Joseph,
I’m most sorry to know that you’ve been bullied by your new classmates. Moving into a new school ought to mark the turning of a new leaf, and I greatly sympathize with you for this unfortunate beginning. You, however, have to bear in mind that it is not due to your slightest fault and, if you do as I tell you, things will be fine.
First thing first, you have to gain confidence in yourself. Being overweight is not a vice. You might feel like manipulating your diet, doing more exercise and shedding some weight for the sake of health, but laughing at you because of your physical fitness is simply not right! In this case, it is them who are wrong, not you. Therefore, you should not lose any confidence in yourself. You are not inferior to anyone to the slightest extent. From the tone of your letter I know you are a nice fine teenager, and many more will agree with me.
It seems to me that you are facing two groups ofpeople. The first group are the ones who see you as a laughing stock, and the others are those who hesitate to socialize with you, fearing that they might be teased also. The resolution is simple. Ignore the arrogant, and befriend all others. It’s like opting between the devil and the deep blue sea. Either way you get teased, and then why not opt for the deep blue sea where you still get a chance of survival, a chance of meeting a friend? There is no dilemma. Joseph, I know that you’re a great boy and I will see to the fact that others also think so. Be active. Be bold. Be confident. Believe in yourself. You can approach them by teaching them schoolwork, by inviting them into a game and you name it. Perhaps, there is someone who is just as lonely as you are and you can make friends with him.
Finally, but not less importantly, feel free always to seek advice from the senior. I’m glad that you are bold enough to tell your situation on the blog. This implies that at the very least you are willing to confront the problem. Every cloud has a silver lining, Joseph. This is a golden opportunity for you to learn how to make new friends. As Charles Dickson put it, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” I now say the reverse, and I know how bad it feels to have no one to talk to. I had also come through that difficult period myself. Get to know someone if you can as I mentioned earlier. Better still, if I were you. I would concentrate on my studies. Once you’ve made a little name for yourself, people will come to you spontaneously. If your talent is shown in front of others, I would feel like an ostrich if I were among those who tease you.
Cheer up man. I’m sure you can sort it out. I’m always by your side in case of anything else.
Chris