<p>Hey CC, currently I'm a new sophomore at boarding school. Before our head master's weekend I felt like I was doing really well, making the high honor roll last semester and for this winter mid-term, but today I just had my first day back from break and I feel like I'm having a bit of a slump. My relationship with my roommate has deteriorated, after having some arguments and dorm sickness over our living habits. I lost my dorm key and washing card, which all added to about 30 dollars from my allowance. I slipped a bit in English and just bombed three vocab/grammar quizzes (actual bombs...55%-60%, I was totally oblivious about when we were going to have them and I knew I was bound to fail), which probably brought my B+ down a little. I was never great at English, but I usually thought I was quite consistent. I'm in a pretty low mood right now, and I honestly have no clue what to do. I have problems sleeping at night since I'm constantly thinking about all these problems. I might think I'm dramatizing a bit, but I think I might need some help getting over this slump. Does anyone have any tips on how to get back on my feet in boarding school when making a little slip?</p>
<p>Do you have an advisor or some other faculty member you know and like? Do you have senior prefects living in your dorm? What you are going through is not uncommon. A trusted advisor or friendly senior can hear about your slump and offer some solutions. Other students who have had this teacher might offer suggestions on how to improve your grades. Can you arrange peer tutoring to help you improve your vocabulary and grammar? Your school probably has many opportunities to improve yourself academically, but you have to take advantage of the opportunities.</p>
<p>Are you able to find another roommate for next year, or is it possible for you to get a single? You might find out how the system works to ensure that you get in a better dorm situation for next year. </p>
<p>Sometimes just the gloomy winter weather can affect your mood.</p>
<p>Burb Parent,</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your suggestions. I’m currently sent an email out to my advisor to set up a meeting period where we can discuss my problems.</p>
<p>The bad grades I recently received in English wasn’t because I don’t know the material but because I was inattentive to the adjustments my teacher made to my homework syllabus, thus I was not able to study for the quizzes.</p>
<p>Don’t beat yourself up! During the middle of winter term - especially if you are in a cold, snowy area - it isn’t unusual to feel how you do. At least you recognize the issues so you can take corrective action before things slip further. Try to get out of your dorm room if your roommate is driving you nuts but keep communication open. Talking to your advisor is great! Make sure to eat well and work on getting some sleep. Find a good book you like and read a chapter before bed each night to take your mind off things - it might help you sleep better. Make sure you’re exercising. Set small goals for yourself and reward yourself on the weekend - perhaps a movie off campus or a pizza with friends? Good luck! You’ll get back on track soon!</p>
<p>wizz,</p>
<p>I also have trouble sleeping when a lot is on my mind (most nights!) There have been two things that have helped me. One is Bach’s Goldberg Variations and the other is counting (and visualizing) numbers backwards from 100 - I’ve never gotten past 80!</p>
<p>I think it’s great that you are reaching out before things get worse. The fact that you have recognized the problem is 90% of the solution. I’m sure you’ll get out of it soon.</p>