I changed schools several times when I was young. It isn't easy. But, now many people move and change schools that I am sure you are not the only new student.. But, even if you have been in a school for awhile and your classes change, you see so many new faces, it isn't easy to figure out who is new.

My daughter complained about making friends all through school. She is a senior. now The boys and girls act differently ,as they are interested in dating and having relationships and so on, so they are a bit more reserved.

I have always told my daughter...look around. Find that person also sitting alone...go over and sit near them. Start a conversation before class with someone near you. If they are friendly ask to exchange phone numbers for homework questions.

You've said you have never been shy...so be outgoing.. There are many different clubs you can join. in high school. Maybe sitting with a teacher has made people a bit reluctant to approach you. They may think you have language or religious issues that keeps you separate.

Can the teachers find out if their are other Muslim students that they can introduce you to so as to make your transition easier? Does your church have teen activities? Will your father allow you to go to another church's teen activities? I did when I was young. Many Christian church activities are open to everyone.

Ask your dad for some ideas. Is there a female relative that t might know the area you live in that might be able to give you some suggestions?

You are still the same person...confident...outgoing...friendly...
intelligent...and sociable. A new school does not change that. You may not have a whole lot of friends right now...but it will come to you. You just have to get out there and make it work.

Good luck to you.

Unfortunately at times but not always people are judged by their religion or manner of vesture. This may be your case but I am not sure. This is where one suffers for the sake of being a faithful follower of God. Some people deny their faith to become popular. I will not for any reason. Just my opinion

Blondie61. Thank you so much, I never realized that sitting with my teacher at lunch may make it harder for me. I realy appreciate your words.

eyesalve. Thank you :)

I'm sorry you're having a hard time making friends, and as unfair as it
is, Muslims are misunderstood in many parts of this country. The lack
of friendship being offered may have nothiing to do with you and be
all about your attire. I recently read on another website a post from a guy in high school who had been one of the most popular
people in his school. When his family moved across the country, he
was totally shunned, and had no idea why. Much later, he was told that
because of the section he came from and his ethnic name, the students
were affraid that his family had an affiliation with the same-named branch of the Mafia. He actually became physically very sick, and a year or
two later, when they moved back, and his life returned to normal, the health problems left. The emotional nightmare that people are willing to put someone through, out of sheer ignorance is astounding, and increasingly common.

Please don't blame yourself for something you have no control over.
Can you meet with teen Muslims, elsewhere -- maybe at the Mosque?
The teacher that you have lunch with - is there any way she can work
the subject of Muslims into the class info, or get another, just to
open up a conversation - teachers are great at that kind of thing. Can
you talk to your school counselor? Can you tutor younger kids,
babysit? Do they have any clubs or groups you can join at school?

Moving to a different area, with social groups more closed off
than ever can be devastating. This should be a very fun time in
your life and it would just take one good friend to make it fun.

Sending you good wishes and hope for a positive change, very soon.

Amiliiyy:
I didn't say anything about any of this in my earlier post as I did not want you to feel people might be prejudice. You can get that anywhere, even in your old school. Just because I am a senior citizen I am not always treated nicely, I've been treated like I am dumb because my hair is blonde. Who you are should not sway you from making friends.

The most important thing is you knowing you are a nice person and know how to be a good friend.. If you smile and someone smiles back that is an invitation to say hello. You have to be open and out there.

Sometimes people don't realize if they look away from others, hang their head, move away, they are giving a message for someone to go away, don't talk to me.The only way for people to get to know you is if you let them. By isolating yourself with a teacher you shut yourself off. Go sit with other students. Look around, who seems friendly. You need to take that first step.

You have had many friends. You know how it works. Don't let anyone make you feel less then the other teens because of who you are. You do not have to change anything to suit others.

There are several Teen groups on DS , if you haven't joined any you may want to do that. You can get ideas from other teens. They will understand today's teens better then we might, as well as lessening the loneliness. Do you stay in contact with your old friends? I hope you do and that they encourage you to get out there and find some new friends.

Interestinly enough, I can relate to you in some ways in other ways I cannot...

I am of Italian/Irish/Native American decent... I assist others whose homes have been destroyed by fires... I help with their case management and immediate needs...

I recently went to a call in a very, very small North Texas community wherein I interacted with the fire department who had been assisting with putting out the fire (to no avail)... I thanked one man for the hard work he did that night, and he spit on me...

