I posted this on another forum that's full of people like me - smart but socially inept. Over the course of my life, I've been alone a lot. I can honestly say that the isolation I lived through in middle school was living hell. While giving a tour a couple of weeks ago, I met a kid much like my 12-year-old self used to be. I want to let this kid know he's not alone, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I'm 20 and he's 12 so the first thing people will think about if I try to contact his parents is "O SHIT PEDOPHILE." All I want to do is tell this kid he's not alone, that my roommate, myself, and half my friends were also alienated in middle school, but that college changed all of that. I want to tell him there's a light at the end of this isolation, and that he just needs to hang on for a few more years and then life will be awesome. My boss at campus tours / admissions said I have a good idea so she gave me the teacher's contact information. I don't know what to say to her. How do I come off as not-creepy? I have no interest in meeting this kid. I just want to make sure his parents and teachers are aware that he is alone. Help!
Y'know, that post didn't sound half bad. You could just reformat it and send it, IMHO. And this situation would be different if you were a guy and the kid was a girl, but I don't think too many people will think of you as TKO the pedo if you just tried to help the kid.
Most likely the parents are aware of the situation, but either don't know how to "fix" it, or have tried unsuccessfully. As a parent, in my experience it hasn't been hard to tell when my kids have been excluded socially, even though they are nowhere near as geeky/nerdy as the kid you describe. Problem is, social interaction is a TOTALLY different critter from intellectual/educational interaction, and in many ways it's a tougher nut to crack. Popularity is frequently based on highly subjective factors such as coolness, and attitude, as well as factors that are difficult to control, such as looks and physical aptitude. Those who are excluded are often desperate to get "In", and desperation is the kiss of death.
Or something like that. Just keep in mind, some people are just sorta natural loners. I had zero friends in elementary and maybe three during high school, and I got along reasonably well.
... Man, I remember being that kid too! I turned to becoming zany and outlandishly illogical. I think TKO's method sounds better for him.
It's great when you can help a kid. I can feel his (your) pain. I was a lonely outsider with zero social skills, except...without the intelligence. My middle-school years were terrible, with the occasional fist-fight the only times I really felt good about myself. Then puberty hit, and things really went South.
NAHT, I took part of what you typed and put it in the email. I think it's a pretty good email so thanks! Let's see how this goes!
I first of all want to say thank you for your attention and consideration of this child. I think what you posted here is GREAT and you shouldn't change a thing! Send this as a letter to the Editor of as many newspapers you can find! There are many kids such as this out there that need to know they are not alone. Each one is truly loved and supported upon their journey; often times by people they don't even know, such as yourself. Again, your letter/essay is a beautiful one and screw whomever it might offend! ie; teachers/parents/other kids. Truth is truth!
I've gotten articles about my company published simply by going on AOL getting as much information about the authors they use as possible and contacting them about my industry and its benefits. I've done similar things with major newspaper writers and some of those might come to fruition. Contact people who write about this type of thing, and you might get them to help you!
