Emotions Ages 18 to 25

Falling behind: a lesson for ages 18 to 25

Asking for help is a skill strong people use. Practice the choice and get words you can use.

Practice this lesson Watch the video

The situation

It is midterms at your community college, and you have been working extra shifts.

  1. Friend: Dude, you look dead. How many shifts did you pull this week?
  2. You: Four. Plus midterms. I haven't even opened the bio reading.
  3. Friend: You gonna talk to Miller? She usually lets people make stuff up.
  4. You: I don't know, man. It's kind of awkward since I missed three lectures.

You are falling behind in two classes and have been too embarrassed to say anything.

What would you do?

  • Email your instructor and visit the tutoring center this week.
  • Keep quiet and hope it works out.
See the recommended choice and why

Recommended choice

Email your instructor and visit the tutoring center this week.

Asking for help is a skill strong people use. Instructors and tutoring centers expect questions, and asking early often opens options like extensions or extra help.

Your next step

Pick one person to contact today and send a short message.

Words you can use

“I'm struggling in your class and want help catching up.”

Sources

Lessons draw on guidance from these organizations. They link to it and do not reproduce it.

If someone is in danger now, call 911. To talk to someone, call or text 988.

If something is happening now

Call 911. Then tell a trusted adult. Stay with the person and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Something on this site worried you, or a lesson or answer seems wrong or unsafe? Report a concern. Leave out names and personal details. This is not an emergency line; if someone is in danger, call 911.