Plenty of readers wrote to us about their school anxieties. We feel for you — school can be scary! — and ran some helpful advice on Page 4. But one totally confident kid wrote in with advice of his own. He has been where you’re at, and we think his suggestions will help. So read on — and thanks, J.M.:
Dear KidNews:
I am writing in response to your article asking kids to write to you about being nervous for school. I am not nervous, not in the least. Instead, I am writing to maybe reassure other kids.
I am a junior in high school. There are some pointers that you writers at KidNews can give kids to make their school years go a little smoother.
To start with, stress the fact that in order to truly have an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, one has to get involved in things going on at school. Be it anything from a school play to the marching band, it gives you an opportunity to meet those with similar interests. The more you get involved, the more fun you have. Trust me, I know from experience. I am in the marching band, symphonic band, pep band, chorus, drama club, speech and debate club, just to name a few, and have plans to join even more.
Another thing to tell kids is that being oneself is the most important thing in the world. Individualism is something that is quite important. It is a real drag to pretend to be something you’re not, then to be stuck being that fake personality all the time, because that is how you were accepted by others and now you can’t change.
Remind them that just because they are out partying or hanging with their friends does not give anyone an excuse for bad grades. With age comes responsibility, and like it or not, it has to be accepted, or one won’t be going far in life. Kids should be told that when doing homework or going to the mall becomes a draw, it should be the homework that wins out. Getting good grades while maintaining a social life is a quick way to respect.
One of the most important tools to have at your use is a well-rested and healthy mind. This means a reasonable bedtime and absolutely no drug using. Drugs are not cool, and they never have been. Most people frown down at drug users in high school. No one thinks “druggies” are cool when they are arrested or expelled.
I know it can be hard to refrain from being pulled into peer pressure, but once you learn to “just say no,” to use an old phrase, life is a little easier and a lot more fun.
Take it from the voice of experience, get involved and have fun. Use those two rules, and you can’t go wrong.
Sincerely,
J.M., 15
