update

[JC_FLY]

I can't swim because of grades

[Tom Ellison]

I’ll jump in on this one. JC, your scholastic endeavors are more important then anything else in your school life right now. As I stated in a previous post regarding your swimming, what you put into the pool today, you get to cash that check in future meets. The same applies to your school work. Whatever you put into your studies today, you will prosper in the future. Since I do not know the reasoning behind your not being allowed to swim (due to grades) or the severity of this issue, I am going to take a general approach in my suggestions.
• In the event you find yourself behind in class, reach out for your parents and teachers help. DO THAT NOW!
• Talk to your counselors and find out what type help is available to you. DO THAT NOW!
• In the event this is a discipline problem, get tough and buckle down to the task and strive to improve your grades through hard work. In the event you cannot find the discipline to sit down and do your homework, immediately seek out professional counseling in your school or church. Possibly and underlying problem or event is occupying your mind right now and that may be negatively impacting your grades and studies.

Keep your chin up JC and set a plan in motion with your parents, coach, Pastor and teachers to improve your grades. Keep us posted on your progress.
Kindest regards,
Tom Ellison

[laineybug]

Hey, JC I'm sorry to hear that your grades are going to keep you from swimming!

I want to put in my 2 cents also. I'm a school psychologist (note there is a difference between a sch psych and a sch counselor) Sch psychs do a lot of different things, but one of their major jobs is diagnosing learning difficulties.

If you find yourself making great grades in say math courses, but really struggling in reading or language arts (or vice versa) it may mean you have an undiagnosed learning disability. A LEARNING DISABILITY IS NOT, AND I REPEAT NOT, THE SAME AS MENTAL RETARDATION. A learning disability means that a person has difficulty processing certain types of information the way most people process it. If you have difficulty concentrating, remaining on task, finishing work, it doesn't mean you are lazy. It may be undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder. There are also lots of other things that may be interfering with your learning. In either case, the above advice is great. Talk to your school counselor, your teachers, your parents and your coach about the problem, listen to what they tell you, and find out how to get intouch with your school psychologist (you've got one you just don't know it) He or she may be able to give you some strategies for raising your grades that you never dreamed of.

Laineybug

[dorothyrd]

JC, can you swim practice and just not meets, or are you not allowed to practice eithe/. If you are allowed to practice, keep working hard, but work harder on your studies, and get the help as suggested above.

If you are not allowed to practice, try to find open lap swim, but don't let it interfere with study time.

Good luck and get the grades up. We're still cheering for you!!

[JC_FLY]

no, I can't swim for the team, but when I raise my grades, my parents are gunna get me on the o.a.c. swim team(it's not a school team, but It's still a swim team

[aquageek]

I can't let this go. A guy gets pulled from his swim team and in two paragraphs the topic of mental retardation, learning disabilities and ADD is brought up?

Is this what I have to look forward to next year - my kid makes bad grades and comes home worried about being possibly retarded or needing to see a shrink for ADD? This is outrageous. Did anyone first think (actually, I do believe Tom E did) that maybe bad study habits are to blame rather than some fabricated 90's sydrome or worse yet, retardation?

I just can't believe this. When I got bad grades, the TV went off, the sports got removed and the fun ended for a while. No one ever put cockamamy notions in my parents head. I'm outraged.

JC - I hope you improve your grades so you can return to swimming soon.

[Conniekat8]

Originally posted by JC_FLY
no, I can't swim for the team, but when I raise my grades, my parents are gunna get me on the o.a.c. swim team(it's not a school team, but It's still a swim team

So, whazzup JC?
How come your grades are where they are?
Did they drop recently? Are you distracted with something more interesting, and school got little bit boring in last month or two?

I know, maintaining grades can be a lot of tedious work, it does get boring, huh?

[Guppigirl]

THANK YOU Aquageek! I had exactly the same reaction to laineybug's post as you did.

High school is full of social distractions, difficult subjects and other things. Those should be looked at before learning disabilities. My goodness.

JC, get help. I urge you to talk to your teachers to determine what the problem is. We all wish you the best here. Good luck!

-GG

[Backman]

The only problem Mr. Fly seems to have is with spelling and grammar. But perhaps with more swimming rather than a dose of ritalin, everything will turn out just fine.

