dear delta

Dear Delta is an advice column allowing students to reach out anonymously via Delta's online webpage, voicing their problems and dilemmas in the form of a question. 'Delta' is the name that has been given to the panel of students providing honest and uplifting council to students in need, answering any questions submitted to help students struggling at school, and to provide advice.

The name 'Delta' was chosen as it embodies the struggles of COVID-19 in the year 2021: the infamous Delta Strain, and the harships caused by it.

Q.

Dear Delta, After a brilliant year at Timbertop, a countryside haven detached from the struggles of the urban buzz, I formed so many incredible friendships with girls who I thought would be my friends for life, however, after returning down to Corio, I am struggling with finding my place. Up in the bush, none of my friends gave a crap about how they looked or what they did; they were always their pure, authentic selves because they didn’t care who was watching. Down here, I feel like everyone has changed - all they care about is boys and their snap score! I feel so out of place, and just want things to go back to the way they were. Any advice?

- Anonymous 43

A. Q.

Dear Delta, I need your help. Amongst never-ending lockdowns and restrictions, I have been feeling super isolated and simply alone. Even without covid, I've always been an introvert, but now that we're constantly locked up, I've lost contact with even more of my friends. Worst of all, I don’t even have a desire to see them, but rather I am getting major social anxiety for when the time comes that I can see them again. What can I do to stop this? - Anonymous 37

A.

Dear Anonymous 43, One of my favourite quotes about friendship is "Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who walked into your life, said "I'm here for you" and proved it." I couldn’t agree with this more. Although your Timbertop year was surely incredible, the memories and friendships you made there do not define you as a person, nor do they set in stone your friends forever. Year 10 is a big year for everyone, it is a year where people develop and find new interests, and with this comes new friendships. Don't beat yourself up or let yourself feel isolated around the people you once had so much in common with, but branch out and re-find the people that you still do have things in common with! My friendship group has changed countless times, and the best way to go about it is to not limit yourself to a set group of people, but rather, be friends with everyone.

Dear Anonymous 37, I totally understand where you're coming from. When you’re feeling your most lonely, you doubt yourself, feel anxious socially, or are just unmotivated and want to be on your own. It seems almost counterintuitive to interact with others, especially when you are feeling socially anxious, but that’s exactly what you need to do. Start off small, organise to go on a walk with one of two other friends and build it up from there. Believe in yourself - you've got this!

xoxo Delta

Q. A.

Dear Delta, I'm so done! All I want to do is go home. School is crap. My grades are suffering. The dining hall food tastes like ancient snail dung from the 16th century, and the only thing getting me through each week is sh*tty takeaway from Corio on a Saturday night. Does this not sounds like the lowest of all lows? Who would've thought boarding life at Geelong Grammar could sink this low? How can I stop looking at all the downsides and find some light in all this madness?

- Anonymous 6

Dear Anonymous 6, Optimism is a happy magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you. I know this sounds cheesy, and is easier said then done. If you chose to view life with a pessimistic lens, everything will seem to be heading south! I don’t want to drone on like one of your parents or teachers, but look around you! Life is good! You are fortunate enough to attend an amazing school, you have access to incredible facilities, you can see your teachers for extra help whenever you need. I know happiness comes from more than just this, but put your situation into perspective, gain knowledge and understanding of just how grateful you are, and soon you will learn to be happy, no matter how bad some things seem. xoxo Delta

"Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and to learn something new." - Barack Obama

Q. Dear Delta, OH HEY THERE DELTA just wondering if you would be able to help me bring up my GPA. It’s currently at a 6, but I want to get into BioMed at Melbourne Uni. What should a Gal like me do? - Anonymous 21

Dear Anonymous 21, It's so great to hear of your future goals and ambitions. My best advice is to find a fairly disciplined study schedule and routine that works for you now, however, ensure that it still supports your overall wellbeing. Balance is key - too much study can lead to burn out, and not enough will hinder your goals of BioMed. Speaking to someone who is currently in the field is also always good, as it help you understand or get an idea of a pathway to your future Q. career. xoxo Delta Delta, I've been talking to this guy in Perry for a while and I really REALLY like him, however, he is in year 12 and going to Uni next year. I don't know what to do, because it's pretty clear we are a couple, however, he hasn't even asked me out, and I know he would rather a college girl then a Year 11 still in school. What do I do? A. - Anonymous 3

A.

Dear Delta, I'm seriously struggling. I used to be comfortable in my body, however, all my friends are stick skinny, count calories and seem to only care about how Q. they look, traits which started to rub off on me, and only went downhill from there. I've started hating my body, my relationship with food has plummetted - I go days without eating sometimes - and I feel like there is no way out. I haven't told anyone, and i'm suffering in silence. What can I do to make this stop? - Anonymous 7 A.

Dear Anonymous 7, I know how difficult it must have been for you to reach out and seek help, and for that I am so proud of you. First and foremost - you are not alone! I know how isolating being trapped inside your own head can be, the feeling of thoughts on body image and food consuming you entirely, but it's so important to remember that there are so many people who love and care about you, however, may not even know that you are struggling. Baby steps, but the best thing for you to do is confide in someone you love and trust and let them know that you are not ok (and that's ok!) Opening up not only helps others understand your situation, but frees you from the burden of thoughts and fears surrounding food and body image. Of course, only do what you feel is right, and do so when you are ready, but a conversation is a great start to the road of recovery xoxo Delta Dear Anonymous 3, Relationships, or 'situationships' in your case, can be tough. We talk about the power of conversations, and in your case, this rings true. Talking about the big things can be tough, but I think the best thing you can do is talk to 'said Perry boy' and discuss what you see your relationship looking like in the future. You may discover that you want to make this work, or that it's best you go your separate ways. There will be pros and cons to both, however, talking these through and weighing them out is the best way to go about it. xoxo Delta