Yes! We just finished another semester of college as we cool down for a few more weeks on break. All semester long we fantasize to our friends how we can’t wait for winter break to come so we don’t have to think about what is due next, or if that nap would cut into your schedule. It’s funny how the roles switch once we go back home as we start reflecting back on school. We start thinking about when grades will come out and we create extravagant scenarios of how we would tell our parents if we failed college, or this could just be a 'me' problem.

If I failed college or a class, here is what I would do:

The Sweet Approach

Try to take the time to show your parents how thankful you are to be back home, and appreciate their supportive contribution to the school. Show your love through actions; bake cookies, cook dinner, or send them on a private getaway far, far away; that wouldn’t hurt. If you remind your parents how much you love them, the harder it is for them to be mad at you for slipping up in a class or simply being human.

Warning: Buttering up your parents does not work for everyone, as it may lead to suspicion.

The Studious Approach

Sometimes you can’t just talk the talk but have to walk the walk. Prove to them that you actually learned something from the education you're receiving. Bring up a subject you're learning in school that interests you, or whatever you do at least show your interest! If that doesn’t work, the final step is tying them to a chair and presenting to them what you learned.

The Excuses Upon Excuses Approach

Things happen in life, causing events to change, and we learn to adapt to them. Sometimes the work in a class is not hard, but the obstacles we face in life make it hard. Maybe you were sick for half a semester or your work gave you longer hours, which created an interference with school. Express that you need help, and most likely someone will be willing to help you.

The Honest Approach

If all the ones above didn't work, tell the truth. Explain to them that you are having trouble in a class, and surely at some point they will understand. No one is perfect and college is challenging, as it’s the highest level of formal education. If you didn’t learn anything from the class, at least you learned a thing or two about life.

But no matter what, you are important and did a great job!