Hilo. I'm a gifted/ap/whatever u like sophmore in high school. The first week of this new school year, my gftd world lit teacher asked us to right an essay. My friend wrote the essay, but the last sentence appeared in an altered font, and the teacher accused her of plagiarism. Well, we're like the top kids of the school or whatever, so she was totally shocked when she got a zero on the paper. THe teacher thought she was like a slacker, etc. And you cant blame her, she doesnt know the students, etc. However, the teacher reviewed it and rescored her paper, saying she didnt plagiarize. It been like 5 weeks, though, and my friend spends three hours perfecting a paragraph so that the teacher will think better of her. She says that even if the teacher forgives her, it won't matter, her "eye will forget but her heart will recall" etc. She cries 30 min-2hours a day over it, and calls people and cries to them b/c she is so horrified that fact. She says she wants to kill herself in IMs. helllp?
2006-09-21 13:12:19 · 11 answers · asked by Tough Time 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
She refuses to go to the school counselor, and our school is so overcrowded she isn't sure if she can get her schedule changed to the other of the two gifted teachers. Should her friends, like me, refer her to the counselor? Isn't it unhealthy to waste hours crying while writing like ten sentences?
2006-09-21 13:14:32 · update #1
Well, I think that she's crying that much because she's really really dedicated to her school work, so it's alright to cry some here and there when she's accused of plagirism when she really didn't do anything, but there always needs to be a limit. If she's crying months after, she might have some kind of obsessive disorder. I think the best action for you to take is tell her that you're going to the school counselor to tell him/her what's going on. Or, if she's comfortable with another teacher, a teacher she seems to like, go the that teacher. It'd be much more easier for her to talk about it then. Then make sure your friend AND you go to the counselor/teacher together, so she knows she has some kind of support if she can't say anything. Also, I really feel you need to tell the teacher what's going on -- if she's really a teacher because she loves her job, she WILL change if she was aware her actions and words were having this much of a negative effect on a student. Well, I hope that helps, and I wish you all the best. Let us know how everything goes. And remember, "Anyone can be negative, that's easy. But it takes effort to be positive." -- Mr. P, 7th grade teacher
2006-09-23 06:06:56 · answer #1 · answered by Green Emotion 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, first of all, let me just say I admire the fact that you are such a good friend. Most people wouldn't know what to do or say, and you have taken a bigger step than I have ever encountered. Second of all, you are correct, your friend needs some serious help. And keeping it a secret for much longer could mean something that I am sure you don't want to happen. You need to go to the school counselor, and the principal. If you are close with this girl, and know her family, you need to let them know what is going on. Your friend sounds as if she is severely depressed, and without help, it will only get worse. She will probably have to be put on anti-depressants in order to control her feelings of anxiety and sadness, but it is so much better than the alternative. Just remember that you and the rest of her friends that are concerned need to be supportive and understanding, and most of all POSITIVE....reassure her, and make sure she knows she is not alone. Good luck, and God bless..I will keep her in my prayers. :)
2006-09-21 13:49:33 · answer #2 · answered by pamalamadingdong_1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People will be cruel but she needs to realize that no one is worth killing yourslef over. As her friend u need to let her know that it only matters what your loved ones think of you, not anyone who will make you feel bad. I have dealt with friends like this before. Just be there for her and give her a reason to be alive. If you are having too much trouble with her after that then tell someone who can help. Sometimes it takes more than just a caring friend. Trust that her parents will know how to deal with the situation.
2006-09-21 13:37:09 · answer #3 · answered by Dave L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a "gifted" student has it's pressures, not that I would know, I was horrible in school! But anyways, you need to be supportive of your friends feelings, and let her know that it is no mistake of her own. Explain to her everything you explained to us and help her to feel better about the paper. If none of this works, maybe try talking to a councillor when they have time, saying your friend is having these issues.
If none of that works, and she is still going on about it, tell her to get over it and write a better paper next time....that's all I can suggest! Sorry I couldn't be more help.
2006-09-21 13:23:07 · answer #4 · answered by XxbrooklynnxX 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend has becomed overly and unduly stressed by this. Talking to her parents might help her get over this embarrassment. Also, the teacher, parents and student can conference together and help your friend to see this situation differently. Talk to her parents as soon as possible. You don't want to put this off. If there's no help there, go to the teacher yourself and tell her about your friends dark thoughts. It seems like she has a good friend in you. My best to you for being a caring friend.
2006-09-21 13:20:42 · answer #5 · answered by meillee44 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does she realize that we have a war going on? Starving kids in the streets? Homeless people everywhere! She needs to stop being so petty over a small mistake on a term paper and realize she has it allot better then most!
2006-09-21 13:18:45 · answer #6 · answered by WENDY G 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes people take one thing a person says that may or may not be negative to us, but seems negative to that person and they forget ALL the good things people say. Your girlfriend is sensitive, but I hope she doesn't let this teacher's one comment ruin her whole life.
Stay close to her. She needs your support.
2006-09-21 13:22:27 · answer #7 · answered by Juanitamarie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your friend is waaaayyyyy too sensitive.
I used to be the gifted student, and was sometimes happy when I got a bad grade, because I felt more normal.
2006-09-21 13:15:13 · answer #8 · answered by s_e_e 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Normally, people who are going to commit suicide don't tell other people unless they want intervention. Just be her friend & tell her there are people who have life worse than her.
2006-09-21 13:17:16 · answer #9 · answered by Edward J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he/she should take it as a compliment. the teacher must have been very impressed with the paper.
2006-09-21 13:15:48 · answer #10 · answered by hhio 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