Education, Academics and School Issues / Question
Published: February 12, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I started a new & different kind of school in September. There are alot of rules that aren't the same as my old school. I don't have a problem with the rules or the other students. All the teachers like me. I never used to struggle with my assignments but he keeps upping the amount of work that he wants me to get done in order to prove myself. Everything seems great except the relationship between me and my principal. He hates me and I think one reason is because I am best friends with one of his former students and he kicked her out because he didn't like her. My principal knows I have emotional problems and that I am very sensitive but he doesn't seem to care. He is mean to me and talks bad about me to other students. He suggested that I drop out and get my G.E.D. but I told him I could do it. He says I'm wasting time when he could have someone who really wants to go to school in my place. He makes it seem as if I am not trying and I don't want to be there. Sometimes I cry when I get home but at times I can't seem to hold it in and cry in front of everyone. Me and my mother finally decided that I am going to get my G.E.D. soon but I don't know if that is the right thing to do. It seems as if that's all I can do because I work hard but he threatens to kick me out of school. Should I try to stick it out and if so what should I do about my principal? Is getting my G.E.D. the best thing for me to do?
Signed: GED The Right Thing For Me?
Dear GED The Right Thing For Me?,
This sounds like a difficult and emotionally draining situation for you. TeenHealthFX doesn't blame you for wanting to remove yourself from it by leaving school, but thinks that before you decide to do so, you need to give some good hard thought to what your long term goals are and how this decision may effect your ability to reach them.
TeenHealthFX cannot tell you what the right thing is to do, that is a decision you need to make after you carefully consider all of your options and the pros and cons of each alternative. We can give you some guidelines to help you evaluate your choices. It sounds like you are a hardworking person who wants very much to remain in school. Also, from what you wrote, it seems as if you are more than capable of doing the work and making friends in that environment.
So, again, the issue seems to be more about the end result rather than the present circumstances. Find out how getting your GED versus a high school degree will affect your choices once you are through. Will it impact your ability to get the kind of job you want? What about college or other higher education? Ask yourself hat do you see yourself doing say 5 and then 10 years down the line and then measure that against what your realistic options would be with both degrees. You just want to be sure that the decisions that you make now will open rather than close doors for you in the future.
TeenHealthFX thinks it is terrific that you are communicating with your Mom about this. Parents can be a great source of guidance and support in these situations. Keep in mind too that even though your conflict seems to be with your principal, you can also talk to a teacher or guidance counselor at school or even a counselor outside of school to help you sort out your feelings and choices so that you can make the best possible decision.
Good luck to you and hang in there.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Most smokers begin smoking as teens, and the average age of initiation is 12.5 years of age.
