Dear Year 7 Student,

I’m writing for you so you can help me with my problem. In the last few months, I keep having problems with opening with my friends. 

Before I went to Canada we were super close, we all study at different schools, so we meet just a few days a year. We would talk every single day in our group chat, we would talk about our school gossip, about our friends and everything. But when I arrived in Canada, with the change of the time zone, It was barely impossible to talk to them, because when I texted them about my day in Canada at night it was 3am in Brazil, and in the morning they would be in the school, so it was difficult to text them and to follow with their life and news, so I started to stop texting frequently.. So when I came back It was difficult to start talking about my life, my friends and my problems to them. I know they are there for me but I still feel bad by not sharing my news and my life with them. Hope you can help me with advice.

Thank you for reading and trying to help,

Anonymous

Dear Y9 student,  

I'm so sorry for you, I understand you are missing your friends. I see that your problem is that you are in Canada and you can't talk with your friends in Brazil because of the time difference. It's natural to want to maintain those connections, even when physical distance separates you.  For a solution I think that you can go to Brazil 1 or 2 times a year so you don't miss your friends and families so much.      

Talk to your friends about combining specific schedules  to catch up on things that happened. This way you can find a time that works for you both, you in Canada and your friends in Brazil. It might alter your schedule or sacrifice your sleep, but is a great way to maintain regular communication.

You can also consider creating a shared online journal where you and your friends can post updates, thoughts and experience. It’ll allow you to share your life in Canada and read about their experience in Brazil whenever it is convenient for both sides.

Make an effort to keep up with the highlights of your friends life even if you can't be together full time. Follow their social media accounts or use apps that allow you to see their updates and important life events.

Remember that your friends and family care about you, and they’ll understand the challenges you face with the time difference. It's about finding different ways  to keep the connection alive. I hope these suggestions help you stay close with your friends and family and share your life with them even with the distance. Best of luck!

Sincerely,

Y7 - your Maya