Letters from the Switched on "The Dropout Issue" issue

Switched-on,

This probably sounds completely egotistical but I don't need school. It's boring and I can't think of one day in the past year where I learned something I didn't already know. I ask my friends and no one else seems this bored. What am I supposed to do? I feel like I'm just wasting my time and I need to drop out and get my GED and move on.


Signed,
Really Bored

Dear RB,

Sorry. That sucks. Being bored is one of those things that no one likes but it may be important sometimes. Why is it important to be bored? Because Alexander the great was probably bored as hell before he got out there and started uniting nations. That's probably a reach but boredom is a sign that you're not giving yourself something important or difficult to do. You started your letter being worried that you were sounding egotistical. It's not egoistical to notice when you are taking the world in baby bites rather than bites the right size for you. Talking to your principal or guidance counselor could help, here, because it's likely they've seen similar situations. They can help direct you towards what you love. It may not be that school itself is too easy for you, but that you need more than what they think you do to get you going. You don't have to drop out in order to get a GED. You can get one while in school, start college and have those credits go towards a high school diploma. This puts you ahead of the game. There are about a million options for what you can do. Options that can work for now and also make your records looks great for the future.

Switched On people,

I dropped out of school about a year ago when I was 15. I really never liked school and it was an easy decision at the time. Since then, my parents have broken up and I sort of live halfway here, halfway there and mostly nowhere. I can't honestly say I have a home address. I see where my life is headed right now and I don't like it very much. Can I get back into school and do I need my parents' help? I don't think they have too much time for me right now.

Signed,
Just me

Dear Just Me,

This is tough to deal with from your side. Out of school, not really living anywhere and your parents not noticing. You have a couple of things on your side, though. The first is that it's not legal for a 16 year old to be not taken care of in this country. If you feel neglected, calling us at 1-800-runaway is always an option. We can help you find a way to make sure you have what you need to get by. The second thing is that many states now have laws that say that they can't discriminate against people who don't live anywhere in particular when it comes to admitting them to school. You have a right to be in school. It IS actually a right. One that no one can take away from you. Maybe you weren't ready for school last time but now you are. No one can stop you from getting in there and moving your life in the direction YOU want it to go.

Dear Switched on Peeps,

Sorry about the peeps thing. My best friend is a sophomore like I am. He goes to a different school, though. I don't know what things are really like at his school but if you listen to him it's a pretty grim situation. He says that it's not worth being there at all and he wants to drop out. I really want to help him out and find a way for himj to stay in school. What can I do?

Signed,
Friendly

Dear Friendly,

You sound like a great friend. You didn't mention any of the reasons why your friend is having trouble staying in school but I'm sure we can think of hundreds. School's not easy all the time. Everything gets easier with friends, though. I'm sure you've considered tutoring him , helping him out, etc. but have you thought about talking with him and his parents to get him moved to a different school- maybe yours? Sometimes a certain school just isn't the right place for a certain person. It's not that the school is bad or the person is- sometimes it just doesn't work. Moving schools is always an option- and usually one that should be given a shot before making any drastic decisions. Maybe your parents can get in on the conversation, too. More brains working on the problem usually means more chances for an answer.