Hey guys, it’s Sequoia again. So, for the last two weeks we’ve been focusing on seniors because they have a lot going on. This week, let's check in with the underclassman.
Dear Sequoia,
How do I fit in with the upperclassmen?
Sincerely, Freshman
Dear, Freshman
It can be scary to attend a school filled with lots of older kids, especially when most of them look like their about twenty years old, @ senior boys with facial hair. When you were in 8th grade you were the top dog, the oldest, the one who everyone looked up to. And now you're back at the bottom. I’m an upperclassman, and we’re not as scary as we look. Minarets can be a very welcoming school. We see the weird and go along with it. In fact, we are the weird.
A good way to connect with upperclassmen is in your elective classes. Electives are classes that everyone takes, whether it’s sophomores trying to get their art credits or seniors trying to fill up their schedule. They bring together different people who have the same interests.
Sincerely, Sequoia
Dear Sequoia,
My friend has been really hurting my feelings lately. I don’t know what to do anymore, I feel like we’re drifting apart. How do you realize when you’ve outgrown a friend?
Sincerely, Hurting Friend
Dear Hurting Friend,
I know how you feel. Sometimes it can be hard to move on, especially if you have known this person for a long time. You have to look at the good and the bad and see which outweighs the other. Friendships are a lot like relationships, nobody's perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, but what's important is that they’re trying to fix them and do better next time. But if it's costing you more than it's worth maybe it’s time to make some new friends. You don’t need friends who bring you down and make you feel bad about yourself. Communication is key; let the friend know how you’re feeling, they might not even realize what they’re doing. Drifting apart is a common thing for friendships, especially when you start at a new school. You’re going to realize that you have different interests, and that might separate you. I had a friend that I followed to high school, but she ended up trading me in for other friends. We didn’t end on a bad note, we just stopped hanging out. And that’s all right because I made new friends.
Sincerely, Sequoia
Dear Sequoia,
How do I deal with rumors being spread about me?
Sincerely, Suspicious
Dear Suspicious,
It’s in our nature to assume that people are talking bad about us when they’re actually not. We see our own problems and expect others to see them as well. Two years ago, I was having some issues with body image and I thought everyone was noticing. Every time I heard whispering, my mind would trick me into thinking that it was my name that was spoken. I realized that it was all in my head and that if I didn’t feel confident with myself how could I expect anyone else to.
But It’s important to show that it doesn’t affect you. Ignore them and they will go. If that doesn’t work, stand up for yourself. Have a professional conversation, get it out in the open. Gossip thrives behind closed doors and through whispers. No one wants to be called out for gossiping. They do it because they think they are anonymous. Believe in yourself, not other people’s lies.
Sincerely, Sequoia
Thanks for hanging in there with me this week. I’ll catch you guys next time on To Whom it May Concern. Don’t forget to send in questions!
Sincerely, Sequoia