Expert: Sharon Crandall - 3/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: well im a 14 year old female and i am currently a freshmen in highschool and so far i been having a pretty rough time. Not because of people but because of my grades. Ususally im a A or B student but my grades latley have been low C's and D's. Also my teachers are saying that i have a low effort in class but i try so hard to concentrate. What should i do?

ANSWER: Dear Jade,

The first thing to know is that the things that make it difficult in school are also your gifts and talents.  Low Concentration means that you can change focus quickly and helps in a job when you are older to think faster and be able to manage or watch over a lot of people and do a lot of things at once.

Right now, it is difficult for you in school.  It is hard for me to help you until I get more information.

So, please answer a few questions.  Do you hear what the teacher says to you?  Do you get started on your work but just get distracted?  Do you remember better what you see on paper or what you hear?  Do you tend to daydream a lot?  Is it hard for you to sit still?  Are you uncomfortable sitting in the chair at your desk that has been provided for you?

Tell me a little more about what parts are hard and what things are easy for you, OK?

Then, I might be able to give you some suggestions.  I wait to hear from you.

Sharon Crandall
Life is 4 Living Coach/Consultant
www.myspace.com/personalityconsultant

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for getting back to me as quick as you did. Also to answer your questions here are some of the answers to them....yes sometimes i do listen but most of the time i start to draw on my desk or do something else.....ususally if i think i can finish my work i will but if i feel like i dont i will try to do it at home and i only remember whats on the paper.... yes i do tend to daydream alot....no it isnt hard for me to sit still....and no im not uncomfortable sitting in a chair.

Answer
Dear Jade,

It is hard for me to figure things out when I can't talk to the person but I will do my best.

First of all, I am wondering how your health is?  You sound almost like you are tired and not mentally alert.  Do you get enough sleep?  Do you play video games?  Do you get exercise each day? Do you eat a lot of sweets and carbs such as cold cereals?  Are you eating lots of fruits and vegetables?  Are you depressed about anything?  Do you have goals?  Are you excited about growing up and doing wonderful things?  What would you like to be a do?  Do you have problems at home that seem too hard for you to handle?

The reason I ask these questions is that it sounds like your motivation is really low and that could be caused by a number of things?  You don't necessarily have to answer all these questions to me, but do ask them for yourself and see if anything fits.  Then write to me again if you feel like any of these things are influencing your life and I will have some solid suggestions to help you.

Sharon Crandall
Life is 4 Living Coach/Consultant
www.myspace.com/personality consultant