You know...I'm a human being, right?

In the midst of AP studying, stress, and the whatnot, I think it's still important to slow down for a bit and think about what's going on around us.

First off, as this year dragged on, I figured out what our class is becoming. I quickly realized that despite my growing generosity, I was really being "used" for schoolwork reference instead of being talked to. You know...I'm a human being, too, not an encyclopedia. I can do more than just tell you what the English homework was for last night.

Which brings me to my next point--friends slowly slipping into moochers that just use me for academic help. I mean, I love my friends and all that, but I actually feel insulted when I'm just used as a reference guide. I don't have a problem with helping people, but I DO have a problem when I start losing friends along the way. That's just now what I expected, nor is it what I wanted.

I'm not going to point out any names, but for those people who have "used" me to look up the homework, carry your stuff, or just for convenience (you know who you are) and then set me aside, think about what you're really doing. It doesn't feel great to be shelved like a book--opened only when necessary. I'm human, too. I have feelings like the rest of you.

(this last paragraph is meant for a few specific people, and they know who they are, but it applies to everyone in a small way)
When I offer help, have you noticed how I don't really ask for much in return, just your appreciation for what I did? That's the bare minimum. Saying "thank you" is nice and all that, but it'd be so much better if you could talk to me a bit, too. I mean, we talk about our lives and stuff occasionally, but not so much as before. Instead, you use me for a bit and toss me aside...it's not the best feeling in the world. I know you're understanding, so please take my words into account.

I never thought I'd have to worry about THIS.