January 2017

FROM THE EXPERT ASK DR. RENAE
Don’t
Dear Fearful Freshmen,
Boy do I understand your predicament. Let me be blunt: you
won’t be bothering your teachers if you ask them anything.
In fact, your teachers would probably be overjoyed if you ask
them a question. It’s their job to help you, and yes, while you
don’t want to add to their workload, a simple question and
a reminder would help. I’m the same way, so just swallow
the weird, guilty feeling and ask. Your grades shouldn’t suffer
due to fear of teachers. Being a freshman is very tough, but
hurdles like these help us grow. Trust me, I’ve been in your
shoes before, just speak out.
A Sympathetic Friend
Dear Fearful Freshman:
As a first year high school student you might feel like a small
fish in a big pond and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However,
you should know that even though your teachers might be
busy, they are also working hard to make sure their students
benefit from their class. You should take the time to explain
why you are anxious and ask about your assignments and
the zeroes reflected in your grades. This will help open
communication between you and your teachers. In doing so, it
will make it easier for you to talk to them when a problem does
come up and reassure your parents you are doing the work
required of you.
Your friend
Dear Fearful Freshman,
There is nothing to be afraid of. Teachers are there for you to
ask questions. They love when students are involved. Don’t let
your grades suffer because of how anxious you get. It will only
the teacher
Dear Dr. Renae,
I am very nervous and uncomfortable to ask my teachers
questions about a grade or an assignment. They always
seem so busy and stressed out. I feel like I am bothering
them and they do not have the time for me. Sometimes
when I hand in an assignment, it does not get posted on my
grades. I can tell my parents are not sure whether to believe
me that I completed it and handed it in. When I am absent
I feel too anxious to approach my teachers about making
up a test or a lab and I wind up with a zero. My grades are
lower than they should be, but how can I approach my
teachers without getting them angry and upsetting them?
Fearful Freshman
make the teachers assume you don’t care about your grades.
Your teachers are there to help you. They are often stressed
and busy, but they always have time for their students and
will never get mad at a student who cares. It may help to tell
your parents about this. They could set up a conference for
you, your parents, and your teachers to talk and explain your
situation and feelings and then you may feel more comfortable.
A Fellow High Schooler
Dear Fearful Freshman,
Although teachers are busy, they devote their time to being at
school and to help students. Teachers encourage feedback
and communication from their students. A suggestion for you
is to find out if your teachers have after school hours. This
way you can spend one-on-one time with your teacher, which
may make you feel more comfortable discussing the anxieties
you feel. You should also have a heart-to-heart talk with your
parents because there must be a reason your parents don’t
trust you handed in your assignment and you believe they
doubt you. Communication is important especially when
you are feeling so misunderstood. Just remember that your
teachers are here to help you anytime and want to see you
succeed in school and life.
A Friend Who Cares
Dear Fearful Freshman,
Here’s the truth about teachers: They’re also human beings.
Sometimes they may seem frustrated or annoyed, but they
have good and bad days, just like the rest of us. However,
that doesn’t mean that they’re not open to assisting you and
helping you succeed. My suggestion would be to work on
your fear and try to approach your teachers if you need their
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JANUARY 2017