Advice

[reverie]

Well, yeah like the subject, I'm looking for some advice.
So any would be helpful.
Alright. I start school on Monday, [August 15]. And yesterday I went to meet my teachers. And my 4th period class is creative writing. And the teacher told me that we have to read what we write out loud. Now, that may not sound like that much of a big deal, but to me, it is. I'm very shy when it comes to stuff like that, and even more so about reading aloud what I write to a bunch of people. [which I've never done before] So, I guess I'm looking for some advice to help me with that situation.
And there's also another one, that has to do with the same class. The teacher let me see the list of other students that are in there, and one of them is my ex. We only broke up a few weeks ago. And I just don't want there to be any awkward tension between us, or for me and him to be on bad terms when we have to be in there with each other 5 days a week for 1 hour and a half. I still want to be friends with him, because he is a cool guy. but I'm afraid he hates me. so, yesterday i called his house and left a message telling him i didn't want there to be any bad terms between us in that class. i didn't know what else to do. but if he doesn't call me back, how should i act on monday?

[tanya1976]

Act like yourself. Be cordial, say hi, and that's it. Don't push it. If he responds positively, fine. If he doesn't respond at all, fine. He's not obligated to go any further with you nor are you to him.

As for creative writing, sorry, the only thing I can tell you is follow the requirements given by your teacher. Don't affect your grade over it. You never know you may share work that may have a profound effect on your fellow classmates as theirs may do the same to you. In life, there's more or less times where public speaking is a must, chalk this up as preparation for those future opportunities.

Enjoy your class. It was one of my faves and it helped me decide to share that love with my students.

[fosforito]

Hi Reverie,

well, my advice is: be yourself! I know it sounds strange but I think it´s really the best you can do. It doesn´t make sense to pretend - at the end the person who doesn´t feel comfortable with it is you and the others will be aware of it.

Concerning your writing presentation just have in mind that for sure some of your classmates have the same "problem". Hey, you all are not professional writers or actors, so don´t put too much pressure on yourself!
I´m sure it´ll work very well.

Concerning your ex: well, normally I´d say "You did the 1st step, so it´s his turn now"(Did I understand it right, that you haven´t talked to him, just left a message on the answering machine or sth.?) If so, there might be several reasons for not calling back - maybe not because of not wanting to call but because of not receiving the message.

You can think about a 2nd step: try to get into contact with him personally on monday, maybe you can go somewhere with him, drink an coffee or whatever and clear up the situation with him, friendly and without arguing - if he wants to continue his friendship with you after you conversation - that´s fine, if not - at least you know what´s all about.

Sorry for my English, it´s not my native language but anyway I hope I could help you a little bit.

Greetz and good luck!

Alexandra

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reverie said:

Well, yeah like the subject, I'm looking for some advice.
So any would be helpful.
Alright. I start school on Monday, [August 15]. And yesterday I went to meet my teachers. And my 4th period class is creative writing. And the teacher told me that we have to read what we write out loud. Now, that may not sound like that much of a big deal, but to me, it is. I'm very shy when it comes to stuff like that, and even more so about reading aloud what I write to a bunch of people. [which I've never done before] So, I guess I'm looking for some advice to help me with that situation.
And there's also another one, that has to do with the same class. The teacher let me see the list of other students that are in there, and one of them is my ex. We only broke up a few weeks ago. And I just don't want there to be any awkward tension between us, or for me and him to be on bad terms when we have to be in there with each other 5 days a week for 1 hour and a half. I still want to be friends with him, because he is a cool guy. but I'm afraid he hates me. so, yesterday i called his house and left a message telling him i didn't want there to be any bad terms between us in that class. i didn't know what else to do. but if he doesn't call me back, how should i act on monday?

[QuestionSleep]

As for advice on your ex...I agree with the other advice...

I was in Creative Writing my Freshman year as well (am I correct that your going into 9th grade? if not...oh well)

We were not required to read aloud, but sometimes it was preferred. However, when we had book presentations, we had too.
It was also difficult to me, because I to am EXTREMELY shy about reading out loud, my voice starts shaking and I sound like a little boy going through puberty....which isn't to fun. Especially if the story is long.

But trust me (if I'm wrong on this, sorry) the first couple of times will be difficult, I won't lie..that is, if your anything like me.
BUT, once you get used to it, and get comfortable with the people in your class, it's much easier. Hopefully, like in my class, you will have understanding people..who don't really give a s*** if you have trouble reading out loud.

P.S Good luck with school. It starts pretty early for you, I start the 30th.

[reverie]

Thanks for all the advice.
I'm going into 10th grade, by the way. About things with my ex, well, we've talked on the phone twice and I think things are going to be alright.
When i have to read aloud, I start stuttering and my voice starts shaking.
I think it'll be the same as it was when I had my guitar class. I was so nervous about playing in front of everyone, especially the guys that were great at playing. But the more I did it, the easier it got.

[aurora10]

It's always good to practice reading aloud beforehand whether it's a presentation or paper. Read what you're gonna say a few times and you will feel much more confident. Like everyone said, the more time you spend in the classroom and get to the know the other students, the easier it will be. Good luck!

[ontheedge]

My advice, like the others is to just be yourself and be as peaceful to your ex as you can. As for your Writing class, i know how hard that can be but be confident in yourself and what you're writing and you'll be fine. Good Luck ;D

[voltaire]

with the ex, basically what everyone else has said.. just be yourself.

as for the class. i took creative writing my senior year. we had to read everything aloud too. i've never been good at sharing my work, especially aloud, in front of people. i think most people realize that writing is personal and not easy to share and will respect the fact that it's not easy.. But anyway, my point is, that it does get easier, once you start getting more comfortable with your classmates..

[Shelly]

:'(i always have the same problem reading out loud, sometimes i stutter or i skip words, the norm. which is odd for me because im a VERY VERY out going person. for me what i do and what i finds work best is try to remeber atleast part of what ill be reading. so when im reading it, ill be able to look around. and when i see that the people on concentrated on me, i feel like their actually listening to what im saying so it helps me talk better.

as for your ex, i read an article about it but i cant find it now. its just said be friendly, but not overly. try and just act like its normal. smile at him and say hi but dont constantly look at him. i cant remeber anything else.

good luck! i start school in 2 weeks.

[reverie]

Thanks for all advice.
Well, this is my second week in school, and it's going fine. The first week pretty much sucked, but it's gotten better. Me & my ex are fine with each other. And I haven't had to read out loud yet, so it's been ok in that class.
And I made a new friend yesterday. (he's an uber cute friend who I might be getting a crush on...)
Anyhow, thanks again.