Dear Vision,

As exams are approaching, my stress level is rising (more than usual). This is my first year taking MSMS exams, and I’m in the dark on how to effectively prepare. Also, it seems as if all my teachers thought it was a good idea to give me a test the week before exams. When will I have time to study? How am I supposed to survive this? How do I not fail?

Sincerely,

A fretting student

Dear fretting student,

First of all, you don’t survive. It’ll feel like everything is crashing on you, and it’ll be the end of the world, but that’s just in the moment. From my experience, I would start studying two weeks ago, as Dr. Benge would say. Try to find a little time, even if it’s only ten minutes, to begin reviewing. Maybe your teacher has already given you a study guide; start the study guide now. As for all of your tests the week before exams, your teachers really don’t hate you, even if it seems that way. Just do the best you can and manage your time wisely. 

You’ve got this!

A MSMS exam survivor

Dear Vision,

Winter Formal is coming soon, and there’s this person I really want to ask to go with me. I want to go all out, with a cheesy sign and everything. The problem is, I have a pathological fear of rejection. I’m also an awkward person, and I get nervous easily. How should I ask them?

Sincerely,

A dateless romantic 

Dear dateless romantic,

If worst comes to worst, you can just go alone, and have fun with your single friends. You’ll have to sit out the slow dances, but there’ll be plenty of other fun songs. On a more serious note, it doesn’t hurt to try. All they can say is no, and though it’ll hurt in the moment, you will probably have more fun without them. If you do ask them, be confident in yourself, and don’t think about the possible rejection. 

Fingers crossed,

A person not even going to Winter Formal

Dear Vision,

Life in the dorms has been terrible recently. I miss my best friend so much; she always knew how to calm me down or motivate me when I’m being irrational. Now, we’re hours apart, and I don’t want to disturb her life. What should I do?

Love,

Homesick Homebody

Dear Homesick Homebody,

I can totally relate to your situation. However, it’s time to accept where you are now. I’m not saying abandon your best friend, but you lead totally different lives now. Embrace your new home and experience things with your roommates or friends here. You never know if you don’t try.

Best Wishes,

Friend-making Fiend

Dear Vision,

My friends keep trying to convince me to go to Winter Formal especially since we’re seniors and this will be the last one; however, I really just don’t want to go. How do we reach a compromise?

Thanks,

A senior in need

Dear senior in need,

It seems like your friends just want to have a good time with you before senior year comes to an end, but I understand where you’re coming from. Avoiding school dances can be hard, especially when your friends really love getting dressed up. You can always just be their chauffeur and take pictures for them because they’ll probably want at least a thousand of those. I think as long as you’re with your friends having a good time, they’ll be satisfied. If all else fails, just say you’ll go to prom with them.

Hope this helps with your troubles,

The Vision