DR. WALLACE: I was born in the United States, but both of my parents were born in Korea. I learned to speak Korean and was brought up with a strict Korean philosophy, especially when it comes to education. I attend an all-girls private high school. I do have above average intelligence and all of my grades so far have been A's. My parents have set aside two hours every school day from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for review and study. For my parents, my grades are extremely important. I would be very worried if I didn't get all A's.

I'm in the eleventh grade and I would like to play school sports (basketball, volleyball, badminton, etc.) Practice would be from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. The sports I would like to play would be basketball during the winter and volleyball in the fall. My parents are not sure that playing sports would not hurt my grades.

Please give me your opinion. My parents gave me permission to write to you — Nameless, San Francisco, Calif.

NAMELESS: The University of Michigan conducted a study of 700 high school valedictorians, the majority who had 4.00 (all A's) grade-point averages and found that 87 percent took part in at least one extra-curricular activity, while 76 percent were involved in two. Academically gifted students have varied interests and usually find a way to be involved in activities and still excel academically. All colleges and universities look favorably on students who participate in activities. Such participation enhances the academic excellence.

I DON'T LIKE WEARING A SAFETY HELMET

DR. WALLACE: I own a motorcycle and enjoy the freedom a bike can give. It's the ultimate high to be cruising, wind in your hair, observing nature's beauty.

Why should I be restricted by wearing a safety helmet? If safety helmets are such a good deal, why don't all people wear one when in a car? Many automobile drivers and passengers suffer fatal head injuries. — Zeke, Phoenix, Ariz.

ZEKE: Automobile riders who wear lap and shoulder belts stand a great chance of not having their heads battered. Safety is greatly improved in automobiles that are equipped with air bags. Unfortunately, seat belts and air bags are not available for bikers. Please read the following letter from Terri. I hope her letter will convince you to reconsider your position regarding safety helmets:

DR. WALLACE: Several months ago, I read the advice you gave regarding motorcycle safety and the fact that safety helmets should be worn at all times.

My boyfriend and I are bikers and had been riding without helmets. After reading your column, I had a funny feeling and talked him into getting us helmets, and, Thank God, he did!

Two weeks later, my boyfriend was struck by an automobile and suffered a nasty spill, landing on his shoulder and the side of his head. Even though he broke his shoulder, he suffered no damage to his head (I always tell him that he is hardheaded).

Thank you for your very timely advice! - Terri, Tampa, Fla.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.