Teen Time: An introduction

Hello everyone, my name is Olivia Doherty. I am a Scotts Valley middle-schooler who has opinions just like you. I want to share with you my observations about what a middle-schooler thinks on a daily basis.
Some columns I write may come off as negative to some of you and others may be very positive. I want to state what is really on my mind. No lies, no cover-ups. I want to be real and write true stories that have happened and caught my attention.
These columns I write hopefully will be useful for middle-schoolers. My intentions are to share with you a little bit about me and the things I go through as a middle-schooler. I really want my columns to give you a new perspective on things — and if not, I got you to read the newspaper. Hope you enjoyed it!
Popularity wars
What is it that makes someone popular? Is it the clothes, the makeup, or the crowd? The dictionary states popular as: liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or by a particular person or group. In middle school, I have observed that the people who think they are popular are desperate for attention and make sure they are the center of it. Are these “attention-getters” even popular for the right reasons?
Every day, I see kids not being considerate of other peoples’ feelings, wearing inappropriate clothing and makeup that makes girls look like raccoons. Once you’re in, you’re in, and they don’t make others feel very welcomed in their “territory.”
If you want to be the real definition of popular, you should be kind to people and say hello to them, because you see them in school every day. Also, include them in conversations or give them a compliment, don’t act like they’re not there. You shouldn’t change yourself for anyone else’s satisfaction. Be yourself and stand out for the right reasons. Don’t ever be a follower, because if you do, you are basically handing yourself over to them for the next eight years.
Surround yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are, and that is all you need to make yourself happy.
Olivia Doherty will begin seventh grade at Scotts Valley Middle School in the fall. She writes an occasional column about issues facing middle school students today. Olivia can be reached through the Press-Banner by e-mailing pb******@pr*********.com.