Hi. I've been

Chatterbox: Down to Earth

Hi. I've been

Hi. I've been really confused and upset lately, and I need some comfort and/or advice.

So I've been homeschooled all my life, and because it I don't have many friends. 

I used to have a lot, but most of them have moved away or aren't friends with me anymore. I only have about 3 friends right now, and the one I'm really close with doesn't live in my neighborhood, so it's hard to see her often. The other two go to school, and one of them hasn't been keeping in touch with me lately. She's the only one who lives in the neighborhood.

Several times I've wondered if I should go to school, because as much as I like homeschooling it's too isolated and lonely and sometimes I'll go for weeks without seeing my few remaining friends.

This year, on the first day of the public school, I shut myself up in my room and cried, because I felt so miserable and alone. I still have some times where I'll think about it and get depressed for most of the day.

What's worse is that we live on a busy main street with tons of schools- we live across from a high school and and elementary school, down the street from a middle school, small college, Catholic school, and several daycares. So I can see the kids going to school each day, and coming home in the afternoons.

I'm wondering if I should enroll in the middle school for next fall. But since I've been homeschooled my whole life, I wouldn't fit in because most of the people would already have groups of friends and they would think I was weird because I was homeschooled.

I'm definitely going to go to high school, but I wonder if I should also go to middle school, because otherwise I would just be miserable each new school year until then. I already said how little friends I have.

Should I go to middle school next year? Or wait a year and enroll in 2018? Or just wait until high school?

And don't say "Join activities and maybe you'll make new friends!" Because I've tried that and it. Doesn't. Work.

Help?

~Someone 

submitted by Someone
(November 27, 2016 - 3:31 pm)

Hmmm... Yeah, I've been in a similar situation, though a bit different. The last time I went to a public school (before this year) was second grade. I went to a private school for third and fifth grade, and for fourth grade I went halfway across the world to go to school in two different countries, so it did feel kind of weird being in sixth grade... in a public school. And on top of that, I'm in lots of advanced classes... so I do feel kind of separated from the others sometimes. I totally understand how you're feeling. But luckily, I have a friend in sixth grade with me, who knows a lot of people. I still don't have that many friends, though. I'm not that good with advice, but it depends on which school you go to, because if you go to the same one as one or more of your friends, you could stick with them, and they might introduce you to some new people. Or maybe, if you can't find new friends, you could always just stay with them, eat lunch with them, etc. If you're not in the same school, then you could try to find some new friends in your homeroom. I'm sure there will be some nice kids! Or maybe... do you know any other homeschooled kids? Maybe you could homeschool together with some other kids. You don't have to know them- they could be your parents' friends' kids, and if you homeschool together, it wouldn't be as overwhelming as going to a gigantic public school. Then maybe you could all transfer to the public school together, and you would have them all as friends! I really hope this helped... *gives virtual hug* Just remember that the CB is always here for you to offer comfort! 

submitted by Alexandra
(November 27, 2016 - 10:33 pm)

Top!

submitted by Toppity toppity!, age Top, Toppity toppity!
(November 28, 2016 - 3:34 pm)

Definetly go again next year. Middle School is a nightmare for me. I feel you. Try asking someone if you can sit with them at lunch. Someone who looks friendly. If anyone is sitting alone, ask if you can sit with them. Trust me, you will find friends. It may take time, but you will find friends. FEEL BETTER!!

And if that doesn't work, grab a book. A book will always be your friend.

submitted by Pepper Star
(November 28, 2016 - 3:55 pm)

Oh, ballet ... You're ballet, aren't you.

I don't know what to say. I haven't been in this situation yet, as I have been homeschooled my whole life. Are there more than one High Schools in your nearby area? Because if so, then I would suggest NOT enrolling until High School.

*hugs*

We're here for you. And I'll be praying. 

submitted by Cho Chang
(November 28, 2016 - 8:45 pm)

My advice? Go for it! I doubt you'll be ready to take on High School without having some preparation first. Middle School is sort of like the play practice, High School is the performance. You gotta prep for the perf! That came out weird. But go do it! I've got your back. I'm pretty sure we all do.

submitted by Bookworm
(November 28, 2016 - 8:56 pm)

Aw, I'm so sorry that you're in this situation.

But it seems that you're mainly worried about not being able to make friends in the school. From experience, you probably will. Everyone always says that it's hard to make friends once you're the new kid, but it actualy isn't that hard. People will usually flock to you if you are new.

If you're feeling that lonely, definitly find a way to interact more with people, whether by enrolling in a public school or whatever else you could do.

 

I'll be praying for you. 

submitted by S.E.
(November 29, 2016 - 7:57 am)

I'm not ballet, actually. But thanks, everyone, for the advice and support. 

submitted by Someone
(November 29, 2016 - 6:30 pm)

Personally, I would go for the middle school. I know it will probably be hard to make new friends, but after a while, you'll probably make some. I know it's stressful and depressing being at home all the time and not having friends(I've been homeschooled all my life as well) so I would have to say go on and enroll. We've got your back! I'll be praying as well for you! 

submitted by Will T.
(November 29, 2016 - 5:04 pm)

*pats back* I'm sorry for you. I, too, will be praying.

submitted by Coconut the dog, age I forgot, In the bed
(November 29, 2016 - 5:17 pm)

Aww, I'm sorry. I actually would suggest going to middle school. I've never been homeschooled, but I went to about 5 different elementary schools (not including my middle school and preschools) and I know what it's like to be the new kid. I know very well. Every time I first go to a school, I think: How could any of these people somehow ever become my friends? But every time I find friends, even though I'm actually really quiet, and then everything is so much easier. Don't listen to what people say about how horrible middle school is. It's different for everyone. I actually like it. You should definitely have some experience with middle school and all of the drama and homework and stuff before you go to highschool. You will be better prepared. It will only get harder the longer you wait to join a normal school. However hard it is to start middle school without knowing anyone, it will be twice as hard in high school, especially public high school where everyone comes from the same middle school as well.

Anyways, I hoped this helped. Whatever your decision is, I wish you good luck. 

submitted by The Riddler
(December 3, 2016 - 4:58 pm)

I too happen to be homeschooled... and I do have to admit it does become lonely... I would just jump in and TRY to make friends ( trust me... when you mess it up as much as I have... there is nothing to lose) Every one that I meet that is public schooled always says I'm wierd and overbearing... And most likely will never talk to me again as long as I live. But thats me... hopefully you would have a better impression.Wink

submitted by Pheasantwithbooks, age 13, Horsetopia
(December 4, 2016 - 1:02 am)

I think that if you feel like you're ready for public school, you should definitely try it. Especially if you are in whatever grade is the first year of middle school in your town. When you are in your first year of middle school, everyone is feeling the exact same way as you. They are all starting a brand new school, and meeting brand new people. Most people will be at least a little bit nervous, and some poeple will be excited. Honestly, I really dont like middle school, but I know that I'm not alone. It's also a really good place for meeting new people and new friends. The choice is yours, but if you think you are ready, then I recommend going to public school.

submitted by Draonrider
(December 7, 2016 - 4:27 pm)