Starting Over

Find out how Shout readers coped with moving house …

“I WAS BULLIED AT MY NEW SCHOOL”

Cam had to get used to living with lots of people.

“My adventure began when Mum and Nan decided to buy a hotel on the Isle of Wight. Until then, we lived in a small town where we knew loads of people.

After Grandad died, Mum and Nan kept talking about starting a new life somewhere else.

So when they told me they had bought a hotel 600 miles away, I was so scared. I’d only ever been to one school and didn’t want to leave. I was worried I wouldn’t make any new friends.

Saying goodbye to all my friends, family and neighbours was hard. Even though I knew I’d see them again, it wouldn’t be the same.

When we arrived in our new town, we were told there were no places available at the local school. This meant I would have to travel by bus to another school, thirty minutes away. I was really nervous on my first day. But the teachers were nice and the school is one of the best in the area so it wasn’t too bad.

But then a few days later, a group of girls started to bully me. I’m close to Mum and can talk to her about anything. So I confided in her about the bullies. She was really angry and went straight to the school to speak to my teachers. After that, the bullying stopped.

Living in a hotel can be lonely – but good fun too. I get to meet lots of different people and it’s great staying right next to the beach. There aren’t many people my age to hang about with after school, so Mum and Nan encouraged me to join some groups.

Now I belong to Girl Guides, a theatre group and horse-riding club. Next week, I’m going on a camping trip with the guides and during the summer months I’ll be helping out at the hotel. Being a waitress should be fun!”

“I MOVED 650 MILES AWAY!”

Louise moved from Plymouth to Scotland.

“It all started when Mum told me she was getting married to Colin. She had split up with my Dad when I was two and things were hard afterwards. Mum went to college during the day and worked at night so we could afford nice things. I spent a lot of time with Nan and Grandad but didn’t mind because they were such good fun.

When Mum and Colin asked me to be bridesmaid, I was really excited. I’d been one four times already but this time it would be different because it was Mum’s wedding.

I thought they were getting married at a local church, so when they said the wedding was being held in Scotland I was really shocked. I thought they were joking at first. Then they dropped an even bigger bombshell – we’d be living there afterwards! I’d lived in Plymouth all my life and loved spending time with Nan and Grandad, my auntie Lynsey, Dad and half-brother.

I hardly slept the night before the move for worrying and felt sick when the removal van turned up the next day. When I said goodbye to Nan, we were both crying.

I was really upset. If we lived so far away, how would I get to see the rest of my family? I was so scared I’d lose touch with everyone. Plus I had to leave my cat Ollie behind because Colin was allergic to him. Luckily, Nan and Grandad came to the rescue. They said he could stay with them. I was pleased – at least I’d still get to see him sometimes.

Starting a new school was scary. I was worried nobody would talk to me. But my new teacher was ace. She asked a girl in my class to show me around. Sara introduced me to everyone, sat with me at lunch and even asked if I wanted to hang out with her after school. Everyone was really friendly.

I’ve been living in Scotland for nearly three years now and have got loads of mates – lads and girls. I still miss everyone in Plymouth but we keep in touch by phone, e-mail and text – and the time between visits seems to pass really quickly!”

CHECK OUT OUR TIPS FOR MAKING NEW MATES!

Ditch the remote!

You won’t meet anyone sitting at home moping. Get out there, even if it’s just to walk the dog or go to the shops.

Don’t be shy!

Be brave and say hi. Your old mates were strangers once too! Act confident even if your stomach is churning – all you have to do is be smiley and seem happy!

Get a hobby!

Music, drama, sport, gymnastics, dancing – one of the best ways to find new mates is to do something new! Find a hobby and you’re bound to meet loadsa new mates.

Don’t rush in!

It can take months to feel comfy enough to call someone your best mate! Take your time getting to know loadsa people, lads and girls, but make a real effort with the ones you like best!

Keep in touch!

Your old mates will be dying to hear about your new life – and you’ll be itching to get the gossip! There are tons of ways to keep in touch – text, phone, e-mail and loadsa weekend sleepovers.

This article was published in the Oct 14 - 27th 2005 issue of Shout magazine.