DR. WALLACE: I'm a pretty good student overall, and I'm in my sophomore year of high school. One of my classes is far below my ability. This particular teacher is not very effective, doesn't push the students at all and teaches only a very bland, low-level version of the subject matter.

I'll absolutely get an excellent grade in this class, and quite frankly, I feel like it's a waste of my time. Don't get me wrong; I understand we need to learn various subjects. All I'm saying is that I could be doing more advanced work.

I've discussed this with my parents, and all they told me is to use my time as effectively as possible and not worry about it. Since I am planning on attending college in a few years, do you have any suggestions on what I can do? — Beyond Bored and Unchallenged in This Class, via email

BEYOND BORED AND UNCHALLENGED: Perhaps you can go to your school's administration office and seek to speak with one of the counselors. Explain that although you understand this class is valuable and you must attend it, it is not challenging you.

Ask politely and earnestly if it may be possible to meet with someone who teaches the same subject to the juniors. You may be allowed to read the textbook and work on a few of the assignments to get a feel for the next year's material.

This could help keep your mind engaged and set you up to have another excellent year next year.

THEY WON'T LET ME STAY AT HOME ON MY OWN

DR. WALLACE: My parents just told to me that they will be taking eight or nine days of vacation between Christmas and early January. They invited me to go on a trip with the family, but since I'm 17 and in my senior year of high school, I want to stay home so I can spend time with some of my friends. Many of my closest friends are going out of state to college next fall, and I won't be able to see them as much anymore after next summer. So, I want to use as much of my free time to socialize with them as I possibly can. I'm going to go to a nearby university, so there will be literally 1,000 miles between me and my friends when our college days arrive.

My parents agreed to allow me to skip this trip, and they will take my 13-year-old younger brother with them. I asked to stay at home on my own, but my parents don't like this idea. They want me to stay at my aunt's unless I can find another home they approve of to stay at during their absence.

I am just fine, but I really feel that I'd be more comfortable at home on my own, since I can certainly take care of myself. I'm still negotiating with my parents, but if they persist, my choices will be staying with a family of one of my girlfriends they approve of or staying home with my aunt living in the house. Why do my parents have to be so difficult? — I'm Old Enough To Take Care of Myself, via email

I'M OLD ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF: They're concerned about being away that long, and they want to be very protective of you.

Soon enough, you'll be 18 years of age and a college student and can make all the decisions you would like regarding your life. For now, my advice is to roll with your parents' request. If you really would prefer to stay in your family home, having a compatible aunt there with you shouldn't be any problem at all.

And if you're lucky enough to have the family of one of your friends offer to have you stay at their house, it will give you the experience of living away from home for a few days, which may prove helpful in the future.

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.

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