Dear Gina is a monthly advice column for Regina students. If you have a concern that you would like Dear Gina to answer, submit your question by clicking under the Dear Gina tab on Crown’s homepage or send us an email at crown@rdhs.org

Dear Gina,

My white senior sweatshirt keeps getting dirty, what should I do?

Dear Sweater Stressed,

Well, any clothes that are white are prone to getting messy quickly. I think a great way to clean up stains is to use a Tide detergent stick or another brand of stain remover. Also, be extra careful around foods like pasta sauce or fruit juices and that will protect you from spilling on your sweater. Just try to wash your sweater carefully and read the directions on the tag to make sure you do not shrink it or fade it out. I hope these tips help and that your senior sweater stays sparkling clean!

Dear Gina,

I got a detention and I do not know the policies for serving them. Also I do not know what to expect when I serve a detention. Can you help me?

Dear Detention Distressed,

I understand your confusion because sometimes the policies are misunderstood.  For starters, the first detentions you receive for a UNIFORM/LOCKER violation are not required to serve. So they are essentially a warning to you. All other detentions you are required to serve in a silent detention on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, or Fridays before school for 40 minutes. They have to be served within three days of receiving them or you will get another detention. If detentions are not served, then you will receive a Saturday detention.

Detentions can also be received for excessive tardiness. The first two tardies of a semester will not be issued a detention, but only if the student is less than ten minutes late. If three tardies are received in a semester then a detention will be issued.

Hopefully these tips will help you to avoid a detention in the future!

Dear Gina, 

I understand the material taught in my classes, but when it comes to the quizzes and tests, I get bad grades. I think I have test anxiety, so what can I do to stop this and get better grades on my tests? 

Dear Terrified Tester,

Tests can be so scary sometimes! I mean, who has not stressed out about the ACT or finals right? I have some testing tips that will help you get over your fear for tests and hopefully get you better grades!

First, you could go over the material with your teacher before the test. This might help you realize that you really do understand the material, and you will be confident in your abilities.

Another way to prepare yourself for a test is to focus on the test itself during the exam. Sometimes if your mind starts to freak out about the test, then you will loose time and be even more scared!

The final way to stop stressing about tests is to just believe in yourself and have a positive attitude! If you walk into the room focusing on what you are sure about, then you will be more confident in your ability to succeed. If you studied well and understand the material then there is absolutely no reason for you to fail. Hold your head up high and ace that test!

Dear Gina,

How do I deal with a controlling friend?

Dear Friendly Foe,

Sometimes friendships can be challenging, and it seems to me that you have a problem with yours now. It is tough to be friends with someone who seems to be controlling you and others. In my opinion, you have about two options.

First, you could stop being friends with this person. Negative energy is never good to be around, and you have to do what is best for you. It might be a tough decision, but you could be better off in the end.

Or you could talk to this person and try to work out your differences. You can politely tell this person that they are controlling you and making you upset. Also, bring up how you think that friendship is a constant give-and-take relationship. One person cannot be the boss of another.

I hope these tips help you and make your friendship more positive and fun!