Amogh shares a page of his diary as he prepares to change schools. Again. A difficult goodbye or the chance for a new beginning. Find out in this edition of Dear diary. 

Dear diary,

“You’re joining a new school!”

These five words (or six, if you count “you’re” as “you are”) basically shake up everything in your existence when you’re a kid. And I really mean everything. 

The words sink in, and suddenly, you realise what this means: this is the last time you see your friends. The last time you see your teachers. The last time you’re going to walk the familiar hallways, the last time you enter through beloved gates, the last time you enter homeroom. Think about it… the place, the people you spent 8 hours every day with? You might never see them again. It genuinely feels like all that you loved, lived and laughed for is just…ending. Ok, so it’s probably not that dramatic. But still. 

The feeling is complex. It’s a mix of shock, excitement, stress, melancholy, and basically everything in between. I’ve moved schools and moved countries 3 times, and yet, the idea of moving schools still catches me completely off guard. Well, I’m shifting schools. Again. Fourth time’s the charm?. And those five words still spark some sense of how I felt moving schools for the first time, back when I was 6 years old. My father had just gotten transferred to New York, and we were leaving the country in a month-and-a-half. And everything I said about moving schools in the second paragraph? Well, all that is compounded to the power 8 when you’re moving to another country. 

Back then, I didn’t really know what to feel. To be honest, I was more like: “Well, what am I supposed to do? New York? What’s that? Huh? Lego? Wait… can I have a Lego for my birthday? Please… Lego Star Wars? Darth Vader? Kylo Ren? Wait… the Force Awakens is in theatres? Papa? Can we go watch?” So, I really didn’t feel too much. 

As little kids, I guess we’re more optimistic, because I didn’t really care about the fact that this was the last time I’d probably see most people around me at school. I didn’t feel most of the melancholy. All I really cared about was the new Lego AT-AT Walker set which was releasing in New York a lot earlier than it was in India. 

But fast forward two years, just as I’m completing third grade in New York, I hear those five  words again. Followed by “We’re moving to Dublin, in Ireland!” Initially, I’m dumbfounded. Which Dublin again? And after I’m done pondering about how I’m going to shift all my Lego sets to Dublin – the one in Ireland, I realize what’s going to happen. And an uneasy feeling hits me. So the next day in school, I tell all my friends that, in a month, I’m probably never seeing them again. Every day, I get more and more anxious. I had finally started to feel comfortable in New York, and now we have to move again? I’m helplessly crushed, and I have no idea how the heck I’m going to survive in Ireland.

The time finally comes. The first day of school in Ireland. Gotta remember to call soccer football again. After 8 long hours, I’m like: Well. It wasn’t that bad. Maybe I can get by. 4th grade goes by, and so does 5th grade, and 6th grade, and finally, I’m nearing the end of 7th grade, when I’m bombarded with another announcement. “You’re going back to India. We’ve enrolled you in a great IB scho-” 

What?! This time, I feel like I’m going to go crazy. Once again, just as I was finally enjoying my life in Ireland, I got the news that I’m going back. So, everytime I laugh at my friend’s joke, I think maybe this is the last time. Every time I take a bite out of my lunch, I think maybe this is the last sandwich I eat in this country. Maybe the last St. Patrick’s day parade… 

Fast forward again, this time to 8th grade. I’m in India, and life is good. I have a bunch of friends, and I’m enjoying playing cricket and competing in chess tournaments. The year goes by fast, and 9th grade comes by. I’m feeling great. I’m enjoying my life, and the only thing that can upset me is if someone reminds me that India lost the 2023 Cricket World Cup. But, otherwise, I’m having a blast. And then… the day comes… again…

A different school. A different country. Different people. The last time I’ll play football with my friends. The last time I’ll go to the second floor bathroom. The last time I’ll go to the first floor bathroom. The last time I’ll go to the third floor bathroom. All these thoughts, and more, keep replaying in my head during the last day of school. To be honest, I really don’t know what to feel, once again. 

But maybe that’s fine.

Someone wise once said “change is the only constant”. So I guess this is just “change” reasserting itself into my life. Because moving schools might mean the end of one experience, but it’s also the beginning of another. Because for every last day of 9th grade, there’s a first day of 10th grade. Maybe it only gets easier when we embrace the change. When we normalize it, instead of resisting it. Because… without change, we really wouldn’t be here. 

Would you like to share your feelings with TeenBook? Send us your thoughts in the comments box! Remember, not to put any personal information in the comment box.

Hey there! So, you got the news about your midterms, huh? Well, grab a seat and lend me your ear, because your favourite trusted adult, Disha, is here to dish out some much-needed wisdom, sprinkle a little motivation, and get you back on track.

It’s just one exam

First off, let’s tackle the big picture: failing a midterm might sting a bit, but trust me, it’s far from the end of the world. Think of it as a speed bump on the highway of your academic journey. Take a deep breath and repeat after me: “It’s just an exam, not the end of my studies or the world, for that matter.” Got it? Perfect.

