My Report Card
Christopher is a lovely lad, but undoubtedly could do better. Christopher can be very quiet in class (and life) and would benefit from asking for help when required. He is very capable but has a tendency to switch off when the answers don’t come easily to him. It’s almost as though he sees school as a test and therefore a judgement of what he knows, rather than an opportunity to learn and develop.
Christopher has a somewhat unfocussed and ill-disciplined approach to school (and life). He will often turn up late. His homework is often handed in late, or not at all.
Christopher is always pleasant and polite, but is a very inward looking young man. As such it is often hard to ascertain exactly how he is feeling. If he was experiencing quiet joy, or mild depression it would be hard to tell. I have encouraged him to start a journal as a means of self-expression.
Financial Progress: Salary has risen 10% since 2008, which clearly means it has been decimated by inflation. No annual bonus in recent years. Still living paycheck to paycheck, with slowly rising debt and next to zero savings. Mortgage is slowly ticking down.
Career Progress: Career began to stagnate around 2010 and shows no signs of emerging from the prolonged period of stagnation. Motivation in current job is moderate to low, due to the looming threat of redundancy. Often hear the expression ‘at least you’re getting paid’, but that is not wholly inspiring. Christopher has told the careers advice team that he quite likes his job but would love to find a job that he is passionate about and that pays upwards of £100K per year. The careers advisor replied, ‘wouldn’t we all.’
Skills Progress: For a long time there were few signs of any new skills being developed. However recently Christopher has begun showing an interest in meditation, writing, and fitness. Promising signs, keep it up Christopher!
Social Progress: Christopher has few friends. I have recommended that he joins a club related to one of his passions, but he said he has no passions. I would like to see Christopher contribute more to classroom debates and to put himself forward for volunteer roles.
Mental Health: Christopher experiences periods of shyness, anxiety and lack of confidence. When I asked him what he was doing to address these issues he said they weren’t issues, they’re just the way he is. I have recommended that he read some books on the subjects of relieving anxiety and improving confidence.
Physical Health: Christopher is quite a pudgy chap with rather ‘impressive’ man boobs. Thankfully he has started to attend the local gym regularly. I look forward to seeing a more in-shape young man in the coming months. He also says he is laying off the beers now which can only benefit him physically and mentally.
Summary: I genuinely feel that Christopher has great potential if only he would get of his fat, lazy arse and start applying himself more. His new interests in meditation, writing and fitness are both pleasing and encouraging. It’s been a long time coming but hopefully he can start to fulfil the potential that we have always seen in him.