My parents are also worried and have assured me that we will move to a big city in two years where I can join a good school. However, two years feels like a long time. Guru, I’m really unsure what to do. Please help....
I feel isolated
Dear Guru,
I am a 14-year-old girl from an army family. I have one brother, and both my parents serve in the army. Due to their job, we move to a new city every three years. Since childhood, I have studied in various schools across different cities. Being a bright student, I’ve always adapted quickly to new environments. My brother is in a boarding school to ensure his studies are not disrupted, but my parents prefer to keep me with them wherever they go.
Guru, my problem is that we’ve recently moved to a city with no good schools. The only reputable school I want to attend is a two-hour drive away, making it impractical to enroll there. This leaves me with two options: either attend a not-so-good local school or study at home and prepare for my matriculation exams. I’m struggling with this decision because I don’t want to study alone and feel isolated. I miss my old school days and hanging out with friends. My parents are also worried and have assured me that we will move to a big city in two years where I can join a good school. However, two years feels like a long time. Guru, I’m really unsure what to do. Please help.
Upset Girl
Dear Upset Girl,
If you want to mingle with other students, attending one of the not-so-good schools might be a better option than studying at home. Even if the local school is not ideal, you’ll still meet other girls your age, which can help you feel less isolated. If you find the studies unsatisfactory, you can ask your father to engage a tutor to assist you.
Plan regular visits or virtual meet-ups with friends from your previous schools to maintain those connections and support networks. Use this time to develop new skills or hobbies that you might not have had time for otherwise. This can make the two years more fulfilling and less monotonous.
Talk to your parents. They might be able to help you find solutions or compromises, such as arranging for short trips or expeditions, or finding a local tutor.
If you find it too difficult to adjust to the local school, you have the option of staying at home and preparing for your matriculation exams. Be prepared for the possibility of boredom since you are not used to studying at home. To combat isolation, get involved in your community. Join clubs, cooking classes, or a gym to make new friends. You can find a balance between maintaining your academic progress and staying socially engaged, even in a less-than-ideal situation. Remember, this period is temporary, and you’ll eventually have the opportunity to attend a good school in a bigger city. While two years might seem long, focus on the long-term benefits.
Good luck!
I am worried about my brother
Dear Guru,
I am really worried about my younger brother. He has been declining in his studies lately, and I don’t know the real reason despite asking him several times. He seems perfect at answering questions and understanding the material, but he struggles to reproduce it in writing during tests or exams. His teachers say he is alert in class and answers questions quickly and efficiently, yet he lags behind when it comes to writing down what he has learned. I am concerned about his future, and so are my parents. What should we do?
Concerned Sister
Dear Concerned Sister,
I really appreciate your concern for your brother. It’s understandable to be worried about his academic struggles, especially given his ability to comprehend and answer questions verbally. There might be underlying learning challenges such as dysgraphia or other writing-related difficulties. It would be beneficial to have him assessed by a professional, such as an educational psychologist, to rule out any specific learning disorders.
Your parents should schedule a meeting with his teachers to discuss their observations and gain insights into his classroom performance. Teachers might offer valuable suggestions and strategies tailored to his needs. Encourage your brother to make writing a routine part of his daily activities and to read regularly, as it can improve his writing skills. Offer positive feedback on his writing to build his confidence.
With the right support and strategies, your brother will likely overcome his writing difficulties soon.
Good luck
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