Changing Schools Won’t Fix Everything
As a sophomore in high school, I’ve found myself switching schools almost every semester. My journey started at a public school where I felt completely out of place. The biggest issue was that everyone seemed fake, making it hard to connect with anyone. Plus, my popular brothers often overshadowed me—people used my connection to them to get closer to them, which only led to awkward situations. I wanted a fresh start away from the drama, especially after discovering friends at my house getting a little too friendly with my brother.
In that environment, strange rumors circulated about me simply because my friend was popular. At that time, I was a bit overweight and preferred to be genuine over engaging in superficial friendship dynamics. Some girls even spread rumors that I was gay, which didn’t bother me too much, but it was frustrating nonetheless. What really crossed the line was the inappropriate behavior I faced; I reported incidents of harassment, yet some kids continued to make comments about my body and intrude during private moments like changing clothes.
Fed up, I decided to transfer to a school near my grandmother’s house. This time, I landed at a private Catholic school on a scholarship—only to find that many students looked down on me for it. Once again, rumors began to swirl because I mostly kept to my close friends. It wasn’t until the last day of school that I learned some kids were calling me a “school shooter.” They even perceived me as mentally delayed simply because I didn’t engage in conversations about topics that didn’t interest me. Admittedly, I wasn’t very talkative, but that was because their discussions revolved around drugs, vacations, and sports—none of which appealed to me. I tried to share my experiences, like babysitting for extra cash, but was met with snide remarks instead.
Now, I’m learning online, and I genuinely enjoy it. The rumors haven’t stopped, and I’ve heard some things from my brothers, but at this point, I don’t care. After losing over 30 pounds, the very things I was teased for suddenly became trendy to others. It’s amusing how in high school, everyone seems to care so much about fitting in. My brothers, for example, continue to attract attention, with girls even feeling comfortable enough to make ridiculous requests around them. It’s wild.
To sum it up, if you don’t fit what’s trending, you risk being made fun of. When you struggle to connect over common interests, you’ll likely face labels, and it won’t just fade away. People dismiss serious issues, using terms like the “R” slur, which bothers me deeply, especially since I have family with disabilities. And if your music taste isn’t mainstream, prepare for the “weird” label unless your choice aligns with the latest TikTok hits.
Through all this, I’ve learned to stop letting others’ opinions affect me. I’ve also distanced myself from friend groups that thrive on drama and manipulation. Fortunately, I’ve found three true friends who don’t seek to exploit me for social status or money. Those genuine relationships mean far more to me than any superficial friendship.
If you’re thinking about switching schools, be prepared to confront your own issues in the process. It’s ironic how persistent rumors can be, no matter how many times you address them or present proof. One girl often talked behind my back, and whenever I confronted her, she’d visibly squirm and deny everything. It’s exhausting dealing with people like that.
Before making the decision to switch schools, consider the reasons behind it. If there’s nothing keeping you bound to your current school and you’re genuinely unhappy, I recommend making the change—no matter how often it takes to find a place where you feel comfortable.
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your school experiences, and I’m really sorry to hear about everything you’ve dealt with. It’s frustrating when people are so quick to judge and spread rumors without knowing the full story, especially when they can be so hurtful.
Switching schools can feel like a fresh start, but as you’ve pointed out, it doesn’t automatically solve the issues of fitting in or dealing with unkind behavior. High school can be a tough environment where many people just want to conform to what’s “popular,” and it’s hard to navigate that when you feel different. I admire your resilience and the fact that you’ve found a way to focus on your education and well-being through online schooling.
It’s great to hear that you have three solid friends who appreciate you for who you are rather than for what you can offer them. That sounds like a much healthier dynamic!
You’ve made some really important points about the importance of surrounding yourself with genuine people, recognizing your self-worth, and not letting others get to you. It’s unfortunate that human behavior can be so inconsiderate, but focusing on what’s important to you—your interests, your friends, and your studies—will always serve you better in the long run.
If you ever decide to change schools again, remember that it’s okay to prioritize yourself and your mental health. Keep being true to yourself, and don’t let the negativity of others define you. You’ve got this!