By Caroline Ponticelli

As I’ve guided myself through going on 4 years at McCaskey, I sometimes thought about how amazing it would be to have an upperclassman I could turn to for advice. Someone I could ask for friendship tips, how to heal from my first heartbreak, where I could go for help in an extra hard class. Things most of us navigate by ourselves, but how great would it be to have someone you could get that advice from? This year I hope to be the judgment-free friend we all need! Welcome to my advice column, Dear Caroline. 

      Here’s the first advice request from a fellow McCaskey student:

“I’m having a hard time in one of my classes. I feel like all my friends are advancing and moving on but I can’t help but feel stuck and in turn left behind. How should I go about this in a way to make my situation more comfortable?” 

     Here’s my take on it:

First off, it’s totally normal to feel stuck on some topics in class, but something that we all should understand is that everyone learns at a different pace. Just because some students work more quickly doesn’t mean they always have the best understanding of the material. 

It may seem very hard, but it’s so important not to compare yourself to others. You never know, maybe your friends are struggling too, in other areas. Also, take advantage of your friends’ understanding if they are doing well in that class. Ask them for some help! Asking for help never hurts and in turn you get to spend more quality time with your friends which can help make you feel more comfortable and connected to them. 

But if the thought of you asking your friends for help embarrasses you: 1) look into getting more caring friends, and 2) there’s always after school tutoring. McCaskey offers an after school program where you can get help in your classes. They also provide snacks and a bus ride home, which is a big plus.

At the end of the day, everyone struggles in classes sometimes. Don’t beat yourself up over it! Don’t compare yourself to others, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and just do your best in whatever you do. If you do that, you can totally hold your head up high. 

Yours truly, 

-Caroline