I'm in a high school that offers the I.B. program which provides more job opportunities, increased chance of university acceptance, etc. It's been two years of the preview (grade 9 & 10 which are just a bit more difficult than the regular curriculum) and overall I'm getting average grades (70% to 80%) except in one class. In my country, students must learn the country's second language and I am struggling so much and the teacher is terribly strict, assigns a crazy amount of work, and is basically rude with the excuse of preparing her students for higher education when other teachers nicer while doing so. I picked my courses already so I can't change courses or drop out of the program or else I'll get the unwanted courses. I plan on completing this school year but should I drop out of this program for the next? I'm suffering so much from this second language course that I'm becoming sleep deprived, have bad self esteem issues, and I'm constantly stressed out and cannot understand what's happening in class. I understand the benefits of the program with increasing my chances of getting well paid jobs in the future but I'm just so overwhelmed by this 1 stupid class. Should I stay?
It sounds like you're in a really challenging situation, and it's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed. Balancing the demands of a rigorous program like the I.B. with your well-being is incredibly difficult, especially when one class is causing so much stress.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. Your Well-Being Comes First
Mental health and well-being are critical. Chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and low self-esteem can have long-term effects on your health and academic performance. If the second language course is significantly impacting your well-being, it’s important to address this.
2. Seek Support
Talk to Someone: Speak with a school counselor, your parents, or a trusted teacher about what you're going through. They might be able to offer solutions, like additional tutoring, time management strategies, or even mediation with the teacher.
Study Groups: If possible, join or create a study group with classmates who might also be struggling. This can make the workload feel more manageable and less isolating.
3. Consider the Long-Term
I.B. Benefits: The I.B. program does offer significant benefits, including better university prospects and job opportunities. Weigh these long-term advantages against your current struggles.
Future Options: If you drop the I.B. program, think about what other opportunities might be available. Could another academic path also help you reach your goals, but with less stress?
4. Explore Alternatives for the Language Class
Tutoring: Sometimes, an outside tutor with a different teaching style can make a big difference in understanding difficult material.
Online Resources: There are many online resources and apps that can help with language learning at your own pace, which might help relieve some of the pressure.
5. Reassess for Next Year
It’s okay to complete this school year and then reassess your situation. After this year, if the stress and struggles continue to outweigh the benefits, it might be worth considering other academic options.
6. You're Not Alone
Many students face similar challenges in rigorous programs. It’s important to remember that struggling in one class doesn’t define your overall abilities or future success. Seeking help and finding ways to manage the stress is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Ultimately, you should prioritize your health and well-being. If staying in the program is causing significant harm, it might be worth considering other paths that can still lead to success without the same level of stress. Whatever you decide, know that it's important to do what's best for you and your future.
Read also: https://www.knowledgesense.in/health/mental-health-and-work-life-balance/
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