[talaniman]

Just curious, What do you do to enjoy yourself? Do you hang with the fella's or do sports? Do you have any really GOOD friends?

[Grayfox]

I lived in Japan on an Airbase for 7 years, at 13 I moved to where I am now in VA. It was a hard adjustment and I countered it with online video games to keep me busy. I had a very active life in japan. However, when I got here I found it hard, I tried to stay in soccer but I eventually gave that up. Making friends was slightly difficult, I have pretty much the same friend grou as I did then. However, I wouldn't say they're the type of friends I would like to have. Only one of them is nearly as thoughtful as I am, however he drinks with the rest of them and smokes and other things. I am not that kind of person, and as a result I put my ex-girlfriend ahead of them all. I still see them from time to time though, we hang out overnight or something. I don't like school sports ever since my past experiences here. However, to enjoy myself I do fencing, ninjutsu, I like video games still, but I don't depend on them in the way I did at one point in my life. I like watching 24 or listening to music when I'm upset. I don't do as many things as id like to, but I am also heavily involved in academics, this is my last year in high school and I have taken some of the most challenging courses offered due to being college bound. I would like a little more of a social group of friends that I can depend on and be honest with, but my hopes aren't up... at least hear anyway. I am depending on college to provide me with a group of friends, its like your life resets when you start college anyway.

[K_3]

We moved often as I grew up, there are certain ages that it is hard to change schools, I believe 13 is one of those ages. Moving to a different country would make it more difficult. I understand more now. Once you go to college, you will find a variety of people. You will fit into a crown that is more academic and not into alcohol etc. Some feel this is a big part of growing up, I do not believe that is so. I had friends that had their minds set at what they wanted to do and did not want to waste time on drugs and alcohol. One has become a politician, another a doctor and so on. Life will change for you and you will have a good one.

[Skell]

Just like yourself and smile and others will like you too.
You seem like a good guy and I'm sure you won't have a problem making friends. Juyst be yourself and have fun.
And it s good to focus your energies academically. Continue to do so and the rewards will come in other apsects of your life!