On a more serious note, how about using every ounce of your non-class time hitting the books? Try to have all your class work done for the next day before getting into the pool. When your lunch is eaten, don't sit around. Get up and run, yes run, to a quiet spot in the library. Ask for help from your teachers. If you don't get it right, let them know. The only thing wrong in not understanding is in not asking for assistance. There's no such thing as a silly question.

P.S. Athletes are usually ranked highest in their class than their non-athlete counterparts.

[laineybug]

Notice I did not say that it was a learning disability, nor ADD. I said it might be undiagnosed problems. Way to many learning disabilities and ADD go undiagnosed and the student struggles along with everyone thinking he is 'lazy' or 'stupid' and even worse getting punished for something that is outside of his or her control. The kid starts to wonder what is wrong with himself and eventually becomes to believe lazy/stupid and its a downward spiral from there. If you've never experienced what it is like to have a learning disability, or ADD, or any other handicapping condition, then you don't know what its like and have no basis for making any statements concerning it.

Notice I also told him to talk to his school psychologist, counselor, teachers and parents. They will be able to advise him further on whether or not there MIGHT be a learning disability or ADD, etc. AND give him suggestions on how to improve his grades. One of the things a school psychologist can do is help JC learn how to learn. How many teachers ever taught you HOW to study? Some of us seem to know how to do study without the help of a teacher, others of us have no idea how to study. I mentioned mental retardation because many uninformed people equate learning disabilities with mental retardation. They are two different things all together.

When I see a young person who is motivated and goal directed in one area, and then I hear that he has failed in another I wonder why the motivational skills, the stick-to-it-ness, etc that he has learned and uses in one area hasn't carried over to the others, especially when there are high stakes like not being able to participate in the area that is most motivating to him.

Any time a student fails all possibilities, including disabilities, medical conditions, poor study habits, lack of motivation, too much time swimming, not enough time studying etc. must be considered. Offhand rejection of any possibility is blantantly closed minded, demonstrates a lack of understanding of individual differences and might well contribute to further failure. That having been said, I agree with you, turning off the tv, limiting phone and internet time, etc. will be a really good way to help determine whether or not a real problem exists. That is, if all of that (and maybe some help with learning how to study) doesn't improve grades, then there might be a disability present. I also agree with you that the possibility that a learning disability is present is less than the possibility that JC just didn't do his work. However, saying "All you need to do boy is just study harder" may not truely be the best advice. Studying harder and more does not necessarily improve grades for a student with a learning disability. What is it I've heard a lot of folks say on this board, "Don't swim harder, swim smarter." That applies to students with disabilities, they need to learn how to study smarter... use alternative strategies to learn... and JC may never learn how to study smarter if someone doesn't say, "HEY, there may be a learning disability, ADD, etc going on. Think about it, talk to the adults in your life about it."

Don't get me wrong, I don't make excuses for academic failure. Remember I was the one that told Ion, "that may be the reason, but its not an excuse." The same thing goes for school failure and disabilities.

Laineybug

I also never mentioned the use of Ritilan, nor do I advocate the use of medication for all individuals with ADD.

[JC_FLY]

the WHAT: grades

Honors Biology: C-, was an F, I raised it
Honors English: D, was a B, but low VOcab tests(not enough studying)
Cross Training: B+
Honors World English: B-
Geometry: D, low test, quiz scores(not enough studying)
Spanish II: D, low test quiz scores(not enough studying)

the WHY: I was not prepared for STUDYING, in Jr. High, I got a's and B's by not studying. I was BSing the 1st 2 months of school.

the How: How I'm going to fix it.
Stay after school everyday and study, If I need help, I have the teacher right there.

[jean sterling]

Hi JC,

Sounds like you got a wake-up call that high school is harder than Jr. HS but that you are now on track to do some studying and get those grades up. Good luck to you - I know you can do it - sounds like you have a good attitude and that counts for a lot.

[Conniekat8]

Originally posted by JC_FLY
WHY: I was not prepared for STUDYING, in Jr. High, I got a's and B's by not studying. I was BSing the 1st 2 months of school.


Oh my, am I having highschool flashbacks now!!!
Yea, it's little tougher to get along in HS without studying some. I went through the same rude awakening my first semester of HS.
I remember before HS, I'd get B's if I didn't study, and A's if I thumbed through the chapter before class.

In HS, I had to actually read through the chapter the day before the test! :eek: Took some eating humble pie and getting used to.

And then, of course, there's this "I'm in ***highschool***, kind of a thing too" Yea, unfortunaterly, it's not all party. Darn!

