My school is a total mess.
I attend a mildly Catholic private school in Colombia, and I’m really fed up with it. For starters, the schedule is terrible—classes start at 6 AM, which means I have to wake up at 4, even though it’s only a 20-minute drive. We’re all constantly sleep-deprived, and theft is rampant; it’s like everything gets stolen. Parents are frustrated, but the school just brushes it off with the excuse, “Kids need to learn to take care of their things.” Sure, but shouldn’t they take some responsibility too? For instance, one student had his backpack stolen after just stepping away for five minutes.
It’s an all-boys school, so there’s a huge emphasis on being tough, and if you show any signs of weakness, you will be bullied for it. The people here can be really fake, and when serious bullying occurs, the school barely intervenes, telling the bully to “do better.” But if you happen to forget to pay your fees, they’re on top of you like hawks.
This isn’t just an exaggeration; my best friend was jumped by two guys, one of whom tried to stab him with scissors. I mean, I understand conflicts happen, but this is beyond. He’s scared—rightfully so—because the school hasn’t done anything to help him.
For two years, we were terrified of mass because the chaplain turned out to be a pedophile who raped two second graders. Look up “Manuel Cely Bogotá” if you want details. When this came to light, a group of mothers was so in denial that they attacked the people trying to hold him accountable.
Sorry for the lengthy rant, but I really needed to vent. I wish I could talk to someone I know, but everyone is too busy. How can I cope for the next two months?
And I apologize for my English; it’s not my first language.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a tough time at school. It sounds incredibly stressful and frightening. It’s completely understandable that you need to vent—that’s a lot to deal with, and it’s important to express how you feel.
Coping with a situation like this can be tricky, but here are a few suggestions that might help:
Find Support: Try to connect with friends or classmates who might be feeling the same way. Having a support system can make a huge difference. Even if you can’t talk about everything, just hanging out with people who understand what you’re going through can help lighten the load.
Talk to Someone: If you have a teacher or a counselor you trust, consider talking to them about what’s happening. You shouldn’t have to face this alone, and they might be able to help in ways that you can’t.
Focus on Yourself: Try to carve out some time each day for self-care. This could be anything from listening to music, playing a sport, or even just going for a walk. Finding small moments to relax can help you manage stress.
Set Small Goals: Instead of focusing on the next two months as a whole, try to break it down week by week. Set yourself small goals or things to look forward to, whether that’s hanging out with friends or finishing a book.
Document Everything: If you’re experiencing bullying or witnessing it, keep a record of what’s happening. This could be useful if you decide to report it later or need to talk to someone about it.
Stay Safe: Above all, prioritize your safety and well-being. If situations feel too overwhelming or dangerous, it’s crucial to reach out for help from trusted adults or authorities.
Remember, it’s not just you going through this, and it’s okay to seek out help and express your feelings. You’re not alone in this.