We are very dynamic individuals. Sometimes we agree, and sometimes we agree to disagree. We reached out to the entire student body at Magnet, asking for people to write in with problems they may be facing. We chose ten responses and offered our thoughts and advice on them. If your inquiry was not addressed and you feel there is a dire need for it to be, you are more than welcome to reach us at one of our school emails.

Let’s begin:

“How do I make my mom happy with me? She doesn’t like my grades and I’m really trying (tutors and stuff) and nothing I do seems to make her happy. Straight up not having a good time. Thanks” – a junior boy 

Andrew: In situations like this, it’s important for us to remember that times have changed. Highschoolers across America are now experiencing more stress than ever before. On top of this, students at high achieving schools such as Academic Magnet are categorized as at risk for mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Try expressing this to your mom while respectfully suggesting she may not understand your personal high school experience. Use complete honesty to establish open dialog with her about such issues and try to make changes that will satisfy the both of you. Compromise is key!

Simone: Communication is key. Have a sit down with your mom and tell her that you feel you are trying your true best. Tell her that you’re feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated. See how far that conversation takes you. If nothing changes, I’d advise setting up a counseling session or tell your grandma on her. 

“This is copying max and mason” – a sophomore boy 

Andrew: Funnily enough I don’t actually think they came up with the idea of the advice column. 

Simone: Well, the thing is, advice columns are nothing new and nothing to be discriminative about. As long as the people have problems, there should be a source that holds answers. 

“I’m worried about getting a job this summer. It would be my first and I’m not sure what to do or where to work. I was hoping you could offer some advice on this. Thanks in advance.” – a sophomore Apache Attack Helicopter (preferred pronoun: ya boi)

Simone: Don’t worry! Be happy! Firstly, I would decide what kind of job you want to have. I work a retail job, but since your preferred pronoun is “ya boi”, I would guess that is not up your alley. At this age, I would recommend serving. I’ve heard through the grapevine that the cash tips are really stellar and who doesn’t love free food every now and then?

Andrew: I think it really comes down to how often you actually want to work. Most employers understand that highschoolers are fairly busy and will provide decently flexible scheduling options. However, this is not always the case. Make sure you do your research and ask your friends about their jobs and the perks of each. Secondly, don’t be afraid to work hard. Many students decline jobs in restaurants because it seems overwhelming to be that busy constantly. While it may be stressful at first, a job that keeps you constantly busy will make the hours fly by and you’ll certainly find your first paycheck to be rewarding. 

“So I have really bad breath. I’m pretty sure that I have tonsil stones so that could be contributing to that issue. I don’t talk a bunch because I don’t want my classmates to have to smell my breath. It’s actually my biggest insecurity. I brush my teeth an appropriate amount, and I try to chew gum, but I’m vegan so it’s difficult to find ones that I can actually have. There’s this girl I really like but I don’t have the [courage] to talk to her because of my stench. Is horrible breath a deal-breaker? Neither of us are super talkative so that shouldn’t be an issue (we can talk with our eyes), but I’m not sure what to do when it comes time to kiss her…” – a freshman boy

Simone: I would maybe see your pediatrician and see if there’s anything that they can prescribe to you. Sometimes they’ll know what to do and their solutions can even fit your dietary needs. Maybe be honest with this girl that you’re into and she’ll accept you for who you are. If she can’t get past it then maybe she’s not worth it. 

Andrew: Do not worry about your breath turning her away at all. I think you should certainly follow up with your pediatrician about your tonsil stones but until then do not let them hold you back. If she can’t overlook your tonsil stones, she doesn’t deserve you. It’s important to find someone you can fully be yourself with without having to constantly worry about trivial issues such as bad breath. Our insecurities are the fuel of our individuality, if she’s the one she’ll accept every part of you, stinky or not. 

“Sometimes it feels like everyone around me is much more capable and intelligent than I am. I feel like the dumbest in the class all the time.” – a freshman male 

Andrew: Firstly, you are not alone. As a student at the number one high school in the nation, it only makes sense to be surrounded by some of the smartest teenagers around. I can assure you that a multitude of other students feel just as you do. Secondly, intelligence is measured in so many ways. Find your niche of knowledge and fully invest yourself in it: whether it be facts about presidents or the names of rock formations on the moon.