Time to push yourself ;) into learning a new studying habit, ay? :)

Good luck.

[aquageek]

None of us here know JC I assume. It is probably safe to say that the vast majority of underachieving students need to improve their study habits as opposed to some undiagnosed condition. Therefore, the leap to any conclusion that there is some issue with ADD, retardation or LD is completely from left field. This is what is wrong with our schools, the focus on disorders, not poor habits.

By the way, ADD is a disorder, not a handicap. And, it is controversial, at best. Schools that seek to hang some sort of disorder around a kid's neck by calling it a handicap do no service to the kid.

Today's public school rush to judgement about perceived disorders, not just poor habits, is disgusting. Studying harder and working harder is the answer and only if that isn't paying dividends should other matters be investigated and certainly not an option of first choice.

[laineybug]

Aquageek, ADD IS considered a disability under Federal Law and students whose ADD is severe enough may be served through the Other Health Impaired program. Please, know what you are talking about before you open your mouth.

Today's public school rush to judgement about perceived disorders, not just poor habits, is disgusting. Studying harder and working harder is the answer and only if that isn't paying dividends should other matters be investigated and certainly not an option of first choice. This, again shows your ignorance of what the real process is. Prior to receiving any services a student must go through a lengthy process where teachers and parents come together and try to solve the problem with interventions and modifications. For example, recommending an afterschool tutoring program, where the student may receive tutoring in a specific subject and instruction in study skills, or something as simple as moving the student to the front of the class.

You obviously missed my point. All posibilities need to be considered and had I not said it no one else would have. I did not say that JC shouldn't buckle down and try harder, nor did I say he shouldn't try that first. All I said was, there are other possibilities.

Incorrect statements of the kind you have made only serve to perpetuate misconceptions of what is really going on in our schools. Further discussion of this is beyond the scope of this forum/board/site. If you wish to debate it with me, lets do so by email.

Laineybug

[Tom Ellison]

Gosh, I didn’t read anywhere in Laineybug’s post that she labeled or strongly suggested JC’s grades were caused by learning disabilities. What I read was a lady who has a great deal of experience in these areas and simply did not want JC to miss THAT possibility….if….in fact…it did exist. She raised the possibility; nothing more, nothing less!
I hope we all can be a source of encouragement and enlightenment for this young man as opposed to a body of swimmers who jump to conclusions and bash each other for thoughts or suggestions that we may not agree with or understand.
JC, based on your recent post, I gather you have been a tab bit lax in your study habits (as of late). At this juncture, I see a very simple fix…..get cracking on the old school books and everything will work out fine. Keep us posted….
Kindest regards,
Tom

[Mark in MD]

the WHY: I was not prepared for STUDYING, in Jr. High, I got a's and B's by not studying. I was BSing the 1st 2 months of school.

JC has pointed out a common problem in many schools today . . . students are simply not taught how to study today to the degree it was taught when I was in school (which was long enough ago). I see my own friends' children struggle with homework and I am appalled at their study habits.

I do believe that JC will really buckle down and hit the books, including taking advantage of tutoring after receiving this wake-up call. If he's still having problems in comprehension, etc., then pursuing other avenues of finding the cause would seem to be in line.

I think that debating JC's source of his problem is pointless. We should encourage him, rather than diagnose hiim which should not be within the realm of this forum.

And so JC, there's no doubt in my mind you will rise above this. PLEASE keep us posted.

Kindest regards.

[jerrycat]

aquageek...I feel ya!

Lainey--I'm surprised at you.

The problem now is that there are more lazy, bad teachers as opposed to passionate ones.

Now, people can get on the box for me saying that--but it's really true.

when I was in school, I was bored to death, and my grades relected it. But, I never got booted off a team or suffered huge consequences. I got b's and c's, and went on to graduate from University of cincinnati with a BA, and now have my own business.

Now, with that said--JC, get your act together. You don't have a learning disability, retardation, or any other of that psycho b.s. that shrinks are quick to assign to a person. If your counselor, or any other person tries to tell you you're not "college material", don't listen to them. Leave the diagnosis to a medical doctor--not teachers, janitors, counselors, or other people.

You might just be a normal kid, bored at school, who needs to get his butt in gear.

A little effort JC goes a long way. Go work at Wendy's one summer--if you don't get your act toghether, that's what you have to look forward to in the future.

