Question

Think about Cedric’s story. What advice can you give Cedric right now to help him improve his life?

Cedric groaned as he stared at the clock for the fifth time. He still had four hours of school left. He ran his thumb against the cold metal strip that ran under his desk.

Suddenly sweat drenched Cedric’s back. His classmates were staring at him.

“Cedric? Any chance you can join us from whatever planet you’ve been exploring?” His teacher, Mr. Jacobs, towered over him, his deep voice booming.

Mouth dry, Cedric tried to talk, but nothing came out. His left eye twitched uncontrollably.

“Uhhhh. Sorry, Mr. Jacobs. I, I, I, don’t know the answer.”

The class laughed. Mr. Jacobs shook his head and said, “Cedric, I asked you where you moved from. Tell me you remember where you lived two months ago.”

Two months. Two months ago Cedric had lived in Chicago. Cedric had friends. Cedric’s dad had a job at the fiber-optics company. Now, his dad is working a temporary job in Indiana.

Cedric’s teeth ground against each other, the only sound in the otherwise silent room. Time stopped. Cedric’s mind drifted to his mother, as it always did during stressful situations. She had died of breast cancer when Cedric was halfway through sixth grade. It had been four years, but Cedric still missed her terribly.

“I-I-I u-u-u used to li-li-li-li-live in Chi-chi-chicago,” Cedric forced out.

Mr. Jacobs gave Cedric a puzzled look and walked to the front.

Cedric looked at the clock again. Still four hours left.

Answer 1

To improve his life, Cedric can seek support from others and develop healthy coping mechanisms for his stress and emotions. He should reach out to a trusted adult and practice stress-reducing techniques. Cedric should also remember that his current situation is temporary and he has the power to shape his own future.

Step-by-step explanation:

The advice I would give Cedric to help improve his life is to seek support from others and find healthy coping mechanisms to deal with his stress and emotions. Cedric has been through a lot, with the loss of his mother and the recent changes in his life. It's important for him to reach out to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, counselor, or family member, who can provide guidance and support during this difficult time.

Cedric can also try practicing stress-reducing techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in activities he enjoys. Finding a healthy outlet for his emotions, such as writing in a journal or engaging in a hobby, can also help him feel more balanced and improve his overall well-being.

Lastly, Cedric should remember that his current situation is temporary, and with time and effort, he can overcome these challenges and create a better future for himself. It's important for him to stay focused on his goals and maintain a positive mindset, understanding that he has the power to shape his own life.

Answer 2

I would advise Cedric to talk to his dad and/or another trusted adult (his teacher, other family member) about his feelings towards moving to a new place and the death of his mom. Those are both very difficult situations for anyone to deal with. I would also advise Cedric to start keeping a journal at home to record his thoughts and feelings in a personal space as this can be therapeutic as well. Hopefully once he has help with his emotions, he will be able to better pay attention and participate with less anxiety in class.