I’m a junior in high school and my cousin who’s a freshman (supposed to be a sophomore) just moved here a couple of months ago and now we go to same school. I though this would be a chance for me to help her bring up her grades from teen-grades to at least a c+ or b (that’s hopeful).
She has ALWAYS done bad in school though. Ever since day 1, I can remember even as kids knowing she needed help and always attempting to play teacher, helping her remember simple math, etc, etc.
And now, it’s still like that in high school, only I know damn straight that grades do matter if you want to go to college and get a better job, you know the drill on that.
Everytime I ask her if she has homework she says no, which I know is pure bullshit because nobody doesn’t have homework EVERY SINGLE DAY. I still try to help her, like around midterms I wanted to help her study, but no she’d rather go read a magazine or watch tv. Typical, she’s so apathetic. It bugs me so much!
You might ask, where are parents? She lives with her mom in an apartment and my aunt barely knows English, never went to college, let alone finishing high school, so she doesn’t help much.
Her dad is also dyslexic. :/
I try, and I try, with good intention just to help her pass. My school is tougher than where she was at and they do offer help, but will she take it, NOPE. I bet she’s going to fail this year.
I’m not perfect genius, but it just pisses me off because it’s one thing to fail badly in school because you’re struggling and trying hard, but another when you just don’t give a damn and your brain has gone to shit. I mean she can’t even spell right or common sense like what state is Brooklyn in?
Tomorrow when I get to school after my doc’s appt, I’m going to talk to my school counselor and see if there’s any way to help her. I mean if it’s not me, then who will?? Her parents are uneducated and spoil her when they don’t even have the money to be spoiling her. She’s unappreciative too. :/
Is it alright for me to go and talk to my counselor, even if it’s about another student there?
I’ve realized that to get anywhere in life, you have to have some internal motivation, it’s gotta be you who wants to do it. But this cousin of mine, it’s like watching a slow motion movie of a car accident. I hope there’s still time to save her!
I feel like I have to be the parent, and though I know I don’t really have to, it’s like a family obligation to me. Not a lot of people in my family have gone off to college to get educated. I’m grateful my parents did but that’s about as far as it gets out of eleven aunts and uncles.
:S
Yeah, the way I am towards her, I’m not harsh, and definitely never bring her down. She does frustrate me though.
Do your best, but don’t get too involved. You’re not responsible for her choices, and you can’t hold yourself accountable. Going to your school counselor is definitely a good idea. If you can, try to get her parents involved, or even your parents. The more people she has rooting for her, the better off she’ll be. Remember to be positive. Praise is much more effective than criticism. Good luck!
I am really impressed with your level of maturity. Good for you! You will be a success because you are willing to work for it.
However, it does not matter how hard you try, you cannot force someone to change. She does not envision a better life for herself or is so busy dreaming about it, that she doesn’t bother to make the effort. If she fails, that may be a wakeup call. It may make her realize that she has to work.
Where I live there are special classes for people like her. They are classes where the students stay in one room all day and the teachers come in to them. There is one teacher who keeps track of all of the homework and the students have to work on their homework during that class. The teacher uses many different techniques to get the students to do the homework in an acceptable manner. These kids will graduate with a graduation diploma. Maybe the counsellor will be able to help you with suggestions for something that will work for your cousin.
If you cannot motivate her, it will not be your fault. Only she can decide on what she wants and work to achieve it. Thanks for caring though.
Add A Comment