[Joely]

Hi Zane,

I can appreciate you struggling at school in an environment that doesn't suit learning. I went to a failing high school that was closed in 2000 (I left in 1995), and had a very poor academic record. Many of the classes were more about riot control than teaching.

Yet out of that, I have a degree and a PhD. It all depends on your attitude and how you approach school. As The Cloud has very wisely pointed out, you can choose whether this environment affects you negatively or not. You always have the choice in what happens to you. It really doesn't matter if people around you aren't living according to the same standards and ideals as you are - you can still do the work and whatever you need to do to get out of your school experience what you most want.

I found it tough at school because I was a deep thinker and quite lonely, but as I've grown older, I've relaxed a great deal and found people I can really connect with and love. I'm sure you'll find that too. Sometimes it's just a matter of accepting yourself and others just as you are.

Good luck,

J x