Bullying

Hey guys! I know I haven't posted lately, and the reason is because I've been trying to think of a good topic. I thought of one just now: Bullying. This week is bullying awareness week at many elementary, middle, and high schools. Bullying is something that definatly needs to be addressed, because as much as we hate to admit, we loose thousands of good people to scuicide over bullying every year. Yeah, that was a long sentence. Continuing, there are lots of things we can do to stop bullying. At school, your teachers probably tell you to say something or tell an adult- However, I know that we don't always do that. I know, it seems hard to do it when you're the victim, or a bystander- or maybe you're the bully. I know what it's like to be in all three situations. I get teased at school, however we all do. The key is to laugh it off and stay at the top of your game, and treat the insult like it's nothing. Sometimes, though, it can be much worse than teasing or playful name-calling. If you are a target of threats, you really should tell someone. But don't take it from me- do it for yourself. If you see bullying you should try and do something about it- it's just kinda rude to let someone take the threats and attacks and not say or do anything about it. If you are a bully...You should probably stop. I've got a few tips for you: One, I don't know if you're as close to your parents as I am, but usually if I can talk to one of my parents they help me. Two, I figure you might be insecure? Fix it! You're not strong? Push-ups! Don't have abs? Sit-ups! Don't get good grades? STUDY. You can do it! If you have a bad homelife, ask for help? I know once you start beating people up, you like how it feels, but it's not ok to do that. People will die because of you. Y'know, if you be nice, you might actually get a friend or two. Power from bullying won't get you anywhere in life. Good friends will. Good education will. Read "Letters to a Bullied Girl" sometime. Maybe you'll get the picture then. On that note, I'd like to say that this Wednesday, October 10, is Bully Awareness Day, so wear your orange and Stand Up, Step Up, And Let Your Voice Be Heard.

Eighth Grade

That amazing year when being the "top dogs" actually means something to you, and the magical time where you wonder if you were that short as a sixth grader. Everything is different, as people are finally growing into their age, and you start getting better at sports. Everything is fun for the first few days, when you realize you're in the same classes as all of your friends and that you have all the best teachers...But them someone drops the bomb: You had Spanish homework. I'm just messing. 8th grade is really a magical time for middle schoolers, and I've learned it can be nerve-wracking and stressful- and I've also learned that those two words mean exactly the same thing. I needed help- and still do- getting through eighth grade with all the drama (or lack of)and so I figured I would do this: A School Survival Guide. I'll put whatever I learn here so that maybe people can learn from my mistakes. Maybe. So far I've learned that the first few days are vital- So don't miss those. IF you do, then try to catch up; learn everyone's name, kiss up to your teachers, ask for missing assignments, etc. And never forget to turn things in! The zeros will kill you! I know, I know, I sound like your teacher, but they're right- Trust me, I know. I had all those zeros once....And it wasn't pretty. Secondly, you might want to practice for that playing test in band, or take another look at those lyrics for chorus, or that one recipe that's been bothering you in life skills- Don't you want to nail things the first time so you aren't shamed when you fail? If you learn and practice, you won't have to fail. (I hate failing, it sucks. People in band class are rude and they laugh. Don't fail.) If somthing's bothering you, talk about it! To a friend, a parent, a teacher, a pet, anyone! I garuntee you're not the only one with the problem. Maybe a teacher's going too fast and you don't understand- Just say so! I've had a tough time this year because all of my friends are on other teams. I always thought it was really hard for me to meet and make new friends, but turns out it's really not! It was all in my head and I was my own worst enemy, keeping myself from making new friends. Appearently there were a couple people out there, just waiting to say hello. I'm sure there are people for you to meet all around you, all you have to do is say hi! You're not alone! In closure, I'd just like to say that just because eighth grade is different, maybe "bigger", than sixth or seventh grade doesn't mean you have to be afraid of it. If something's bothering you, don't let it get to you, take it down! Things'll get better as time goes on, I promise.