Hi Ariella B.,

I’m a boy who loves singing and acting. I love being in school plays and enjoy taking acting classes outside of school. Last year, I was even in a Broadway musical for a little while and am currently in an audition process for another one!

The other kids at school found out. The guys in my grade started making fun of me. The bullying has been getting worse this year already. The school guidance counselor and vice principal haven’t really been able to stop it. I know that if I stop being in shows the bullying will end and I might finally have some guys who will be my friend, but at the same time I really love it. I am sad to think about stopping being in shows, but I would really like to finally be friends with the other guys at school instead of getting constantly bullied. Any advice for me?

Sincerely,
Broadway Boy

Dear Broadway Boy,

Being in a Broadway musical is amazing. I’m sorry not everyone feels that way, but many, many people do! These boys probably do too, but are just very jealous and don’t know how to act. Unfortunately, not everyone is nice, but you sound like you are. Ignore the haters. You do NOT want conditional friends even if they are willing to be “friends” with you. That is not a friend. A friend is a person who likes you for who you are, not what they want you to be.

Friends are not only made in school. If you like acting and singing, try drama camp or clubs. Making friends with people who like what you like is a better idea anyway. I really think that you should keep singing and acting. Read to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”—Twinkle twinkle little star, being on Broadway will get you far, you should know how great you are—and that is all you need to know; Twinkle twinkle little star, being on Broadway will get you far. Keep up the good work!

Until next week,

Ariella B

Ariella is an elementary student who wants to help you with your problems. She can be reached with your questions at [email protected].