I'm "cool", but I don't do well in school. I'm sick of it. I want to change,?

Question

I want to do it from head to toe. + In my mind and behaviour.

Hair: My hair is mid-back length and heavily layered, dyed and streaked.
I'm thinking of stripping my hair and dying it plain brown. I also want to cut it to my shoulders. No layers. Clip back the side-fringe until it grows out.
Skin: No more fake-tan for me. No make-up either. Pure skin.
Clothes: No more fashionable stuff for me. Just plain clothes.

I'm 12. I'm in Year 7.
I want to get REALLY smart.
I want to get into Selective School.
Do you think I have time to de-trend myself and get really smart?
What do you think my friends will think?
I was their trendy leader.

I really want to do this. Trends don't last.

I am already in highschool (I live in Australia).

I don't want to be stylish anymore.

I WANT TO GO ALL OUT.

I don't care about the styles anymore.
I'm going to cut and strip my hair tomorrow afternoon.
I'm going to wash myself vigorously (to get all of the tan off).
I'm going to wash my uniform so that all the highlighter comes off.
I'm getting new stationary (That hasn't been graffittied on).
I'm just going to get rid of it all so that on Tuesday I will be stripped of my old ways and ready to study hard.
I'm getting rid of all of the distractions in my room.
Time to study ..

Answer 1

Honey, you don't have to tone down the fashion to be smart! You don't even have to look the part! I think it is way cool when someone who is generally thought as unintelligent based on dress totally blows people's misconceptions out of the water. You can STAY looking the way you are. All you really need to do to get smart is ignore the outside noise, get rid of the "friends" that are holding you back, and put your nose to the grindstone. Do your homework. Take notes in class. Study hard a few days before a test, and review the last couple days lessons before you go to bed just in case there is a pop quiz. If you need to, get a tutor. There is nothing wrong with that. If you tend to be distracted by those of the opposite gender, get one that is the same gender, etc...

There is no need to be a "plain Jane" to get smart. Some of the smartest people I know, KNOW fashion, too!!! Keep your hair the way it is. Maybe get some yoga pants and some cotton t-shirts so that you aren't a distraction to those around you. But your hair sounds MAD hot, and I wouldn't change that until your roots start coming in again.

No more fake tan-well, that's fine. No make-up...That's fine, too, because it is better for your skin. Still wash and moisturise every morning and evening and after working out, to prevent break-outs. I think it is soooo amazing that at such a young age that you are willing to go to such extremes to make a better future for yourself. BIG UPS, baby girl!!! I am totally cheering you on!!!! I'm proud of you.

Answer 2

Wow, I'm really impressed.
That you want to put aside material ideals and concentrate on the gifts you've been given is a wonderful thing, and at your age, you should be commended.
You are at a great age to get serious about your school work and get ahead in your life. With summer just around the corner you've picked the perfect time to start making some real changes.
If you are worried about school marks, I'm sure your parents would be thrilled to pay for some summer course, rather than more trendy clothes.
Taking courses would also give you a chance to meet some different people, and they could meet you dressed and looking in your new style. They would have no expectations of you, because they wouldn't have known how you dressed before. And you wouldn't be so self conscious either. It would give you a chance to get used to your new look, get comfortable in your own skin before going back to school this fall.
The more confident you are in the new you when you return to school, the easier this transition will be for your friends.
I hate to say it, but you may lose some of the old crowd, they'll find another trend setter to follow. They are followers, you are a leader. Don't worry about them.
Join some clubs you were too "cool" to join before, even though in your heart of heart you wanted to. Drama, band, debate...give new things a try, and of course invite your friends to join you. Who knows, some might have some secrets of their own, you will be showing them to follow their own dreams.
Nothing but good can come from your decision, be strong, if this is what you want, go for it!
I'm sure, your parents will be so very proud of you.
Have the best summer of you life, so far!

Answer 3

NO NO NO!!! Being smart AND socially active is equally important. if u are both, that will be near perfect. Why not be fashionable? its fun. U'll just have to pay attention in class more and ask more question, care and try more. Thats all it is to being smart.

If u destroy ur "cool" image, ur friends may shun u for being a nerd and that will add to ur stress of being "smart". Plus, its funny when some nerd looks at a popular person and thinks they are stupid. Study hard, dont hang out with your friends as much.

Do NOT cut your hair. PLZ DONT!!!!! but maybe get rid of the tan a bit (not all the way)

Answer 4

First of all, good for you. At a young age you know that brains are better than beauty.

You can still look good and be smart. If you want to change your look, that's up to you. All you have to do is just get really serious about studying and focus hard on school. Sure, you may not be "cool" anymore, but at least you'll be setting up a great future while your "cool" friends are stuck living with their parents and getting busted with drugs.

Answer 5

I understand that you want to be a different person, but changing your looks won't do a thing. If you study hard, get extra help from your teachers, keep an open mind about what you want to be, and you'll be fine!!

REMEMBER that you can be really "trendy" or "pretty" or "cool" but still be really smart, or you can be the plainest girl in town but still be smart. Don't change your entire self for other people. if you don't like your look, change because YOU want to change. But if you like the way you are, STAY THAT WAY, AND YOU CAN STILL BE A STUDIOUS PERSON!!!!
I really hope i helped your outlook on things!! ♥♥

Answer 6

At this age, why do you bother about beauty? Just study well and try to shine in your career. External beauty are temporary only. So, try to develop ur personality by studying. Certainly when you are like 17 or 18, your entire face, body will change. If somebody see you after 5-6 years, he cant recognise u. So, dont worry about that now and concentrate on ur studies.

Answer 7

WOW! Good for you for realizing it's important to study hard and do well. However, that doesn't mean you need to strip everything off you. You are right that trends don't last, but that doesn't mean you still can't have a hairstyle or clothes that are cool and fun. It means putting things in balance.
Good luck!

Answer 8

you're only 12. you're doing the right thing. you don't have to ditch your friends. try keeping them, but stay focused on your future. No-one should have to worry about fashion and trends when they're twelve. worry about math, and geography and reading. you'll need this stuff when you're older. it's all building blocks - start now and when you're in high school you're set for a great education and an even better future.

you don't know how many of the cool kids i see that i went to school with going nowhere - they lacked education and forsight.

Answer 9

well cutting your hair wont make you smarter but if you really want to change you should go ahead.just study a lot more.people who are smart can also be pretty you know ;-)
you should just focus less on fashion and stuff,you dont have to give it up completely

all the best of luck

Answer 10

I think that you can do well in school, and I say that if your friends think that it's not cool that you can be smart and still be popular. I think you need to get some new freinds like my mom say reach for the stars! Girl everybody has there own style you work you own be a leader!