how to.... stay true to yourself in high school

I'm not really faithful, as you may have notices, towards keeping blogs. In the past I have tried several times but I always failed to write frequently. I can't promise to change that, but at least I'm writing an entry now.
So, I've been wondering about something. In the past I've been at turning points in my student career where I had to make decisions regarding several topics and sometimes I'd just don't know where to start. So I figured i'd try and help people out who are dealing with the same things that i used to deal with.

first topic is:
How to.... stay true to yourself in high school?
     First of all, this might seen weird. Why would you need help with this? Well, I'll tell you something. When I was still a young teenager I didn't know where i belonged. I was a creative person, but at the same time I wanted everybody to like me. And that is just not a combination that works, as I found out first hand.
     So how can you stay true to yourself? Key is finding out who you are. What is important to you? Who are the people in your life you find important enough to spend time with?
If you find this difficult, it may help you to write it down. Don't make too long a list, because then you'll loose sight of what you're trying to do.
     Once you have a short list of what and who you find important you should look within yourself, and use that list. Are you a creative person? You could try and find some people who are as well. Find out what you have in common with a group of people in your school. It could be that it's just one person who you have tons in common with, but it could also be that you find a large group with who you can hang out.
Most important is that you keep in mind what you think. Think about your views on topics you discuss. Also think about if you feel comfortable within the 'group'. If you're not, then you should try and find a 'group' where you actually are comfortable. After all, high school takes at least 4 years (here in the Netherlands that is) and the best way to get through those years is when you can truly be yourself.
Don't just do things because you think it will make you popular. After all, if you don't like it, it will leave you feeling untrue. If you like cheerleading, go do it! audition! If you like gymnastics, please do it and get on that beam! If you like punk music, listen to it. There are people out there who have these things in common with you, and the key to being yourself in high school is being able to be who you are with others.
Also, don't be afraid to change. High school is the time where you'll change, your views, your likes, dislikes. Be honest with yourself and with others. After all, change can bring you on the route towards your biggest dream.
Don't be afraid to be yourself.

xo Chantal