Q&A for How to Survive Middle School (for Girls)

Go to the office, and they will likely be able to either give you your combination or contact someone to open your locker for you. In the future, be sure to write your locker combination down and keep it in a safe and secret place so that you do not lose it.

Middle school can seem tough and scary, especially with all of the new material and extra homeworker, not to mention all of the drama. But if you're well prepared, you can make it through, one day at a time. One trick to make your life easier is to stay on you teachers' good sides. The last thing you need is one of them breathing down your neck. Pay attention in class, do your homework, and ask for help if you need it. They shouldn't give you too much trouble. As far as drama goes, try your best to avoid getting caught up in it. The number of boys you date or the amount of makeup you wear won't make you popular, and neither will gossiping about people behind their back. Focus on your grades and classes. You'll make plenty of friends and you can choose who you want to hang out with. You don't have to feel pressured to fit in or do what other people tell you to do. It may be hard to look so far ahead, but the truth is, middle school is only temporary. Try to stay out of trouble and do your schoolwork so you can make it out alive.

Apart from schoolwork and lunch, middle schoolers have to learn how to deal with a lot of new things. One of the biggest is how to learn to navigate relationships and the drama that can come with it. If you're able to steer clear of drama, your time in middle school can have a lot fewer headaches. There are a few things you can try to avoid drama. For starters, don't gossip or talk about people behind their backs. It isn't nice to them and it can make you look bad. Focus on your own stuff and stay out of other people's business. It's totally natural to feel frustrated or angry with other people, especially if they're mean to you. Try to keep a cool head and avoid letting your anger get the best of you. It may sound really boring or lame, but you really should try to just focus on your grades. It'll be better for you in the long run. High school, college, and everything after that will be much better if you stay focused in middle school. Remember, it only lasts a little while and then it's over!

Choosing the right outfit can really boost your confident and make you feel good about yourself. When you're picking out an outfit for middle school, make sure it follows the school's dress code so you don't get in trouble. Pick out a nice top that's also comfortable and doesn't show too much skin. Pair it with pants or a skirt that fit you well, but isn't too revealing. Choose shoes that make sense with the outfit as well. If you have to wear a uniform, you may have limited options, but you can always accessorize. Wear a bracelet, necklace, or earrings that add a little flair and individuality to your uniform.

It's okay to have a different taste than other people. If it frequently causes conflict, you can change the subject. You can share the type of music you are into and also let others share the music they like. You can also point out that nobody has the exact same taste or option. If you are being bullied, tell a member of staff to resolve the issue. Don't be ashamed of your taste in music or try to change to fit in. Hang around with people who accept you for who you are.

You should speak to them and let them know you are on their side, as well as asking if there is anything you can do to help. Encourage them to tell a teacher or another member of staff, or tell them yourself if that's what they prefer. Avoid being a bystander, if you see someone being bullied, stand up for them and show that you support the person being bullied. Many people don't want to stand up to a bully because they fear they will get bullied themselves, but standing up for someone can also look like being there for them, taking them away from any troublesome situations and letting an adult know what is going on.

You should stay yourself. Contrary to popular belief, changing who you are won't really make people less likely to bully you, and it won't make you happy either. Even if it doesn't feel like it, there will be people on your side who want to make friends with you. Taking part in extracurriculars may be one way to make friends. If you like sports, you could join a sports group. Liking sports as a girl and wearing glasses are both very common, so you definitely won't be alone. It is impossible to fit in with everyone, as everyone is so different. When you start school, it may be easy to make generalisations about people, but in time you will realise that everyone is different, and so will they.