Has anyone else ever felt like they were blocking others’ view of the board in school? I’m 5’7″ and in 8th grade. I used to think of myself as average—I’m around 130 pounds—but now I’m starting to feel self-conscious. When I sit near the board, I’ve noticed that I end up obstructing the view for my classmates, which is really embarrassing. At first, no one said anything, but recently, some classmates have been quite vocal about it. Just today, someone told me to “move your big head and hair, I can’t see anything!”
For anyone who’s experienced this, what should I do? I feel really insecure about it, and it seems so silly to be upset over.
It sounds like you’re feeling really uncomfortable about this situation, and that’s completely understandable. It can be tough when people make comments that affect our self-esteem, especially during those sensitive middle school years. Here are a few suggestions that might help:
Talk to Your Teacher: You could bring this up with your teacher privately. They may not realize that your classmates are making comments, and they might have some solutions, like rearranging the seating or allowing you to sit in a spot that doesn’t block the board.
Seating Arrangements: If your classroom allows for it, try to sit in a different part of the room where you’re less likely to block anyone’s view. Maybe sitting on the other side of the room or farther back could alleviate the issue.
Focus on Positives: Remember that your worth isn’t determined by how you look or how others perceive you. Try to focus on the things you’re good at and what makes you unique—whether it’s your personality, your intelligence, or your talents.
Communicate with Friends: If you have friends in class, maybe they could help by speaking up if someone makes a rude comment. It’s always nice to have support from those you trust.
Confidence Building: Find activities or hobbies that boost your confidence and help you feel good about yourself. This might help change how you feel about the situation overall.
Also, keep in mind that middle school can be a really challenging time for a lot of people, and kids sometimes say things without thinking about how it makes others feel. You’re not alone in dealing with insecurities, and it’s great that you’re reaching out for advice. You’ve got this!