The other thing I want to say, is that not every dynamic kid out there is stimulated by "class room" environments all day everyday. I don't know why the format hasn't become innovated by now, but I think it neglects many kids who would benefit from other formats of learning.

But, JC, that's still no excuse--you've got to get through school, and get your ass in gear. Otherwise, you're going to be a very disappointed person later in life.

Jerrycat

[aquageek]

I find it comical that you now try to redefine your previous statements. You never even mentioned buckling down in your first post, rather you brought up the following:

Undiagnosed learning disability
Mental retardation
Undiagnosed ADD

So, what exactly is the process when a student comes in? From your posts it certainly appears buckling down is not the first option, rather it is a battery of disorders that you can pin on someone and get him/her into some pigeon holed group.

You brought up this on this post without even knowing JC. As long as you are trying to make diagnoses on this forum, I'll continue to challenge in this forum.

I'm also not sure why in the world a school counselor would raise such serious subjects directly with a student in an on-line forum. Is that the protocol or do you ever get the parents involved when talking about complex psychological/psychiatric issues? Have you called JC's folks?

Also, since you are a psychologist, you couldn't even prescribe drugs to help if this is ADD. So, I assume you would have to refer to an MD.

The internet is long known as a source of both good and bad advice. The unsolicited advise you have provided directly to a minor involving medical issues is deplorable.

[Tom Ellison]

“The internet is long known as a source of both good and bad advice. The unsolicited advise you have provided directly to a minor involving medical issues is deplorable.”

Again, I think that statement is a tab bit strong…..

[jerrycat]

aquageek, I think these type of shrinks feel like they have to do that to justify their jobs--god forbid the problem just be lack of effort, or poor parenting.

This is a topic that I'm going to walk away from--as I would be sure to make enemies. I agree with aquageek 100%, and also believe that the breakdown of the family is to blame as well.

Also, I don't believe in ADD, or any of that other 90's psycho crap that has supported the careers of many doctors and shrinks.

aquageek--good luck with your kids...you know what they're up against.

jerrycat

[eliana2003]

guys, I love each and every one of 'ya, but maybe we should try to remember what the original post was about (and who posted it)- let's give the younger crowd a good impression. Maybe take the professional and parental differences outside, as they say?

lots of love....

[Mark in MD]

Well said, Eliana2003! Let's encourage JC and not chase him off by the bickering. Period.

[aquageek]

Thanks, Jerrycat.

I'm sure I've made an enemy or two on this topic but could care less. I can't even imagine the horror of some young person or his/her parents (if they still talk to parents at schools these days) dragged in front of a counselor for having bad grades and being shoved info on ADD, retardation or LD.

Not too long ago (I'm under 40), bright eyed kids who made bad grades or acted out weren't treated to psycho babble but were helped with study habits or beat severly (oops, that was just me, relax Lainey). And, guess what, the world kept on functioning.

I realize I'll get a dissertation back from Lainey on all I don't know. But, this I do know, schools are out of control with the coddling and disorder-mania.

[swimr4life]

Good grief! Laineybug was just trying to help JC. I'm shocked at the strong personal attacks and pessimistic attitudes some have expressed! JC admitted he had not studied enough. Notice that many of his classes are "honors" classes. Usually these classes are reserved for the stronger students because the material is taught at a more advanced level. (I'm not a teacher nor a school psychiatrist, so I don't claim to know a lot about this subject. I do have a child in honors classes though!) The answer to all this is...JC you can probably do better. You probably know this in your heart. JUST DO IT!

[dorothyrd]

I have a 10 year old daughter who is struggling with school right now. We just finished the long process that Lainey is talking about and no they did not jump on ADHD or LD. They evaluated her closely, they put her in winning situations in her tough areas, and we are all monitoring her and teaching her study habits. The conclusion showed no LD, and no ADHD, so not everyone is quick to say there is a problem. It is just when a child who is obviously bright is struggling, then it needs to be looked at. The people involved in this process that has taken well over a year have been very smart and helpful and they are all there advocating for the child. ADHD is very real, and I have seen kids do 180's when it is properly treated. Yes there are others that are diagnosed and should not be, but I think the school systems are being more careful about that diagnosis. Read up on ADHD, there are some good books out there. The information is very interesting, and it is not as simple as putting them on meds, there are behaviour modifications that go along with it.


