School will become more fun when you find your interests

I hate school. How can I make it more fun? —Kenya, 13, Moreno Valley, Calif.

I wish I had asked this question when I was your age, because I totally hated school too. But all of that changed for me when I was in my second year of college. (I know — I can't believe it took me that long to figure it out either!) That's when I started interning at magazines. I went from being a horrible student to being on the dean's list. But don't worry: I'm not suggesting you move to New York and work at my magazine . . . although you never know — maybe when you're in college?

Here's why that internship made my school experience much more fun: It was the first time I injected something I liked into my school day. Plus, it made me very motivated for my future (which then made me pay more attention in my classes). Think about it: If you have something to look forward to, you're already one step closer to fun. So, consider what you can add to your schedule that you would look forward to doing. Is there a class or activity that you've always wanted to try? Sometimes it's easy to limit your options to the activities that your friends are involved with — make sure you're not doing that. I bet your school even has a complete list of all the clubs and activities that are offered there. Ask the main office for that list, and check it out to see if something seems interesting to you. (You might be surprised by some of the stuff that's going on at your school — there could be things you never would have expected!) But don't feel limited by what your school has to offer! Maybe there's a class at your community center or a local chapter of a charity organization that focuses on something important to you.

Even if what you're looking forward to takes place after school, it will give you a spring in your step during the day itself. Another thing you can do: Make better use of your lunchtime. Maybe you can start a book club that meets during lunch. Or the topic could be music, and you guys can talk about new artists that you've each found (and bring your iPods!). The point is, there's no reason you need to have a typical lunch hour just blah-blahing about nothing in particular.

My best friend got into a fight while we were together. It happened so fast that I didn't know what to do. When I was about to get the girl off my friend, an adult broke them up. Now she thinks I am a bad friend and won't talk to me. I feel horrible. What do I do? — Nicole, 13, Kelso, Wash.