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1. In the System  Academic Stress

Why don’t teachers talk to each other?
i have six teachers who all give me assignments or projects or homework at the same time. why can’t they talk to each other so we don’t get slammed?!
Jessica, 15, Detroit, Michigan

Parents and expectations
My parents have huge expectations for my academic success. If I don't get straight As, I'm not good enough, but my friend's parents don’t care about his grades at all--they have no idea he's failing math. Why can't both our parents be more like each other? How are we supposed to deal with our parents' expectations or lack of them?
Sangita, 14, Berkeley, California

2. Playing the Part  Social Stress

Big bully
Theres a big guy in my class who picks on the smaller kids. the stuff he does makes me sick but I dont know what to do about it.
Jon, 15, Sagle, Idaho

Talking smack
That 4-way phone scene from "mean Girls" is the story of my life! Someone is always talking smack about someone else… and alot of times its not even behind your back. Is there any way to deal with this without looking like im kissing butt or a loner?
Yasmine, 16, Long Island, New York

3. Family Ties  Home and Family Stress

A teacher who listens
ive got this teacher that ive known since 6th grade. shes like kinda a big sister and kinda a mentor. its always really nice to have someone else to talk to when my parents wont listen to me or just don’t get it. Life is just so much easier when you have that one person who you can always go to…
Ashwin, 15, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Dad’s new "special friend"
my dads new girlfriend is really annoying and shes always trying to act like shes my mom. I hate that hes with her, and now theyr talking about getting married. help!
Quiana, 14, Portland, Oregon

4. Keeping It Real  Media and Cultural Stress

Why is Christmas such a big deal?
you know what pisses me off? Americans make Christmas into the biggest deal ever. my family never even really celebrated it til we moved to the US and now we only do it to look like we fit in. so im celebrating something I don’t even care about AND being fake at the same time. it makes me feel out of place and like a wannabe at the same time. when will it be cool to put up Chinese new year decorations in all the malls for two months?
Mihn-Chau, 17, Thousand Oaks, California

Played by the media
My friends and I read all those magazines like ym and seventeen and stuff and then we end up feeling crappy about ourselves. they make you feel like your not good enough . and then they’re like, just buy all this stuff and you’ll be so much better. but buying all the stuff just makes you feel even more crappy because it doesn’t do miracles. and you feel even worse because you’re broke AND you got played.
Crystal, 14, Santa Fe, New Mexico