NOTE: The advice column contains real responses from underclassmen students at LASA that were submitted anonymously. Upperclassmen then answer them.
Love section:
When is the right time to start dating in high school? – A Stressed Out Student
Lib: Dear Stressed Out Student,
There is never a “time” to start dating in high school. It’s whenever YOU feel that you are ready. Don’t feel pressured to start dating just because your peers seem to be getting into relationships. Not everyone is on your timeline. You’ll know when it’s time when you meet the right person. Being a student at LASA can be stressful on its own, so ask yourself if you’re ready to juggle both. It’s ultimately your call and no one else’s. Best of luck!
Sports Section:
How do you balance academic responsibilities and being in a sport/extracurricular activity? – A Stressed Out Student
Lib: Dear Stressed Out Student,
Balancing academics and sports can be tough to juggle, but it can be done with a bit of planning. Think of high school like a game. Use a planner to map out assignments, practices, and events that are coming up so you’re not caught off guard. Prioritize like a professional. If homework can be done during downtime between classes, do it. Get your assignments done the day it’s assigned. Space studying for tests out throughout the week, so you’re not stressed the night before. Don’t be afraid to communicate with your teachers and coaches when you’re at your limit, and put yourself first. Give yourself a breather now and then, and soon enough, you’ll be at peace with maintaining everything that’s going on. Stay strong!
School section:
Stu: In SciTech, I was put into a group with someone who wouldn’t do any work. I feel like if I have to work with them for one more day, I will die. I don’t want to be rude because I don’t know what’s going on in their personal life, but I also need to keep my sanity for the rest of the year. How can I tell this person to help with the project in a polite but firm way? – Clueless and Fed Up
Lib: Dear Clueless and Fed Up,
Been there, done that. One thing that Sci-Tech emphasizes is learning how to work with anyone, even people who are unproductive or hard to get along with. I suggest that you approach them in an understanding tone, clearly address the issue, set expectations, and then frame it as a team effort. For instance, you could say, “Hey, I just want to check in about the project. Is everything okay on your end? I’ve noticed that I’ve been handling most of the project, and it’s been a little overwhelming.” Being positive about the situation will ease your partner into doing their own work. Hope this helps!
Friendship Sections:
I don’t know who to talk to at school, and I am recently grounded so I don’t have my phone to talk to people with. I have a lot of friends who are guys and girls, but I need help with building close relationships. How do I make a close friend with the right people? I just want to feel involved, but I don’t know who I want to be involved with. Help would be greatly appreciated! – A Grounded Guy
Lib: Dear Grounded Guy,
It’s pretty unfortunate that you can’t talk to others online, but I think it’s a much better experience getting to know someone in person. To build a close relationship, be authentically yourself. This way, you’ll know who likes you for yourself and not for others. As for making friends with the right people, notice those who don’t put up a front for others around them. People who put you down or dig into your insecurities are major red flags. Find someone who makes you feel good and doesn’t want to alter or change the way you are. Don’t rush a friendship, the best things in life take time.
