Dear Harlan,

I'm worried about not graduating this year. I take an AP English class at school, and that class determines whether I will walk across that stage in June. How can I pass my class in order to graduate?

Struggling

 

 

Dear Struggling,

I've got some amazing news for you. It's almost February. That means it's not June. That also means you have several months to make sure you pass this class. Clearly, you're a smart guy or girl or you wouldn't be in an AP class. The problem with being so smart is that a lot of smart people don't want to get help because they think it will make them look stupid. But not getting help is not smart. In fact, it's stupid, especially considering how much help is available. Be smart and talk to your teacher and make it clear that you're having a problem. Be smart and get extra help from a tutor. Be smart and tell your parents so they can see if they can get you additional help. Be smart and don't keep this a secret. Talk to the people who can get you help so you can make sure you can pass and walk across the stage in June to get a diploma.