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Former Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2003 08:27:19 GMT

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!

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Former Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2003 07:39:09 GMT

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

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Former Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2003 16:52:22 GMT

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!

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Former Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2003 14:51:45 GMT

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.

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Former Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2003 10:50:43 GMT

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

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Former Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2003 08:12:44 GMT

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, www.marines.com/.../ 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

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Former Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 15:37:26 GMT

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

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Former Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 13:22:04 GMT

my school doesn't have a junior ROTC program

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Former Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 10:28:27 GMT

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

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Former Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 09:33:23 GMT

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?

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Former Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 08:48:49 GMT

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...

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Former Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 08:10:04 GMT

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

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Former Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 08:04:30 GMT

especially if I'm planning on joining the marines.

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swimr4life — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 02:50:48 GMT

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. ;)

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Former Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 17:42:31 GMT

Bert & Swimmer4life Amen!

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Former Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 16:54:53 GMT

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.

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swimr4life — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 12:32:45 GMT

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

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Former Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 10:27:52 GMT

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

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Former Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 17:27:31 GMT

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

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Former Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 17:04:14 GMT

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.

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Former Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 17:00:55 GMT

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.

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Former Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 16:56:56 GMT

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.

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Former Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 15:51:13 GMT

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.!

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Former Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 14:53:50 GMT

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

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Former Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 14:50:04 GMT

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....