairly intense and a huge increase from what I was doing before. By the end of the first one, I was injured from overworking my legs, but it didn’t seem too bad yet and started to fade. A few days later I started the second sport, which happens to be one of the activities listed as something you should never do with this injury, and it immediately got worse. I get that physical health is important, and I understand that with what I am doing now it can easily become a stress fracture, but I love this sport and don’t know if this is worth being unable to do it for the next four years. What should I do?
Stu: Dear LASA Raptor,
The balance between healing and conditioning is a challenge athletes constantly battle. It’s very similar to the school-life balance all students at LASA struggle with. And just like with classes, we constantly put ourselves second, even when damaging our health. But pushing through an injury now could lead to a much more serious issue—like a stress fracture—that might take you out for months or even years. However, it’s important to note that you’re starting a new sport. So whether it’s shin splints or calluses, your lifestyle is going to change.
If you’re worried about your spot, consider talking to your coach; explain that you’re committed but need to avoid worsening your injury. Each sport has a unique and different stress on someone’s body, and experienced coaches know what stretches, foods, or exercises can resolve the injuries. Coaches will respect athletes who are responsible for their recovery because it shows maturity and a long-term focus. You might also look into ways to stay active and conditioned, like safe exercises, physical therapy, or stretching that won’t stress the injury. Giving yourself a few weeks now could protect your ability to play for seasons to come. Remember, a little rest now is better than a lot of regret later. Good luck!
LASA Raptor: Dear Stu,
Help, I have a teacher who never grades! It can be very frustrating because they are a kind teacher so I feel bad repeatedly asking for something to be graded.
Stu: Dear LASA Raptor,
As an upperclassman, I’ve been there before, and honestly, your teachers only get tougher as the years go on. However, you also learn how devoted some teachers are to teaching. They get low salaries, have to deal with high schoolers all day, and also have to come to school everyday. So just remember that teachers are human, too. We don’t know what goes on outside of the classroom so we should always maintain respectful interactions. When you ask them to grade something, never blame them or accuse them of anything. Remember: they have hundreds of students who require different attention, and you are not their priority. If it affects your grade after grades are finalized and after being asked at least twice, reach out to your academic counselors as a final resort. But honestly, the harder the classes get, the less you’re going to want to see the grade.
LASA Raptor: Dear Stu,
Last year one of my best friends crossed a MAJOR boundary and broke all of my trust. They used things I’d said in confidence against me and became incredibly emotionally manipulative in an attempt to make me do things for them. They then fully twisted the story in an attempt to turn the school against me, lying about everything. I reported them and got a stay-away agreement that they fully disregarded after a few months, telling people I’d forgiven them when being in the same room still gave me a panic attack. This year we’ve had to work together on a few projects and have gotten a little closer because of the forced proximity, and they finally apologized after seven months, but it wasn’t more than two minutes in the hallway that they twisted it to be all about them. I’m not comfortable as their friend but am stuck working with them on a lot of projects that I can’t get out of and have no clue how to convey my discomfort when I’ve been hiding it this whole school year. What should I do?
Stu: Dear LASA Raptor,
It can be annoying working with people you don’t get along with, especially when your grade is at stake. My best suggestion for you is to let your teacher know in private that you don’t feel comfortable working with them anymore. Most teachers are understanding and will consider your situation. In the case that they don’t—be as clear to your “friend” as possible about how you feel about what they’ve been doing. Since you’ll be stuck with this person in the hallways until you graduate, I suggest you end your misery as soon as possible so your high school experience isn’t totally ruined.
