1. I always say I am going to have a great school year, but somehow I always get off track half way through it. What can I do to stay more focused?

Well, I often had the same problems while in school. The best way to stay focused is to remember why you wanted to do well in the first place. It can be very helpful when you remind yourself that you wanted to do well because there is a good college you want to get into or you made an agreement with your parents that if you earned all A’s and B’s you would get a car.

2. How do I make a new start at an old school?

Shaking an old reputation can be difficult to do especially if it is one you acquired over several years, but there is a way! If you were known for being one of the "bad kids" in school or the student that would fail everything the first step is to make a decision to do something different. After that you have change the people you are hanging around. If they haven't made a decision to do better they will only prevent you from doing so. Lastly, let your teachers know that you want to make a change. They will most likely help you to do that. Just make sure you are serious about the change.

How can I separate myself from friends that are not good for me?

Separating yourself from a friend can be difficult especially if they are someone you grew up with or see around all of the time. However, if you know they are not someone you should be spending time with like you use to because you always end up in trouble with them or you see that you are going in two different directions in life it is important to separate yourself. A way that I have found is most effective is to simply be honest with them. Let them know that you no longer believe the friendship is an asset to either one of you because ________________(fill in the reason if you would like), so you don’t have a problem with them but you think you all should spend less time together and maybe just be associates.

I have made a lot of changes in my life for the better but the past looks so tempting sometimes. How do I keep from turning back into the old me?

Well, remember this, everything starts with a choice. You decided to change who you are for a reason. Because you wanted a better life and because you wanted to do better. You already know that you did the right thing by making better choices so every time you are tempted to go back keep that in mind. don’t just remember the ‘good times’ remember what all of those times may have cost you in the end! Make sure you choose to do what’s right and not go in the opposite direction of all the progress you have made.

1. I try so hard to fit in but no matter what I do I just don’t seem to make it into the popular crowd, what can I do?

The problem could be that you are tying to be “popular.”  I know right now it may seem like the most important thing is to be “cool” but the most important thing is to actually just be yourself. If people do not want to accept you for you then that is their loss! Instead of trying to be friends with people you have to change to fit in with just try being yourself and making friends with people who enjoy the same things you do.

2. If someone is touching me in appropriately what should I do?

Tell someone! No one has the right to touch you in anyway that you don’t want to be touched. Sexual abuse is a serious matter and is unacceptable. You should tell the person touching you that you do not like what they are doing and that you are going to tell an adult if they do not stop. However, if the person has threaten to harm you if you tell on them you should just go straight to an adult you trust and let them know what is going on.

3. I want to go to college but I am financially challenged what should I do?

If you want to go to college but don’t have the funds you should start looking for scholarships. There are a lot out their but they have deadlines. We are going to have an article in our school section soon with somethings concerning scholarships so you should be looking forward to that as well. Also, the better your grades are the more scholarships you will be offered. Many states have a program for students with good grades that you can get with ease. Florida has bright futures and Georgia has Hope, so be sure to look into what program your state has and the requirements.

4. I have an STD and I feel like my life is ruined! I am still in high school!

Your life is not ruined. There are actually a number of support groups that your doctor can tell you about so that you can get support from people who are dealing with the same issue as you. Also, you should talk to a friend or family member you trust and let them know what you are dealing with. The most important thing to remember in a situation like this is one bad decision does not have to

What do you do when you find out your best friend is gay?

The three most important things you need to think about are honesty, boundaries, and love. Honesty is important because you are going to have questions and feelings that you will want to ask and share, so it is important that you both are upfront and open about everything. Boundaries are important because even though he/she is your friend they have to understand that the decision he or she is making is something they are doing and not you. Lastly, you have to continue to show them that you love them and are there for them to talk to even if you do not agree with the decision they are making.

How do you take rejection from a boy or girl that you like?

Dealing with rejection is really not as hard as it seems. What you have to understand is everyone is not for everybody. So, just because one person doesn’t necessarily like you doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with you! All that means is that you are not right for them. So, if you get rejected keep your head held high and just know that the special gift you have is just for someone else.

What do you do when your parents don’t trust you and you are doing the right things?

If you feel like you are doing the right things and your parents still don’t trust you there could be several things going on. One, you may have done something in the past to cause them to lose trust in you. So, even though you are doing the right thing now, it may just take more time for you to earn their trust back. Second, You may not be doing all the right things. Sometimes it is more than about you just doing what your parents are telling you and about them knowing that you know how to make right decisions on your own and will do so even when they are not around. For example, will you take out the trash or wash the dishes before they have to ask? If you are running late for your curfew, do they have to call you? Or, do you call them and let them know ahead of time that something has caused you to get home later than you thought you would? And finally, if after you evaluate these things you still believe you are doing things right simply ask them, how can you build more trust with them?

How do I survive without family support?

Not having family support can be very difficult, but in 1 Samuel 30:6, it said that David found strength in God. So, what you have to remember is ultimately God decided to bring you into this world to do something great so He is your biggest supporter! And if God is before you no one stands a chance against you. Also, you can turn to your friends for support. They should also be able to encourage you when you feel down. Another thing you should do is try talking to your family and explain that you do not always feel like you are getting the support you need from them.