Dear counsellor , initially I used to fail mathematics and in fact almost started hating it. But later on I decided to spend my free time with our math teacher learning and he helped me a lot to improve. Since then I have been performing well but what discourages me is that my friends think that the teacher favours me,. Should I abandon my only option to passing math? Please help.

Yours Mariza

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Good grades are the result of both hard work and intelligence. Your career goals don’t depend on your classmates’ perception about you but rather on your determination to push forward against all odds in your academic life and emerge successful. Life is full of obstacles but it depends on what you make of them. Whether you convert them into opportunities for growth or as barriers for your downfall. If your good performance makes your friends think that the teacher favors you, don’t allow their negativity to degrade your achievement. It just means every time you subtract negative from your life, you make room for more positive.

Maths skills are part of everyday life - from shopping and banking to building and cooking. Failure to understand math concepts and when to use them can lead to mistakes and frustration. Math is not as daunting as it seems, it’s all about following simple rules. Repeated use of these rules builds understanding and confidence. Your decision to stay in touch with your mathematics teacher helped you to improve your performance dramatically and I greatly applaud you for that. Celebrate this mile stone and keep determined to apply more strategic methods to perform even better. This is your career journey and your future. So, own it and steer it to the most desirable direction.

All academic environments and social circles are dominated by such people who manage to bring others down on perfectly good achievement. It can be emotionally draining just being around them but ultimately, you’re not responsible for their poor performance. They just wish they were like you so let them envy you as you constantly work to keep track of your career goals. They have no intention of actually doing anything about their problem. Most of the time, validation and sympathy are enough to soothe any such chronic complainers without directly shutting them down. Successful people share common traits, such as resiliency and persistence therefore, surround yourself with friends who share your drive for success and who are goal-oriented to support each other. So form different school clubs to help you find other students who share your interests.

Also, draw closer to teachers of other subjects and show them how serious you are on the subjects by not getting into class late. These teachers too are professional enough to fix this problem between you and your classmates so approach them about this dilemma. Don’t give. You’re on the right direction.

Their thoughts...

Francis Stuart Tumukunde, salesperson

Many students have given up on the right decisions, goals and strategies that help them to succeed due to peer influence or wrong opinions from friends. Don’t do the same mistake, focus on what is important, which is your academic success.

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Tina Buchana, high school student

Always remember why you are in school and what you desire to achieve. There is a possibility that your friends are jealous of your present success in maths and that should motivate you to work harder. Don’t give up your revision strategy. It’s academically effective.

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Phiona Mitchie, university student

Be mindful that every student is on their own when it comes to academic excellence. If the revision with your teacher is genuine and helps you to improve your maths, then ignore what your classmates are saying and keep focused.

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Tina Mutesi, administrator

Don’t let peer influence make you falter in your studies. Whether your classmates like what you do to succeed or not, if it works for you and brings the desired achievements, don’t give it up. Continue to study with your teacher; it’s worth it.