My daughter's diagnosis -- she is extremely right brained, and creative and sees no use for Math, social studies and science. Motivation is a big problem in these areas, and since her forte is in creative areas, she will struggle with them. The tests should ways to help her learn and study by showing what methods work best with her. This will be helpful as time goes on.

I have a 15 year old boy who is taking a lot of the same classes as JC and has the cruise mentallity. Luckily his grades are up as he still can cruise as he did in Jr High, but it is very easy to become complacent, and then bomb on a test. Then they get the wake up and bring the grades up. Myself, I cruised through HS and most of college before I "woke" up so it is good JC is learning this early.

It sounds like he will get his grades up and be back at swimming soon.!

[Conniekat8]

I'd like to share something a psychologist friend of miune shared with me some time ago...
I like psychology, and read about it a lot, could consider it a sort of a hobby. Don't know as much about it as a professiuonal, but perhaps a tad more than your average Joe.
In the process of learning about it, For a while I went off on a tangent of seeing 2-3 symproms and start thinking, oh, it;'s indicative of a disorder... look, it's a classic symptom!
Well, my psychologyst friend explained to me, to put it simply, it's a long way from seeing couple symptoms and and a full blown disorder or a problem. As he said, mot of us, during the day may exhibit a few dozen little behaviors that can be seen as a symptom of a disorder... But that doesn't mean that there is a disorder or a disability.
Well, just my 2c.

[bearcat]

I have a teenage child with ADHD, correctly diagnosed when he was in pre-school. He has benefitted greatly from medication, which has helped him concentrate at school--something that would otherwise be impossible for him.

In my experience, people who dismiss ADD/ADHD as a "myth" rarely have any direct experience with a child who has this disability.

[Matt S]

JC,

I was a bit puzzled to hear a go-getter like you having academic problems. Hey, now I see a big reason why. You are taking some real, no-kidding classes there, buddy. I count 3 honors courses, a math class most folks do not take their freshman year (or at least not when I was in HS), and a language course past the intro stage. Phew! Give yourself some credit for your reach momentarily exceeding your grasp.

It may not feel this way right now, but you are doing exactly what you need to be doing to succeed in high school, college, swimming, and when you get right down to it life. This momentary hiccup in your plans may turn out to be a real blessing if you can learn how to handle demanding situations and time management. Right now you are really pushing on the CURRENT limits of your abilities, and that is exactly what you need to be doing to EXPAND those abilities, and live up to your potential. Good job! This is a great opportunity for you to learn about this at a fairly young age. Keep plugging; you're doing fine. If you would like to chat about college some time, drop us another line. (Who knows? Maybe the LD/ADD holy war will have died down by the time you are a senior.)

Matt

[James]

Right on matt, I could not have said it better myself. From a former slacker in high school, JC, I have regrets eveyday that I did'nt do better in school. I'm glad that you see that there is a problem and most of all doing something about it. i don't know what you see for yourself for the future with college and life, please for your own benefit, work hard in school and in the future, college so you don't butcher discussion forums like this one.:D

Good luck in the future and swim hard.

James

[Bert Bergen]

So, 30-40 years ago, swimmers started using better suits, wore goggles, and began tapering and shaving for meets. Pools moved away from ropes for lane lines, square boxes for blocks, and timing systems went from 1/10's to 1/100's of a second to record swims. Why? Because we learned and educated ourselves on how to get better.

30-40 years ago, the assumption was that if your grades were bad, you HAD TO BE lazy and detentions, rulers on the knuckles, or beatings (?!?) were the only answer. Fortunately, we learned and educated ourselves to find out that something else MIGHT be the cause.

There are a variety of possibilities and explanations for learning "problems". The key should always be this: let's not jump to a scientific conclusion when simple laziness and/or focus could be the cause BUT please don't dismiss the possibility that what you refer to as "psycho-babble" could be a REAL disorder that needs to be addressed.

Oh, and lighten up and don't be a bunch of bitter cynics.

[swimr4life]

Bert, I agree with you! You summarized the unfortunate direction this thread has taken.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tom Ellison
I hope we all can be a source of encouragement and enlightenment for this young man as opposed to a body of swimmers who jump to conclusions and bash each other for thoughts or suggestions that we may not agree with or understand.

Tom, you are so right! An open mind is what is needed to learn, that applies to JC and all of us.;)

[Tom Ellison]

Bert & Swimmer4life

Amen!

