![\"A](\"https:\/\/girlslife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/schoolwork.jpg\")
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Dear Carol,\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I always forget when I have homework due or when tests are. I am more focused on my friends in class than on the actual work, so when a test comes or homework is due, I have no idea what is happening. My parents get mad, but I don\u2019t want to look like a nerd, either.<\/strong><\/p>\n -Not A Nerd<\/strong><\/p>\n Dear Not A Nerd,<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to focus on schoolwork. You say you don\u2019t want to look like a nerd, but it\u2019s not nerdy to do well and be smart and develop your strengths. That\u2019s taking yourself seriously and keeping an eye on your future. Excelling in a subject and acing tests builds confidence. Can a parent or teacher or counselor or psychiatrist help you become more organized so that you know when to expect tests and turn in assignments? You can be smart and have fun. You can be both a good student and a well-rounded person with friends. In short, try not to shortchange yourself. Start the second half of this semester being your very best self.<\/p>\n Carol Weston is the author of 16 books, including Girltalk<\/em>,\u00a0Speed of Life<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Ava and Pip<\/em>. Follow her on Insta\u00a0@carolwestonnyc<\/a>\u00a0and visit\u00a0carolweston.com.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n More Dear Carol advice, right this way\u2026<\/strong>
\n\ud83c\udf41 \u201cDear Carol, My friendship is falling apart\u201d<\/strong><\/a>
\n\ud83c\udf41 \u201cDear Carol, I\u2019m exhausted\u201d<\/strong><\/a>
\n\ud83c\udf41 \u201cDear Carol, Was I in the wrong?\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n