EXPERT VOICE

Dear counsellor, How do I make sure my relationship doesn’t affect my studies. This is because presently my grades are not as good as before, and my relationship seems to take most of my time, though I don’t want to let it go. How can I handle this? Yours Mary Better to concentrate on studies first Dear Mary, school life is filled with many transitions and I don’t know what significance you attach to your studies, but you need to be honest to yourself. Having a school relationship with someone of the opposite sex will definitely absorb your thoughts most of the time. This is because the love obsession will keep pushing you towards sex and you will most likely fall into a romance-trap which will definitely compromise your class grades. In the event that the relationship becomes unstable, the emotional stress will repulsively strike, often at random, and this will definitely affect your studies. Although, it’s true that a romantic partner can be a source of comfort, strength and encouragement when you feel stressed, everything has its own time. It’s often complex to strike a balance between studies and relationships, especially at an early age. Being involved in a committed relationship can put extra demands on your study time. Consider the pressures of handling coursework and the examination tension while still maintaining an active romantic life! This may present a lot more complex issues that may challenges your studies. It is rather advisable to handle one thing at ago. Choosing to invest your efforts in concentrating on your studies first is key to a bright future. Although it’s true that an affair while in school isn’t a guarantee that you won’t succeed in life, its effects can be overwhelmingly destructive and can avert you from achieving your dream career. The more academic value you add to yourself, the more the chances that you will find a better future partner who will suit your then status. Good luck! ****************************** YOUR DEBATE: Ahmed Ruhimbana, student It’s obvious that you are giving your relationship more time than your studies, and, of course, the result is always unpleasant. School relationships become bad when they start affecting your grades. In my opinion, keep class and revision hours out of your relationship time. Be committed to your studies and never compromise on your academics. Noah Kiiza, student Don’t worry; there is always a way to manage both academics and a relationship, most especially if it’s a healthy one. Create a time-table and make time for both your studies and relationship and make sure you stick to it. This eventually will help you gain focus and enlighten you on how to excel in both. Sonia Aliza, student I think you should try and get close to your teachers and seek their guidance. Teachers have a vast experience regarding student relationships, and most importantly how to manage academics and the relationship. I believe they will take you through several strategies to help you cope with both. Consider talking to a teacher you trust for help. Cynthia Kaytesi, student The best way to get out of this tough situation and be on top your game in your relationship is to learn from your friends in the same boat. There are many students who have stayed on top in their studies yet in a relationship as well. The wise thing to do is to approach your colleagues to share with you their experience regarding how they manage to sustain both. By Dennis Agaba

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