[sparx35]

HEY JC well done for seeking help..firstly
HEY all posters well done for trying to help
i take it you feel "grounded" now jc?
well dont take it too harshly,most people on here have had a "break" from swimming in their pasts!!all ya gotta do is checkout all the different forums...take a break enjoy a physical break ...find yourself ..your studies will improve..get good ENOUGH grades not neceserily "A's"(pardon my spelling ,i only got grade 3 for english)i think you'll do just fine .....but get back to swimming as soon as you're able..even if it takes 12 months or even years..GOOD LUCK

[JC_FLY]

worse than grades...I might have tendonitis in my left knee! I have always had bad knees, but nothing serious.

[swimr4life]

I'm so sorry JC! Take care of yourself and rest your knee. Tendonitis takes time to heal. USE THIS TIME OUT OF THE POOL TO STUDY AND GET YOUR GRADES UP! Don't push your knee and regret it later. If us "older" swimmers can give you any advice it is to listen to your body. You need that knee to be healthy for the rest of your life. ;)

[JC_FLY]

especially if I'm planning on joining the marines.

[Tom Ellison]

After college.....I hope....

[eliana2003]

or do the ROTC programme; I looked into it whilst studying at Fordham- the Marines Rotc programme can be interesting and you'll be looked after...

don't go enlisted!

my two cents' worth...

[JC_FLY]

ok, so ROTC you become an officer, then you go into boot camp as an officer? so you are a higher rank and you don't go enlisted? do you have to do ROTC in college, or can you do it out of college?

[eliana2003]

Originally posted by JC_FLY
ok, so ROTC you become an officer, then you go into boot camp as an officer? so you are a higher rank and you don't go enlisted? do you have to do ROTC in college, or can you do it out of college?

hey ya- I'm not sure about the boot camp issue, but, if you successfully complete the programme (which is done whilst in college), you are given a commission and go in as an officer. the rtoc is done in college (you're actually in the reserves, and do a eight year stint- four whilst college, four out of college). having said that, you can still be given a commission, outside of the ROTC programme, but I believeyou need still need a college degree to be considered for the OTC course.

the advantages of doing the ROTC deal is that Uncle Sam picks up the college tab and post grad tab, if applicable (at least he did when I was interested; I was looking for some free law school!) - but you need to maintain good grades... a 3.0 or something, which isn't that hard. You still have reserves committments, I beleive- like one or two weekend(s) a month training, and a two week training session during the summer.

If your high school has a JROTC programme, ask them- they will be able to better advise you. Alternatively, contact a recruiter (with your parents' permission, of course!!). You're still young enough so that the recruiter won't harrass you into joining!

You still have a while yet to decide, though.
Good luck, and get studying!! :D

[JC_FLY]

my school doesn't have a junior ROTC program

[Tom Ellison]

JC, I was Honorably discharged from the Marines in your home town many years ago after coming back into CONUS from overseas. I was an enlisted Marine (Sgt. E-5) and had a great tour of duty in the Marines. After high school I joined the Marines in 1968, did my time, got out, and went on to college. TRUST ME, if I had it to do all over again I would have gone to college and THEN joined the Marines as an officer.

Enlisted Marines from E-3 and down have to stand 30 days mess duty each year, walk guard duty and many other really unpleasant things that officers do not have to stand. Plus, the pay is seriously better for an officer then an enlisted man. Gosh, I remember walking everywhere on base while watching the officers drive by in their Hemi Dodge Chargers, Corvettes, Austin Healey 3000s and many other really neat cars of the day…..all the while, I was wearing out boot leather walking everywhere I needed to go.

Lastly, your local Marine Recruiter will be more then happy to provide you with the necessary information on ROTC programs.

[Mark in MD]

Hey JC,

Take Tom's advice very seriously. As he's "been there, done that," Tom is in the admirable position to well advise you about the ROTC and miltary service.

My younger nephew, now 34, attended the Johns Hopkins University here through their ROTC program, Army National Guard. (Sorry, Tom!) He still is in the guard as a Major and for his, it's a nice second income. (His cousin and my older nephew is Class of '86, United State Military Academy at West Point.)

Lastly, my wife's friend's grandson is in the JRTOC in his school (10th grade). Bryan is doing extremly well and plans to attend college, as a pre-med student, through an ROTC program, quite possibly at my Alma Mater, Towson University. The JROTC program in his school is through the Marines, so that should make Tom happy.

And so, JC, plan well! We are sure that will be hearing from you about being back in the pool soon.

