Dear 2109,

I’m awkward. Always have been. But I’ve felt even more so since I started high school. I do as many school-related activities as I can so I can get to know my fellow students, but to no avail. I’m too shy to really put myself out there and force myself to talk to people- I don’t know what’s stopping me, but I just can’t put myself out there. I see other students my age getting along fine with other, older students, and wonder what’s wrong with me. What can I do to feel more confident in myself? How do I relate to other people without being creepy?

Dear Awkward Andy,

It’s okay to be awkward. Most kids our age are! You have to remember most people in grades ahead of you already know each other and have made these connections you are trying to make. Try asking them questions, people love to talk about themselves. Ask about teachers they have had and clubs they have been in. As for putting yourself out there, it can be hard but it’s something you will have to do for the rest of your life. When I’m self conscious, I try to stand up straight and have good posture. This makes me feel confident and makes you more approachable. 

Dear 2109,

I like this one person, but we are the same gender and I’m just having trouble trying to talk to them because we aren’t really friends. I’ve liked them for a long time but i have never really talked to them. I just don’t really know what to do, I want to get over them but if there is even a tiny chance that we could be together or be friends, I would risk it.

Dear Confused,

Relationships can arguably be one of the hardest parts of high school. You seem to have given this a lot of thought and know what you want. My advice would be to start talking to them and build a relationship. I would start by trying to be friends with this person until you get comfortable enough to reveal to them how you feel, this way you can figure out if you even like them. A couple of years ago I was in a similar situation, I ended up telling them how I felt, sadly things didn’t work out but I got the closure I needed to move on, and we’re still friends! 

Dear 2109, 

I’ve fallen super behind in class, and I’m trying really hard to catch up. It’s to the point where I’m skipping class to go to the commons and try and get work done without the pressure of more school work being added. In the afternoons I work and have therapy so I never can sleep and get my stuff done. I’m not sure how to catch up, without missing even more work! Help!

Dear Hopeless Student, 

We’re only about halfway through the first trimester, and the transition from summer can be very hard to get the hang of, don’t be hard on yourself! I would recommend making a list of everything you need to get done and then planning out your week. Study halls and advisory are a good time to get help from teachers or catch up on past assignments. If none of that works for you, you might want to consider dropping down in one or two of your classes. Your mental health is very important!