Dear Miss Nish,

At school it seems like everyone knows everybody but me. Why is it some people have no problems making new friends while people like me find it harder to do? I want to be popular but I am finding it hard to fit in. What can I do?

Anna

My dearest Anna,

Thank you for writing to me – this is something every girl experiences at some point. I remember starting a new high school where everyone and I mean everyone knew each other! It was as though I was doomed to eat alone at lunch!  

Well, I decided to take some action. I joined school clubs that would give me the most exposure to other students. The Newspaper Club allowed me to roam the halls interviewing students and let’s face it – who doesn’t want to be in the school paper! I joined the Student Activities club where we planned all of the dances and student events – again it got me out there and everyone wanted to know when the next student party would be. Joining the Peer Tutoring Team allowed me to help students who were having trouble with Math and English and I developed great (and grateful!) friends from this. Finally, joining the Tennis Team really helped me get out there and not only meet my future teammates but students from other schools. At the end of my four years I was so well known that I was voted homecoming queen for my senior class!

Being proactive and having a plan will get you where you would like to be. Joining clubs or sports is a great way to meet new people. I encourage you to go for it – you have nothing to lose and so many friends to gain!

You can do it!

Miss Nish