Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Ask Alyssa: An Advice Column By Alyssa Jin

Dear Alyssa
I want to cut bangs and dye my hair but I’m scared of what my friends will think.
-Hair Probs

Dear Probs:

Change can be a very scary thing, especially when you’re in high school. Teenagers tend to focus too much on what others are going to think about them, and that’s normal. I think that a lot of times we look at what others are doing, and think we need to be like them in order to fit in.

When I think of hair, I think of it as a way to express yourself- any way you want to. Whether you’re dying your hair blue, or just getting bangs, what matters is that you like it and feel confident in it. The amazing thing about hair is that if you don’t like it, you can always change it again. If you know that you want to take this leap with your hair, then don’t let what your friends “might” think, get in the way of that.

Maybe your friends will love your hair, and maybe they won’t. Regardless, you can’t stress about things that might, or might not, happen. If your friends are really your friends, they won’t care what your hair looks like. True friends will support your change and care that you are happy. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in high school, it’s that you can’t please everyone. Once you start doing things for yourself and forgetting about everyone else, a weight will be lifted off your shoulders. I hope you gain the courage to do this, too. 

Yours Truly,
Alyssa
Dear Alyssa,
I’m new to this school and I am painfully shy. How can I make friends? 
-The New Kid in School

Dear New Kid,

This topic is one that, although I haven’t experienced myself, I can imagine is very scary. Being new to anything can be difficult. Adjusting to something you aren't used to is definitely not an easy thing, in fact, it takes a great deal of courage. 

I completely understand your shyness, especially with this huge change. I, myself, am a pretty shy person and am never one to approach people first. I think one of the biggest things in trying to make new friends is to look approachable. If you don’t come off friendly, people aren’t going to think you want to be their friend. I’d suggest striking up conversations with the people you sit next to in your classes. Perhaps you could even ask them if you can sit with them at lunch, so you can meet some more people. I know it’s intimidating to put yourself out there, but you really don’t have anything to lose.

Another way people tend to make friends is through joining a sports team or club. Obviously, I don’t know if you play any sports, but if you do, or are thinking about playing one, definitely try out. Some of my best friends are ones that I’ve made because of a sport’s team. With the fall season coming up, team meetings are usually at the end of the school year.  Go to one! This will give you a chance to meet the players.  Once you do,  try to keep in touch with them and practice over the summer. 

Now, if you aren’t into sports, Washingtonville is home to many other clubs you can get involved with. For example, Masque & Mime is an extremely popular club here. Working with like-minded students each day to put on a show, you are sure to make a bunch friends.  

When you’re trying to make friends, I think the most important thing to remember is to stay true to yourself. Don’t try to change yourself or cater to other people’s likes and dislikes just because you want them to be your friend.  I’m sure you will meet the right friends in no time, as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there.  We welcome you to Wizard Nation and hope you feel right at home in no time!
Yours Truly,
Alyssa

No comments:

Post a Comment