Reflect and regroup

Now, let’s dive into the deep end and talk about learning from the past. Every stumble is an opportunity to grow and learn. So, take a moment to reflect on what tripped you up. Were you putting off studying? Did you struggle with certain concepts? Identify the obstacles, and then formulate a plan to conquer them in the future.

It’s okay to seek help 

Next, it’s time to level up for the upcoming exams. Roll up your sleeves, study smarter, and give it your all. And hey, don’t shy away from having a heart-to-heart with mom and dad about it. They’re your biggest cheerleaders, even if they dish out a bit of tough love.

So, things may have gone a tad off course this time around. It’s a common pitfall, nothing to beat yourself up over. Perhaps it’s worth considering some extra support, like tuition classes asking your mom/dad to teach you or joining study groups. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

And don’t forget to touch base with your teachers. Assure them that you’re committed to bouncing back and ask for their guidance. They’ll appreciate your initiative and dedication to improving.

You’ve got this!

Now, let’s talk attitude. Your mindset can make or break your success. Keep your chin up, stay positive, and give it your all. Remember, you’re capable of achieving greatness, and this setback is just a stepping stone on your path to success.

Understanding over grades

And here’s a nugget of wisdom: don’t get bogged down by the nitty-gritty details. Focus on understanding the subjects and putting forth your best effort. The grades will follow suit.

To sum it up: learn from your missteps, put in the work, seek support when needed, and maintain a positive outlook. You’ve got this, champ! Now go out there and show those exams who’s boss!

And remember, if you ever need a pep talk or some friendly advice, you know where to find me. I’ve got your back, always. Keep pushing forward, and don’t ever doubt yourself. Peace out!

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Are you sure? 

Okay Sana, first of all heyyy! Whats up! Well you just told me that so we’ll get to that in a minute. And why would anybody hate you man! You’re such a cutie! I know I haven’t seen you, but I just know. Aree haan haan Disha knows everything. (imagine me with a smug face)

Okay so first tell me, are you sure you’re reading this right? I mean maybe you’re stressed about something and reading into it somewhere else?

I know that happens. This has happened with me too bro! I hadn’t eaten all morning and suddenly I thought all my friends hated me. It’s actually pretty normal for overthinkers like us. Our brains just work like that.

So if you really think that your teacher hates you, first of all, assess yourself. Try to find out if you did anything to anger them or disrupt what they taught.

Not easy for them! 

I mean, socho yaar teachers already have it so stressful these days with learning all these online classes and working on phones and tablets in a way they never have. It must be difficult for them too. Upar se those merciless students who make it more difficult for them.

So, taken that you’re not overthinking because of stress maybe they are? They have so much to worry about and let’s be honest, not all the students make it easier. It might seem unreasonable to you sometimes but only you can help yourself in this situation.

First thing you can do is, the next time you feel like your teacher hates you, think about what made them angry. Is it something you did or maybe somebody else misbehaved? In either case, try to think about it from their perspective and better your or your classmates’ behaviour.

Sincere efforts 

Pay attention during your lectures, the teachers work really hard for the notes and it could be frustrating when nobody is paying attention to them. Be attentive, answer the questions you can and just be a sincere student. After all, it is you who will benefit from this. Right? So what’s the harm!

And after all the effort, sincere efforts, if you still don’t feel like it’s working, try talking about it to a trusted adult. It can be your sister, brother, cousin, aunty, mom, dad anyone. Anyone who you’re comfortable with. Tell them how you feel and they’ll help you handle it. 

You can also talk to another teacher at school – one you are comfortable with – and confide in her about how you feel? You can also talk to a senior in school who is taught by the same teacher and seek his/her help. And I’m sure it will be okay. To just chill and be a sincere and focused student.

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

This and that

Meeta, Sagar, Hemant and Dia are sitting in the canteen during the lunch break. Nobody has touched the food. 

“Meeta, I have already told you., I will not work with you guys unless my idea is accepted by everyone”, said Dia. She had already shared a long list of criticisms on the proposals and pitches made by others.

“Dia, we have a deadline in two days. We need to negotiate over our contrasting ideas. None of us will follow your orders”, Meeta replied furiously. 

“Guys, calm down! Stop fighting and let’s figure something out patiently!” Sagar exclaimed.

Dia became more furious now and snapped, “Sagar, you have hardly done any kind of work, so it’s better if you remain out of this. I am going to complain about you to the teacher anyway”. 

“Dia, you haven’t been of much help either, and whereas Hemant is concerned, he has been delaying writing his part for the last three days”, Meeta complained. 

“How can I write the material if all of you keep fighting over it? This is the worst group ever. I regret being paired with all of you”, lamented Hemant. 

Their teacher, Anuja Sharma, had been assigned a duty in the cafeteria today. As she saw them argue, she approached their table and enquired.

Do check out this amazing video on – Fighting Fair: How Do You Resolve Conflict? Read the rest of the article below the video: 

Changing group? 

“Is something wrong?” the teacher asked.