Kindest regards,

Mark

PS (After Matt's post)

I forgot about Matt, too!

[Matt S]

JC,

I am a Navy Lieutenant Commander (JAGC type) currently on active duty, and I have served with many fine Marines. There are a number of paths to getting a commission. Keep in mind that the Marine Corps is part of the Navy Dept., and there are several programs with "Navy" in the title that provide Marine Corps officers as well. The several programs are:

1) U.S. Naval Academy,
2) NROTC at a University that has such a program,
3) Platoon Leader Course (for undergraduates to take care of Officer Training/"Boot Camp" during summers between school years),
4) Officer Candidate School (for college graduates), &
5) Enlist as a Marine, then get into a program that leads to a commission. (This last is far more competitive and difficult to get into than most recruiters will admit, but in my experience officers who have been enlisted at some point in their careers have perspective and skills that those of us who went straight to a commissioning program lack--one opinionated O4's opinion.)

You can get some info at the following web site, http://www.marines.com/officer_programs/?format=flash I'd prefer less splashy effects, and more information, but I don't run Marine Corps recruiting.

Please feel free to contact me for more info. I can hook you up with one of the many fine Marines stationed here.

Matt

[JC_FLY]

THANK YOU MATT SOOOOO MUCH, that website, has answered A LOT of my questions. and tom, thanks for all of your advice as well.

[Bob McAdams]

JC,

The problems you've been facing are typical of the problems you're going to have to face as a swimmer throughout your life, so you should think of what you're going through as practice.

Competitive swimming is time consuming. If you put in the time, it pays you back by keeping you fitter and healthier. You're likely to miss less time from school or (when you get older) from work because of illness. But it does take a lot of time, and you need to learn how to manage your time effectively so that you can swim and still do the other things you need to do.

My father used to claim that, in the business world, if you have something that really needs to get done and you have two people who can do it, one of whom is busy and one of whom isn't, you always give the task to the busy person because the other one doesn't have time. What he meant was that the busy person has learned to manage their time well enough that it isn't a major problem to fit in one more task, whereas the other person is so sloppy at time management that they can't handle taking on anything else. So if you can learn to manage your time well enough to be a competitive swimmer and keep up your grades at the same time, you will have learned something that will be help you for the rest of your life.

You also shouldn't be shy about asking your teachers for help. Many students are afraid to ask questions because they think it will make them look stupid, but the truly stupid thing is to have questions but not ask them. Actually, the "dumber" a question is, the more important it is that you ask it, because the teacher isn't likely to go over something they think everytone already knows. My mother once confessed that the only reason she made it through one of her college math classes was because one of the other students was willing to ask the "dumb" questions she wouldn't ask.

Some teachers will even respond well if you go to them and say, "I've let myself get behind in this class. Can you help me get caught up?"

Keep in mind that teachers like to think of themselves as experts on teaching, so they really don't want to let a student fail if they know the student is trying to succeed. Also, if you go in for special help, the teacher is going to get to know you better, and it really makes a teacher feel lousy to give a bad grade to a student they've gotten to know!

The best cure for tendonitis is to give the joint a rest. Also, when you start to use it again, don't overwork it in a rush to get back to where you were before.


Bob

[laineybug]

Good advice from Bob! And, at the risk of starting another war, I'd like to give you some advice on managing your time. Yes, this is an exercise I use to help students. I wish I knew where I found this, but I've been using for such a long time I truely don't have a clue. It is called Big Rocks. What you will need is a quart jar, five or six big rocks that you can fit into the jar at once (they should just about fill the jar) and a hand full of pebbles.

Trial 1. Put in the whole hand full of pebbles... it fills up, what 1/4 to 3/8 of the jar, right? Now put in the big rocks. How many did you get in? I bet you couldn't get all the big rocks into the jar.

Trial 2. Empty the jar. Put in all of the big rocks. Now take the hand full of pebbles, and pour them into the jar and shake them around until they fill up the spaces between the big rocks. Could you get all of them in? Probably.

The point is, schedule your big rocks first... those things that are the most important to get done, or those that are going to take the most time (and swimming can be one of them). That way you will be sure to have enough time to get the most important things done first. Then, schedule the smaller, less important, or less time consuming things, around the bigger ones. You will get more done in the same amount of time. It isn't too early to start using a day runner to schedule yourself, if organizational skills are what caused your poor grades.

And thats not working HARDER, thats just working SMARTER!