Dear Noah,
 I am having real problems with my grades on tests.  I always stay up late and cram the night before, but my marks on tests never seem to be any good.
          Confused

Dear Confused,
 You need a better way of studying.  It is more effective not to cram the night before but to review your notes continually.  Also, long sessions of studying do not maximize your potential.  The best way to study is in fifty-minute time blocks, with twenty-minute breaks.  Also make sure that you have a quiet place to study that is away from any other distractions such as the T.V. or the computer.  Make sure that you get enough sleep the night before because when you are tired your short-term memory capacity is decreased.
          Noah
 

Dear Noah…
 I’ve got a problem.  There is this guy at school that’s REALLY cute and funny, but the only problem is that he’s in OAC…and I’m in grade nine.  I’m worried that he doesn’t see me for who I really am and I’m worried that if we do go out, he’ll go away for University and I’ve heard that long distance relationships don’t work.  What should I do?
          Love Struck
 

Dear Love Struck,
 Age can be a common problem in relationships.  Whether relationships with a large age difference can work out depends on the individuals and their maturity levels.  My advice to you is to think about whether you really like this guy, and to consider the fact that you may just be infatuated with him because of the age difference.  The two of you will be at very different places in your life and have very different life experiences that would be a definite problem for the relationship.  It would be much better if you found a guy that was your own age.  And as for long distance relationships, it depends on the couple’s level of commitment, but don’t worry about that, cross that bridge when you come to it.
          Noah
 

Dear Noah,
 Clever name by the way.  Anyway I have a problem that you might be able to help me with.  I applied for university this year and I’m totally freaking out!  I’m not sure if I have the marks to get in.  I have to write an admissions essay and my friends say to steal it off the internet.  However, I feel that it would be wrong, and, besides, it is against my Catholic morals.  I’m feeling depressed and anxious about what to do.  Please Noah, lend a hand.
       Sincerely,
        Senior Sluggy Pants
 

Dear Sluggy Pants,
 DO NOT CHEAT ON ANYTHING TO GET INTO UNIVERSITY!  You are ABSOLUTELY correct in thinking that it is morally wrong, no matter what religion you are!  As for your marks, if you are not sure if they are high enough, just try to work harder, and also ask your teachers for help with your essay writing skills.  You have lots of time left.  If you are feeling depressed you should try and talk to someone like a parent or a guidance councillor.  If they aren’t available to talk to, you can always call kids help phone at 1-800-688-6868.  And Sluggy, don’t worry! There are always lots of other options available to you if your first choice doesn’t work out.  It could be meant to be.
          Noah
 

 If you have any problems and you don’t know whom to turn to for advice, you can always ask Noah.