LETTER OF THE WEEK

BAD BOY BLUES

My nickname is Tay, and I'm in Matayom 3. I'm a bad boy. I don't pay attention in class, and I'm too lazy to do homework.

I sleep in class, and sometimes I skip school. I'm fed up with going to class.

I tried to improve myself, but that lasted only a few days. Most teachers are sick of me. Give me some advice, please.

Kemachat Muansaiyad,
Bangkok

You've sent me an interesting letter, Tay. You acknowledge that you're a bad boy, but you don't seem to be too happy about it. Believe it or not, that's a really good thing. You admit that your behaviour is a problem, and you want to change. That means you've already taken the first step toward making things better for yourself. Changing the way you act can be a big challenge, but it's not impossible. Look at all of the things that you do to make things harder for yourself, and make the effort to stop doing them. Sometimes it's as easy as doing the exact opposite of what you'd normally do. If the people you're hanging out with are part of the problem, stop hanging out with them. Talk to the teacher who is least sick of you, and tell them that you really want to change. Ask for help. The chances are that your teacher probably wants to help you, if only to make their life easier. It's a challenge, but you can do it. Good luck. - Editor

SAD STORY

My nickname is Goagay, and I'm a 14-year-old student. I want to talk about my life.

My mom passed away in 2007, and my dad lives in China. He never visits me at all. My aunt takes care of me.

I'm unhappy. I must do all the housework, like a slave. But my cousin, who is one year younger than me, doesn't do anything. I'm envious.

Nobody loves me. I'm lonely.

Natchapon Boriboonvikkai,
Bangkok

I'm really sorry that you're having a hard time, Goagay. You've had some really tough breaks in life, and there's no easy advice that I can give you to make it better right now. But I want you to remember that, in general, it does get better. As you get older, you'll have more chances to experience life on your own terms and to make relationships that will be fulfilling and help you find some happiness. In the meantime, if you've got good friends, lean on them for some love and support. Reach out to a favourite teacher or classmate and let them know what you're feeling. Having somebody to talk to can really help. Hang in there, kiddo. - Editor

DAY OF DISAPPOINTMENT

I'm Ning, and I'm 15. I didn't like Children's Day this year. Everything was very boring at school.

It was not very fun. I wanted to go to the planetarium, but I couldn't.

I saw on the news that everybody was happy on children's day, but I wasn't. I asked my mom why I couldn't go to the Children's Day parties, and she said that I was too grown up.

I needed to do my housework, and I didn't like doing it. I wanted to have fun. But from my bad luck, came some good luck. I got my own bedroom, and a dream came true.

Saovalux Panyavisedpong,
Bangkok

It's really a bummer when things don't turn out the way we'd hoped, Ning. You're at a point in your life when there are lots of changes. That's not a bad thing. Maybe your mom has a point. At 15, you're not really a child anymore. Start thinking about all of the things that are good about growing up, and focus on them. You've already got your own room; that's a great part of getting older. - Editor

---

We want to hear from you! For pen pals, letters and any general comments you have about Student Weekly, contact us at Bangkok Post Student Weekly, Bangkok Post Building, 136 Na Ranong Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. You can also email us at [email protected], or facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Student-Weekly-video-clips/128164333915267. Your words must be your own (except for quotations and well-known proverbs or sayings) and they may be edited. Letters of the Week win a prize of 150 baht.