LEARNING TOOLS

I’m in Matayom 3. I like to read and learn English a lot. I think that English is fun and not boring.

We use and hear English every day with the Internet, English songs, games and movies. I also buy CDs and DVDs in English.

I can’t translate from English, but I like it and try to understand it. Every week I buy Student Weekly. I read every column in it, and every Monday my teacher advises me to read and answer each section. I think that it’s a good way for me to improve my English.

Student Weekly is a creative magazine and very useful for Thai students. I hope you stay around forever.

Kanokwan Pansamrong, Roi Et

I’m glad that you like SW, Kanokwan. It’s great that you use our little magazine as part of your English-learning strategy. With dedicated readers like you, we’ve got a good chance of being around for a long time. — Editor

FINDING FRIENDS

My name is Gina, and I’m in Matayom 3. My problem is thinking about a new school and new friends.

Next year I want to move to another school, but I have to take a test before get in. I am worried because I don’t know if I can pass the exam or not.

Also, if I study at a new school, I have to find new friends. I think it’s hard to find friends because some people are friendly and some aren’t.

Gina Hawkins, Songkhla

Moving is one of the biggest challenges that we face in life, Gina. It’s one of those things that we all have to do, usually more than once. I know it can be a bit scary, but try not to focus on your fear. Instead, try to think about all of the good things that can come with meeting new people. Making new friends is a skill that you’ll use all of your life, and every time you do it, the better you’ll get. Good luck. — Editor

ON THE SPOT

Acne is a big problem for teenagers. Many teenagers are very worried about growing up and the changes in their hormones. I have some advice to protect you from pimples.

You must protect your face from the sun and be aware if your face becomes oily. You should always wash your face with clean water, and don’t touch your face if your hands aren’t clean.

You should eat healthy food, decrease fatty food and eat more vegetables. Drink lots of water because water helps to clean out the waste from inside your body.

Finally, you should exercise every day. I think that this advice will help to protect you from having a bad pimple problem.

Apirujee Rujirek, Songkhla

You’ve given us some good advice not just for fighting pimples but for having a generally healthy lifestyle, Apirujee. Pimples are a big problem for lots of teenagers — and some adults, too. While acne is an almost unavoidable part of being a teen, you’ve pointed out some good ways to help minimise pimples. Thanks for your letter. — Editor

WEIGHT WOES

My problem is my weight. I want to lose weight, eat less and exercise. But I can’t keep it up. I do these things for a short time, but I can’t control myself. I like to eat junk food like ice cream, and I don’t get enough exercise.

Sometimes I try to lose weight by not eating food in the evening. My mother says that I must eat food because my body needs nutrients and energy. I believe my mother, but I want to lose weight.

Sophaphan Ruatreo, Songkhla

Your mom is right, Sophaphan. Eating a balanced diet with small meals spaced throughout the day is one of the keys to good health. If you really want to lose weight, skipping meals is not the way to do it. You end up tricking your body into thinking that it’s starving and you wind up gaining weight.

I know it’s difficult, but you need to try hard to discipline yourself to get regular exercise, too. You don’t need any special equipment, either — a brisk walk every day is a good place to start. It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. If you have an Internet connection, I suggest the KidsHealth website at http://www.kidshealth.org. It’s full of great advice about your health, including diet and exercise. Keep trying and good luck! — Editor


	strategy (n): a plan that is intended to achieve a particular purpose dedicated (adj): working hard at something because it is very important to you focus (v): to give attention, effort, etc. to one particular subject, situation or person hormone (n): a chemical substance produced in the body that encourages growth pimple (n): a small raised spot on the skin minimise (v): to reduce something bad to the lowest possible level key (n): a thing that makes you able to achieve something discipline (v): to control the way you behave and make yourself do things that you believe you should do

We want to hear from you!

For pen pals, letters and any general comments you have about Student Weekly, contact us at Bangkok Post Student Weekly, Bangkok Post Building, 136 Na Ranong Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. You can also email us at student-weekly@bangkokpost.co.th. Your words must be your own (except for quotations and well-known proverbs or sayings) and they may be edited. Letters of the Week win a prize of 150 baht.

What do you think of this week’s Student Weekly? Let us know your thoughts at http://www.student-weekly.com/forums