Dear Misfit at Mead,

It can be tough to feel connected to a community that doesn’t march with you.

I’m here to tell you, they don’t need to march with you. Make your own social rules and norm. I do this all time, from my 2005 band tee-shirts and black eyeliner, I’ve created my own norm that I can be comfortable with. I also joined clubs that I felt passionate about, with people who I could relate with. It’s all about finding your own groove!

Our school has great clubs and sports that are a great way to find where you belong. Lots of kids of all types find their way into clubs. As you mentioned, you’re artistic. Art club would be an amazing fit for you. There’s plentiful of artistic, open minded kids that attend this club. Another super creative club you could join is writing club. If you enjoy writing poetry, short stories and more, this could be a good place. Though the club is small, its full of amazing people who, just like you, march to their own drums. Film club is a more quiet club. You watch movies and talk about them afterwards. Great place to unwind. Of course, there are sports such as volleyball, basketball, tennis, and others.

On the side of making friends, talking to people in your class that maybe are drawing or listening to music can be a great way to start a small conversation. After a few days of starting a “friendship” you could ask to sit with them at lunch. This what I did freshmen year. I made friends with a girl in my honors biology class and I asked to sit with her. We became friends and now we are all very close!

Lastly the topic of bullying. I personally know how hard it can be to go through that and feel rejected. You can always talk to a trusted adult in the building, or your counselor about a schedule change in the class that you’re having issues in. Misfit at Mead, remember to breathe and keep on carrying on. I promise things will get better soon!

-Bes