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The first time I found myself truly alone was in sixth grade. Moving to a new city meant starting over, and for someone who’d always been popular in my old school, being on the outside felt weird and confusing. Everyone already knew each other, and it seemed like there was no room for me. I’d spend lunch breaks hiding in the school bathrooms, trying to get through the day. And with my dad sick in the hospital for much of my childhood, there was an emptiness I couldn’t seem to fill. Every night, I’d cry, hoping for just one real friend to make me feel less alone.
Finally, a year later, someone came into my life: a quiet, shy girl from Pakistan. She became my friend, and we’d hang out together at lunch, making school a little less lonely but she sadly changed schools. In eighth grade, a new girl arrived, and we quickly became best friends, or so I thought. But eventually, she moved on to a different group, leaving me behind. I felt abandoned, yet again. I tried to find connection with another girl, but soon discovered she’d been talking behind my back. Hurt and betrayed, I cut her off and faced my biggest fear once more: being on my own.
Just recently, everything changed again. I felt myself pulling away from everyone, and in the end, I chose to push people out of my life, only keeping a few distant connections. When old friends came back, hoping to reconnect, I realized I’d grown stronger. I’d learned I was worth more than half-hearted friendships.
So, if you’re struggling with being alone in school, I get it. I’ve been there. And while it’s not easy, I want to share what I’ve learned with you. Here’s how to survive and even thrive when you’re facing school life solo.
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