Nana Neirad
NEIRAD enilno edition
Dear Nana Neirad,
I’m taking an extra course, so I don’t have a free. I feel like I have no time to do my h.w. and am up late all night doing it. Should I drop the class? I really like it. Are there any other solutions?
~Hardworker
Dear Hardworker,
Oh my dear little overachiever. May I call you that, overachiever? Let’s face it. You are one. I bet your classmates pull a face when they see your schedule. But don’t let that bother you. This is a competitive school and secretly we are all jealous that you can work so hard. However, you shouldn’t be working too hard. Most students cherish their frees. Near the end of each of my classes it is a common occurrence to hear the rustle of a schedule and then someone cry: “I have a free next!” “Hallelujah!” the congregation of students calls back. Although the student body has a tendency to act as though frees are bestowed by the heavens—they really are not that great. The same student I hear proclaim his freedom I also see rush into the library, drop his backpack as though it is a ball and chain and then---do absolutely nothing. The librarians must hush his snores. Sometimes frees are not used to their best advantage. However, if you are stressed and plan to work hard in your free than you should drop the class. But if you truly enjoy the class then you should stay in it. The greatest and most fulfilling experiences often come with hard work. Just make sure you consider that high school is meant to have moments of fun. You do not want to look back at your memories and shudder at the thought of your homework. Remember, we do have to endure four years of high school. That means that you can take the class next year and try, then, to arrange your schedule to incorporate the class. Another solution could be to simply manage your time. I find myself complaining over my homework, yet, if I was to be honest with myself watching re-runs of “Grey’s Anatomy” certainly has not helped the problem. Ultimately, the question is left up to you. How hard are you willing to work for this class? If it is through the night—then stay. Being an overachiever isn’t so bad.
Love,
Nana Neirad
Dear Nana Neirad,
So there’s this really annoying kid that is always hanging around me, but I’m too nice to tell him he is annoying. What should I do?
~Annoyed
Dear annoyed,
Maybe he thinks the same thing about you.
Love,
Nana Neirad
Dear Nana Neirad,
Hi.
~Creeper
Dear Creeper,
Bye.
Love,
Nana Neirad
Dear Nana Neirad,
So, I am trying to get out of friend drama (not the class), but it isn't working because I have a friend who LOVES drama. She talks about people behind their back constantly. She is bringing up my past and I was like totallly weird back then and now I'm going on a clean slate now...it sounds worse than it is but it’s true. Anyways, I don't want to be involved but I don't want people to think poorly of me. What do I doooooooo?
From,
Stepped Down Drama Queen
Dear Stepped Down Drama Queen,
Oh my heavens! This is a serious problem. Very much in need of eight o’s at the end of the word “do.” First off, I am glad to hear that you are no longer a drama queen (even if your letter would suggest otherwise). I’m sure everyone at school understands what it is like to be around a gossiper. It can simply be annoying. Gossipers seem to believe that they are living in a soap opera. If we could request background music to life I fairly believe they would request a re-mix of Britney Spears from heaven’s jukebox. Yet, we must remember that those who gossip are, often, only trying to make conversation. In an effort to sound interesting, they fail to realize that in diminishing the names of others they are diminishing their friendships. Next time you talk to your friend, begin the conversation with about something other than that other person. If she begins to gossip, gently steer the conversation toward something else. You do not need to act as a moral advocator and reprimand your friend. Simply say something you like about the person she is talking about. She will most likely notice the subtle hint and, finally, you will be able to talk—truly talk—to one another.
Love,
Nana Neriad
Dear Nana Neirad,
Who are you?
I want to know
~Curious
Dear Curious,
Your worst nightmare.
Love,
Nana Neirad
Dear Nana Neirad,
My grandma has cancer. She is currently going through treatment. All her hair has fallen out and I can't stand to look at her bald head. But my mom insists that I keep visiting her before she dies. What do I do?
- Grossed-out Grandson
Dear Grossed-out Grandson,
It is hard when someone you love is sick. As teenagers we step into adulthood as our grandparents’ teeter into a frailer stage of life. Their bear hugs are gentler now. It is hard sometimes to slip our hands into theirs and feel their frail fingers. But you must remember that she is still here. That you can still hold her hand. Perhaps you are not really “grossed-out” perhaps you are more afraid. That’s okay. It’s scary to see someone you know and love dying. But she is still there and she needs you. You need her. You never want to regret the lost chance to say goodbye. Your grandma took care of you for all of those years. She still loved you when you were a bald and ugly baby. It is your turn now. Go over to her house. If her shaved head still scares you, shave your head. You’re a boy—it will grow back fast. But in that small act an unbreakable bond will be forged. A memory will be made untainted. Maybe it will make your grandma laugh. It’s scary to see the grandma you love sick. But it is still her. Even without her energy she is still there and loves you. Even without her cookies. Even without her presents. Even without her hair.
Love, Nana Neirad