I Hate My School

What do I do: I am in High School…and I hate my school

1. High School can be brutal. Not only are you discovering new things about yourself and about the world, but so are all the people around you. More is being expected of you by teachers, parents, and friends than ever before. Competition is high, even if you do not play sports. The pressure is on to succeed and if you don’t succeed quickly you can feel like you are being left behind. Remember, this is not an uncommon experience. Many before you have felt this way and many after you will feel the same way. What you may need most right now is tenacity: the ability to hang in there even when times get touch. Resist the urge to throw up your hands in frustration and walk away.
2. Whether or not you want to hear it, you need school. In society a High School diploma is the absolute minimum standard for any decent job. The truth is that in order for you to get a good job you will probably need to have some college. Think about your future and try to put the present situation in perspective. One way to do this is to begin setting some goals for yourself.
3. Setting goals is a very good way to endure difficult times. Even though you do not like your school and daily wish you could just walk away, this would not be the best thing for you. Instead, think of at least three short-term goals and at least three long-term goals for your life. Short-term goals should be reachable in less than six months. This can be like raising your math grade by one letter, or making a serious effort to try out for a team or join a club. A long-term goal has more to do with life after high school. It may be getting accepted into a particular college or trade school or could even be getting a job in a particular profession. If you focus your attention on these goals you may find that you forget all about how much you hate your school because the school is there for you: you are not there for the school.
4. Ask to speak honestly and open with the school counselor or a trusted teacher about your feelings. Maybe talk to your parents about the problem.
5. Be aware that it might not be school that is the problem. Are you having problems at home with your parents? Have you recently had some big changes in your life like moving or the death of a family member? If so, these things can make school very difficult. Talk to an adult about these issues and ask them to help you with them.
6. Look for ways to get involved with friends outside of school. Consider attending a church youth group or attending an after-school club. Finding just one close friend can make a huge difference for you to get through high school .
7. Call the HopeLine (1-800-394-HOPE) to talk or visit www.dmlive.com to chat with a live person.