“Ma’am, we were discussing the project. We are not able to reach any consensus. Everyone is disagreeing and arguing with each other”, Sagar replied.

“Ma’am, can we please change our groups? We are not able to work with each other. Our ideas don’t align and that is leading to a lot of arguments and no work”, Dia added.

Anuja Ma’am sighed and said, “Changing your group is not a solution at all. Differing ideas is one of the reasons why people work in a team, Dia. All of you will often find that your ideas don’t align with your team members, but the way you handle that and not let it interfere with your work, is what teamwork and collaboration is about”, the teacher explained.

“Ma’am, but we all are poles apart. Can’t I work with like minded people?” asked Hemant. 

“The four of you need to realise that your expertise in different areas can be used to work more efficiently and bring a better output. It will make you more open to each other’s ideas”, the teacher said. 

“Sorry ma’am but how? I don’t understand what good it is to be different. We are just arguing non-stop!” Meeta complained. 

“Well, Meeta, your research, Hemant’s writing, Sagar’s design and Dia’s presentation – if it all comes together then it can make your project truly stand out”, the teacher tried to convince everyone. 

“Ma’am it seems that you thought very  carefully while pairing us with one another. You saw what we couldn’t see!” Meeta said.

“Yes, you are right Meeta. But remember, good results will happen only if you choose to trust each other’s knowledge and understand each other’s ideas, Ok? Now no more fighting. Start working!” the Anuja Ma’am added.

“Yes, ma’am. We will try our best not to fight”, Sagar, Hemant and Dia replied together and laughed. 

Anuja Ma’am smiled and left as the four of them continued with their discussions, in the hope of reaching a consensus this time.

Have you ever been in this situation? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember not to share any personal information in the comment boxes.

‘I can ask you, right?

‘Mom, what does f@uk mean?’, Arjun asked his mother as she was sipping on her coffee. 

Naina loved to spend time with Arjun on the weekends. He was always full of questions and energy, which helped her unwind after working hard at the bank all week. 

But she wasn’t prepared for this question and spilt the coffee on her dress.  

‘I know, I know,  it is a bad word but so many of the older kids say it and today I heard two of my classmates use it too,’ Arjun explained. 

‘So I thought I’ll ask you what it means. I wanted to ask Papa. But felt a bit scared. But I know I can ask you everything. Hai na?, Arjun continued. 

Naina quickly recovered from her initial shock and returned to her calmer self which made her Arjun’s favourite person and the trusted adult he could always approach with any concern, question or problem. 

A rude word

‘Arjun, I’m super glad that you are sharing this with me. ‘You’re right the ‘F’ word isn’t a nice word, in fact it is one of the worst swear words there is. But it is used quite often and you may have even heard it in movies or songs’. Arjun nodded in agreement. 

‘The F-word is slang, a crude or rude word for the acting of having sex. Now I know you are aware about sex and reproduction which is why I am telling you what it means”, Naina said. 

‘But off late, people have also started using it to express excitement, surprise, shock, enthusiasm or like I said even as a swear word’, she added. 

‘ Just as we often use ‘shit’ for when something goes bad. In reality it means…’ 

‘’I know what it means in reality!’ Arjun interrupted, not wanting his mom to go into the details of the ‘S’ word.

Is it a bad thing? 

‘But mom, is sex a bad thing?  Why would anyone talk about it in a bad way?” he asked next. . 

“No beta, it isn’t. Sex in an expression of love or strong attraction between two consenting adults, who like each other and want to be with each other, and so isn’t wrong in any way. However, the F-word is honestly, a crass and frankly vulgar word for it. It is slang which is offensive.’

Just to sound cool

Naina continued, ‘Unfortunately Arjun, there are many more unpleasant and hateful profanities that you may start to hear if you haven’t already, that often change the original meaning of words, concepts or phrases in a rude and vulgar manner.’

‘Hmm…’, Arjun said playing the cricket ball in his hand.  

As she had Arjun’s full attention, Naina continued, ‘Arjun, there could be times where you may feel  the need to use such words. It could be because you want to fit in with a particular group of friends or a celebrity you like uses it or it may come out when you are angry. Whatever the reason may be, using the F-word or other rude expressions can have harmful consequences.  Besides getting into trouble such as being suspended from school, you could be making someone really uncomfortable or worse hurting their feelings.’ 

‘Yep, I understand Mom. It really helps to have these chats with you. I know what things mean and then make decisions about what to do when friends say, do, or worse force me into things. I am nearly a grown-up now. So I need to be really responsible. Especially being the big-bro to Veer and all that! Hai na?’, Arjun chuckled.

‘Haha, not quite yet. Let’s take it easy my can’t-wait-to-be grown-up-express!’ Naina said, patting Arjun’s head. 

‘But, that’s right.  If you ever have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask me’, Naina added. 

‘Thanks Mom. I love you!’, Arjun said and ran out to play with Veer, who had been calling him to play a game of cricket outdoors. 

Have you heard any inappropriate words among your friends? Do they bother you? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember no rude words or personal information in the comment box!