By Austin Wymore and Rory O’Connor
Dear Lenny,
It’s been a few weeks already and I still can’t find any mates to grub with at lunch. Am I a landlubber? What should I do?
Sincerely,
Lonely.
Dear Lonely,
I know what it’s like to be on your own. I used to man my ship all by my lonesome over the seven seas. What I recommend is participating in school activities you enjoy, like sports or clubs.
I found many of my best seadogs in the sailing club. It’s easy to feel embarrassed by putting yourself out there, especially in a new environment. But don’t stress about being liked by everyone. Have fun and show school spirit. If you follow your interests, you’re likely to bump into someone who feels the same way. People are friendlier than you think.
Sincerely,
Lenny
Dear Lenny,
Yesterday a scallywag in the bathroom offered me illegal elixirs. I was scared and didn’t know what to do so I ran away. Please help.
Sincerely,
Abstainer
Dear Abstainer,
Arrrgh! I’ve been in such a situation before. A scurvy dog once tried hornswoggling me into trying a coffer of illegal tonics. Avast, I smashed the goods with my hook in the scallywag’s face and made the dog walk the plank! It’s important not to take up bad habits or let others pressure you into doing something you’ll regret later.
Blimey! It’s not worth it! Those tonics make for a bad pirate anyways. If I were you I’d have simply denied the dog and sailed away, fast as possible! Best stay away from those barnacles!
Sincerely,
Lenny
Dear Lenny,
I’m struggling to keep up with all of my homework. I just don’t have enough time in my day. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Overwhelmed
Dear Overwhelmed,
Starting a new school year with a shipload of all new classes in a brand new place can be overwhelming on its own. Adding homework and extracurricular activities makes it ten times harder. It isn’t fun to have to skip lunch with your hearties to get tutoring or finish homework, but sometimes it’s necessary to get your work done on time.
A healthy balance is crucial to staying productive and happy. Sometimes it is okay to take a break and do your work at a later time. And don’t hesitate to ask your teachers or counselors for help, they are resources, not scuttlers.
Sincerely,
Lenny
Dear Lenny,
I am so overwhelmed by all of the club choices and I don’t know which ones to pick! Attending the meetings feels intimidating because there are so many people that I don’t know.
What clubs should I join and how do I feel less nervous going to a meeting?
Sincerely,
Anxious.
Dear Anxious,
While joining new clubs can be timber-shivering at first, it is also one of the best ways to meet new people! There is not one club that is cooler or better than another one. Each club is unique and allows everyone to have a place to meet people with similar interests!
Try a bunch. You don’t have to stick with all of them, but keep your options open and eventually you will have a place to go each week with new friends! Weigh anchor and start exploring what the school has to offer!
Sincerely,
Lenny
