So I was dropped from my university for the upcoming year due to poor academic performance. In order to be readmitted for fall 2014, I need to be able to prove that I've picked up my grades and that I'll be able to get back on track without much difficulty.

This summer and next summer, I plan to work. And then I've put together a schedule of what courses I'll take this fall and spring at a local community college. Then I could pick up my GPA and get some core courses out of the way at an easier level than my university.

So I don't go to school in my home state, and whenever I go home, I need to take a plane. I don't plan to go home any time soon since I'm spending winter break in Brazil for volunteer work and then as I said before, summers I'm going to be working.

I know I should tell my parents about my situation, but I don't exactly know HOW. I feel like this is a conversation that is best left to be had in person, but I'm not going home any time soon so...how do I tell them what's going on?

Perhaps over Skype video chat or something similar? That would be as close to in person as you can get.

Usually I start with tears, (though I don't do it on purpose) but it helps break the "oh shit what did she do" ice, softens them up, and kind of forces it out of you. From there just explain that you had trouble in school and definitely sugar-coat it. You don't want to be yelled at and shunned for something you plan on correcting.

If you're nervous about doing it in person or over the phone, write them an e-mail!