Being of mixed decent is not welcome in this area, particularly by judgemental, traditionally "white" indivdiuals...

Also, I have a numer of tattoos... More than a dozen... People often give me the impression I am of lower class due to having them... Having a parent brush away their child from me is a major indicator... The only one I regret is one which reaches down to the center of my right hand, so it is visible no matter what I wear... All of the others are a true reflection of my beleif systems, and there are no regrets...

I often find I am isolated and alone because I intimidate people with my honesty... I am straight forward and throw things out there... In today's society, "How are you?" does not mean I really care... When I let them know, it is as if they were given a thousand piece puzzle to put together within five minutes... Too much for them to digest...

It's all good... I draw those which are truly able to (alert! coin phrase) accept me for who I am... I repel those who are not...

Is that easy? No it is not... But I know the people who are in my life are quality people who can love me and appreciate me. not only for what I do for them, but also for that simple thing called friendship...

Progesssion and diversity are not everywhere, which is truly a shame... Being unforgiven and alienated for whom I am can be one of the most painful experiences one can have...

All my heart to you, Lila...

Lila: I'm so sorry you have had to be treated in that way. I don't like Texas...they execute women on death row...are arrogant, kiss my ass kind of people. The only big thing in Texas are the egos.

Oh, gee am I being prejudice and judgmental of a group of people? Yup, y'all can bet your Texas boots I am!

Sorry to all you nice Texans...I know you are not all like the stereo typical portrayal of Texans.

Thank you so much PinterestFan. I do go to a mosque and I have friends there. The trouble is that I live so far from it now, so its increasingly hard to get together with those friends. It would be nice to have some friends near me and especially at your school. I really do appreciate your advice.

Blondie61, I totally understand. The problem is that since for so long (lately), I have lost a lot of my confidence. I used to be able to just walk up to complete strangers & spark a conversation. But now, because of the repeated rejection, I have lost that confident spunk. I know for a fact that I may walk around with my head down or like I don;t want to be approached. I don't do it on purpose. It has almost become automatic. Its my way of keeping my guard up. I really like your advice because you have lived and you know the way of the world. Thank you for your words. :) What are the names of the teen groups on DS?

Lilaolivia,

I am very straightforward as well. To the point where it can sometimes get me into trouble. I just can't stand lying so that I can fit in. That may be another problem...I'm just (not to toot my own horn) very mature. I have raised (but not birthed) 3 children...I had to grow up fast. people always refer to me as a mother figure. I'm very good at advice and helping others (I live for it). Thats why its so shocking to me that I cannot get myself together....Thank you so much for your response :) :)

Put that head up girl! Have confidence in yourself! You are aware of it...now overcome it. You just have to do it. The more you do it the easier it will be.

In the upper blue band under your member name there is a search box. Just type in Teen. It will show you DS groups, member groups etc.

Here are the words to a song by Argent called "Hold your Head Up" Look it up and listen.

And if it's bad
Don't let it get you down
You can take it
And if it hurts
Don't let them see you cry
You can make it

Just hold your head up, woman
Hold your head up, woman
Hold your head up, woman
Hold your head high

And if they stare, just let them
Burn their eyes on you moving
And if they shout, don't let it change
A thing that you're doing

My heart goes out to you. I changed schools as a teenager too, and went from being happy and popular to feeling so isolated. I know the pain you speak of. I wish then I would have known that life totally changes after high school. People get fired for excluding people at work. There is no group of mean girls who laugh when you walk by. Employees are valued for their contributions and not their clothing, ethnicity, religion or cliques. I know there may be exceptions to this, but you get my overall point. Do you live in a fairly small town? Are there groups you could join with other teens with similar interests? Is there a school counselor you can share you feelings with? I know this is hard on your self esteem. One thing that helped repair the damage to my self image was affirmations. If there is anything good about this experience, it is that you will be a very caring adult and seek to help people who are feeling excluded. It is good that you have reached out to this group. I wish I could help.

One more thing...all of the geeks from high school are the future bosses of the cool kids. I am not saying that you are a geek, simply pointing out that high school popularity doesn't translate to a successful, happy life. I know that doesn't make the pain any more tolerable. Use your pain as motivation to get a good education and get the heck out of there! Whatever you do, keep reaching out for support!

tammib: I''m so sorry! I just now saw your response. Thank you for responding. I really appreciate it. I do live in a small quite racist town. No, I don't know of a lot of teens group. Thank you so much for your nice response. I really appreciate it.