Dear Shayna B,

I did not know there were so many Shaynas out there! There are so many! I am so sad because I have to play gym, but I really do not like it. I have to play twice a week and I never have fun. The coach is so mean to me and I do not know what I am doing wrong. Can you help me? How should I fix this? I can not fail physical education. Please help me!

Sincerely,

Shamed Shayna

Dear Shamed Shayna,

Not everyone loves gym class. Maybe that isn’t the case for you. Maybe you like the subject, but not your teacher. Your gym teacher being mean could be the reason you don’t like gym. I think that your gym teacher isn’t mean because he or she doesn’t like you because you sound too sweet! It could be that you’re doing something the teacher is unhappy with. Maybe the teacher knows you can do better and thinks you aren’t trying your best. You should go consult a teacher or a parent or even the principal. It’s probably best to start with the gym teacher though. I’m sure she means to be constructive and will definitely know better about what’s going on. Regardless of the reason, your gym teacher should not be mean. If nothing helps, maybe her meanness will motivate you to try harder. You might get so good to spite her that you’ll end up in the NBA and then I think she’ll feel guilty for complaining about how badly you’re doing.

Best of luck,

Shayna B.

Shayna is a fifth grader and understands what kids in elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.