Simone: This is a common feeling amongst magnet students- even the smart ones they just don’t show it. Try your best to not compare yourself to others because, in the things that you’re lacking, I’m sure you make up for it in other ways. I’m sure you have an amazing personality. 

“How do I keep pushing myself when I’ve been running on empty for so long? I can hardly do my homework anymore. I’m always so tired.” – a sophomore girl 

Andrew: I feel for you. Sometimes I find myself struggling so hard, ready to just give up. Fortunately, I’ve found that taking it one day at a time, or even one hour at a time helps extraordinarily. Set small goals for yourself and make sure to give yourself credit for all that you accomplish as it can often be hard to recognize our own progress. Don’t be afraid to take breaks from time to time and always keep in mind that while we place a ridiculous amount of pressure on ourselves, most of our current issues will be forgotten in three months max.

Simone: Sleep some then. Nap during focus and make sure you get a solid 11 hours a night and you should be able to curve that issue. 

“How do I balance schoolwork and a girlfriend?” – a sophomore brodie 

Andrew: It is impossible. I can assure you, without fail that your grades will drop to some degree while in a relationship. However, I argue that it’s worth it as long as you avoid failing any classes. 

Simone: Easy. You can’t. Breakup with your girlfriend or drop out of school. 

“PLEASE the best way to get over a break-up and not fall apart at school” – a junior girl 

Andrew: This is a very difficult task to be faced with for sure. I say do your best to distance yourself from that person until you are completely over them. I know you may be tempted to be friends immediately after but the truth is it’s impossible to establish a real friendship without making sure all of those old feelings are gone. Until then, do what you can to distract yourself with your friends and focus on becoming the best version of yourself. It never hurts to date yourself every once in a while. 

Simone: First off, I’m very sorry. The biggest help during this time for you will be distractions. Try and do your best to not think about it while at school. Surround yourself with your friends and steer clear of the boy (if he attends the same school). Stack up your schedule full of parties to attend and errands to run and sooner than you realize, you will be over whoever is making you fall apart right now. 

“My boyfriend and I have only been going out for a couple of weeks, but I’ve noticed that he’s generally very emotionally closed off. How do I get him to open up without seeming annoying or like I’m overstepping?” – a senior girl 

Andrew: I think for the most part guys understand that within a relationship you have to accept a certain degree of emotional vulnerability that you may otherwise feel uncomfortable with. That being said, some guys have never experienced such openness before and it’s important to convey to him that he is safe with you and his emotions are valid. Start with a give and take the conversation in which you open up about something closer to your heart and hopefully he will open up to you about himself in response. 

Simone: Give him space and time and I’m sure he will start to open up to you. A couple of weeks seems pretty premature to be worrying about overstepping and the easiest way to make sure you’re not is to give him space. Let him know that you’re there for him if he needs anything but don’t press for information.

“I pooped my pants in Ms. Yackey’s algebra 2 class. What do I do?” – a sophomore girl 

Andrew: Personally, I think it’s important for you to remember in this situation that such bodily functions are normal and everybody experiences fecal release. Your friends, parents, and even teachers poop from time to time! With this in mind, I would take this otherwise desperate situation and turn it into an opportunity to establish superiority over your peers. Own up to your mistake and even go as far as to take pride in it. Any student with the ability to be proud of their poo is certainly fit to be a leader amongst other students and displays the authority and confidence to rise to any situation. 

Simone: Hm. You seem to have caught yourself in quite the predicament. However, I am curious, could you just not wait to reach a restroom facility or was it a conscious decision? Either way, I would definitely first assess the situation. Is it the kind of accident where you can maybe wait it out till the bell rings or is it more of a dire issue? If you can wait it out, I would do so and make a beeline to the nearest bathroom. If you can’t, just go the route of pointing fingers. Blame it on the kid sitting next to you.