DR WALLACE: I'm a high school student in my junior year. I get good grades in most of my classes, but I have to work hard for them and pay close attention in class.

However, there is one subject that I'm extremely good at: history. I've always been interested in this topic, and I did a lot of reading on my own when I was younger, so I always do spectacularly well in any history class.

This school year is no exception. The advanced history class I'm in is a breeze, so much so that I'm extremely bored in class.

I know all of the subject material very well, and I am the leading student in my class with an easy A sure to be achieved by the end of this semester.

I'd really like to do something else with my time rather than listen to the repetitive lectures our teacher gives, since I know the material inside and out. I'd prefer to use that time to study for another subject that's much harder for me.

However, I'm worried about doing this since the teacher might catch me and be displeased. What can I do to use my time more effectively and not be overwhelmed with boredom? — It's Too Easy for Me, via email

IT'S TOO EASY FOR ME: You're correct not to pull out another textbook during that class time as it's both rude to your teacher and could jeopardize the class participation portion of your grade.

What you can do is speak with your teacher during his or her office hours and explain your situation politely. Perhaps you could request extra reading on some of your course material that may help prepare you for senior year history classes or even for college.

In class, be sure you continue to participate in discussions, and take any opportunities for extra learning that your teacher might offer.

HER CAT NEEDS A GOOD HOME!

DR WALLACE: My best friend is moving out of state at the end of this calendar year, and she won't be attending our school in 2025.

She has a fantastic pet cat that both of us enjoy playing with whenever I visit her house. But for some reason, her parents won't let her take this cat with the family to their new home 1,200 miles away.

She's asked me if I could adopt the cat since she knows I'll take good care of her. This little cat is great: She doesn't cause any trouble, she's very friendly and she doesn't require a lot of food or maintenance.

I asked my mom about this, but she told me that pets are expensive and we don't have a budget to pay for cat food, veterinary bills and overall daily pet maintenance. I'm almost 16 1/2 years old, and I really want to rescue this cat. I have a couple of months to try to convince my mom, so how do you think I can do that? — I Want To Adopt My Friend's Cat, via email

I WANT TO ADOPT MY FRIEND'S CAT: The way I see it, you have two options if you want to rescue this cat. Option number one is to work with your friend to canvass your community to see if you can find another suitable home for the cat before she moves.

With this much lead time, your odds should be pretty good that you can find someone near your neighborhood who is willing to adopt a new pet, especially one that is so friendly and well-behaved.

The second option is for you to check with your mother to see about starting some babysitting jobs or something similar in order to earn some money. If you are able and willing to work enough hours around your school schedule to provide some income, you might have a chance. You'll need to earn enough for food, litter boxes, cat toys and start building a savings account for future veterinary visits, as covering your future pet's expenses yourself may be your only route to convince your mother to give you the opportunity that you seek here.

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 [email protected]. 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.

Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez ???????? at Unsplash