Hatin' my high school

I HATE my high school. Hate it! Everyone there uses bad language and has no respect for anyone. I used to attend a private Catholic school where everyone respected each other.

Recently, a boy in my math class kept swearing and I finally told him to hush. He called me a really bad word and told me to mind my own business. I started to cry in front of the whole class. He was mocking me by pretending to cry and no one actually did anything! Not even the teacher!

I hate that place so much and just want to be home-schooled. I haven’t told my mom about the guy yet and probably won't. Help!

Hey girl, sorry to hear about the rough school sitch. I can imagine it must be way hard to focus and enjoy yourself with that kind of negative energy, but are some ways to make things a bit better.

Try to look on the bright side. I know it seems like this is an all-out awful sitch, but brainstorm things to look forward to in your school day. Love that crazy art teacher? Acing a hard bio class? Bravo, girl! It may not seem like much, but try to look forward to these parts of school instead of focusing on the negatives. It’ll make make everything a little easier and make you feel tons better, too. Even though it’s tough and you feel like you’re alone, remember that you’re better than your rude classmates. If you don’t let the haters get to you too much, they can’t touch you.

Is there anyone who seems like they might be in the same place as you? Strike up a convo and make a new friend.  Give people a chance, too. Don’t assume that they’re all rude and immature like that guy in your class. If you’re friendly, you may just find a pal who’s just like you. So gang up in a good way—surround yourself by a pack of positive people who make ya laugh and put a smile on your face. Even having just ONE BFF there to support you will make things seem sooo much better!

If that doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to talk to your ‘rents. You don’t have to tell them about the guy in your class if you don’t want to, but let them in on how you’re feeling. They love you, and are going to want to help you as much as they can. After all, your parents want their darling daughter to be happy! Sit them down for a chat. If you’re really nervous about talking to them, try scribbling down the things you def want to tell them or even write them a letter.  ‘Rents sooo not into home-schooling? You all can def look into transferring to another school next year. But don't give up on this place just yet. Try some diff tactics and it should get better!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/22/2009 7:00:00 AM 73 COMMENTS

No friends at my new school

I have been homeschooled my whole life and I recently started eighth grade at a private school. All the girls know each other, and they never talk to me. I try to be friendly and talk to them, but they just look at me like I'm crazy or something.

Hey there hon, being different is nothing to be ashamed about. You should be proud to stand out from the crowd. After all, no one remembers girls who simply blend in. All you have to do is find some friends who accept you for who you are, which is awesome!

First, you should be honest with your mom and tell her you’re just not that into volleyball. She will understand, especially if you’re not happy. Your mom really does have your best interest at heart—she wants you to make friends.

But the best way to make pals is to find girls who share some of the same interests as you. If you love the stage, join the drama team. If you can’t get enough of Twilight, join a book club. Most importantly, do what makes you happy—this way you'll make some pretty cool friends AND have fun.

And as for your old besties, you’ll find some creative ways to keep in touch. Instead of e-mails, send handwritten letters. Yes, it’s a little old-fashioned, but it’s more personal. And maybe you can get together on the weekends for slumbies and movies. Best of luck, hon!

GOT SCHOOLROOM STRESS? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/15/2009 7:00:00 AM 70 COMMENTS

Choosing between schools AND choosing between friends?!

I don't know which high school I want to go to next year because one of my very best friends is going to one school while my other bestie is going to the other high school! I have the option to choose.

I don't want to pick between my two best friends. Help!

It can be way hard when you’re making a big decision like which school to go to. High school, college, or beyond, these are decisions that’ll influence more than just who you see each day—they'll influence where you go in the future. That’s why, girlie, it’s way important that you weigh each option out carefully. It can seem like you’re choosing between your besties, but the truth is, you’ve gotta choose what’s best for you.

When choosing a school, don’t sweat about which gal is going to be there. Think about what school has the best program for you. Is High School A way strong in math and science? If that’s where you see yourself in the future, go for that school. Does High School B have an awesome lax team you want to join? Go for the gold there! Make a pro/con list for each and weigh your options—also if one choice is a private school, keep the price tag in mind: is it worth it? When it comes to big decisions like this, grab a li'l extra help too from your fave tutors: your ‘rents. They’ll know how to help you pick the school that’s best for you.

And here’s the biggest lesson of all, chica: You should pick your school for you, not for your friends. Back when my friends were choosing where to go for college (years away for you!), I would always tell them not to choose their school based off where their BFs were going. Their choice should depend on what’s right for them and their future. The BF, even if he was states away, was way easy to stay in touch with: there’s Skype, Facebook, texting, etc. And if they didn’t last? Then they were still at the places that were the best fit for themselves. So what’s the tie-in to you? Well, your friends are close by, and if they can make it work, so can you! You won’t be crossing state-lines so no matter where you go, you can still keep and see both of your pals. Try getting involved in a community sport together. Have a slumber party each weekend. Just ‘cause schools divide you during the day doesn’t mean it can’t add up to weekend fun and friendships that last forever!

In high school, girlie, you’re going to meet tons of new people. While it’s totes okay to keep the old ones at heart, don’t sweat the distance ‘cause they can and always will be a part of your life. This choice, girl? It’s the ultimate test but you can ace it. What’s best for you? What do you want to do in high school and beyond? Where do you see yourself fitting in best? Go with what your heart tells you. Good luck!

GOT SCHOOLROOM STRESS? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/8/2009 7:00:00 AM 55 COMMENTS

Private or public school?

I go to an all-girls private school where I have to wear a uniform. It seriously stinks! I want to switch to public school because I can wear whatever I want, there will be boys and I will be able to go to school with my BFF. 

Hey girl, I understand exactly how you feel. Why? Because I’ve been there, lived through it and...guess what? It’s not so bad! I went to private school all my life, an all-girls school in high school and wore a uniform until I went to college. It may seem awful at times, but looking back I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Sometimes it sucks to have to wear a uniform. But think of the money you save on buying the latest trends and the time you save trying to decide what to wear every morning. Instead of dreading your uni, find little ways to spice it up so you stand out from the crowd. If you’re allowed to, paint your nails a bright color. Add a funky ribbon to your ponytail. Change up the shoelaces in your school shoes.

Now for the boys. Yeah, it can get boring at times. But think of how much better school is without guys. You don’t have to spend forever on makeup in the a.m. because there’s no one to impress. Boys aren’t there to tease you every time you turn around. You can throw a tampon across the room to your friend with no one to judge you.

And, most importantly, it gives you time to focus on your studies and your relationship with your girlfriends. Remember, boys make come and go, but your girls will be there forever. And if you’re still itching to change schools, make a list of all the pros and cons before you make a decision. You can spend time with your BFFs and guys after school and on the weekend. But your education has to come first. Good luck, hon!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 10/1/2009 7:00:00 AM 57 COMMENTS