Expert: Dan - 4/1/2009

Question
Hi,
I'm 14 years old and currently in high school. I don't go to school any more though because of something that happened a year back. Being of school for so much time I'm losing out on education, social life and getting myself and my parents into so much trouble!
A year ago, after I lost my gran who I was really close to I started mixing with the wrong crowd, drinking and taking drugs. I fell pregnant and it got around the full school, now I have a reputation I can't seem to get rid off. I don't know what to do because anytime I try and go into school I can't seem to build up enough confidence to do so.
Help !?

Answer
Heya

Well is there any way you could change schools?  That's always the easiest option.

But seriously, you should just not care what people think.  I mean, honestly, why do you care if these people think you're a badass?  I mean, it's better than being bullied 'cause you're a wimp, right?  There are worse things to be made fun of.  It really doesn't matter what those kids think anyways.  You can always rebuild your reputation.  I mean, the majority of the people don't know you, right?  All they've heard is rumours, but when you go back you can prove to them that you're a cool person.

So don't sweat it.  Just be really friendly and open.

Good luck!
Dan