Carrie Underwood
Now that American Idol is underway again, let’s check in with last year’s winner! Carrie talks to IML about her sudden success, life in middle school, and her volunteering experiences.

/pbskids2008/itsmylife/celebs/interviews/
carrie.html

Dear IML,
I feel really lonely sometimes because I don't have a best friend to talk to and tell all my problems to. So how can I get a best friend??? HELP!!!!
--Kimberly, 12

Dear Kimberly,
I for sure know what you're going through! Especially at this age, it's really hard to find a good friend that you can always count on, I know it was hard for me, and friendships can still be a little tricky once in a while. I think the reason that right now it's so hard to find that one person you can call "a best friend" is because we expect to meet someone just like us and who we find perfect. But really, there's no such thing. It took me a long time to get that you can't make anyone like you or want to be your friend, and if you're trying to be someone else, then you're for sure not going to find that person you're looking for. Because how will someone know you better than anyone else if they don't even know the REAL you? There are definitely things that you can do to make new friends, like join in more out-of-school activities and stuff. And if you really need to talk you can go to your school counselor, they're always super helpful. The important thing is to remember that you have to be your own best friend and take care of yourself. Don't fake it for others.
--Stormie, IML Mentor

For more advice on Feeling Lonely and other questions sent in by kids just like you, visit the IML Advice section at:

/pbskids2008/itsmylife/advice

Can you guess how most IML'ers voted on this poll?

What’s the best way to deal with being mad?

Punch a pillow
Yell outside
Cry until you fall asleep
-- From Jeanette, 9

To cast your ballot and see the results, go to:

/pbskids2008/itsmylife/emotions/anger/index.html

Have you ever felt that there is something physical about you that people judge you by?
--From G.K., 11

“Sum people make fun of me because I am skinny. Sum people say I look like a chicken (because of my legs). But I like da way I am, and I don’t care what people say about me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
--Yessenia, 12

“I have a friend (Tim), and he is short and people judge him by that. I am fat and know it, and I think that people judge me by that, and they should not be so cruel.”
--Emma

“I look a little different than a lot of kids my age. I have a lot of pimples, and I used to be kinda gangly, so I stick out. But I think that it doesn't matter what you look like if you're beautiful on the inside. That's the only place it really matters!”
--Ginny, 10

“Yes. People judge me because I can't really say the letter s that well, and they assume I have mental problems.”
--Hannah, 13

“Yes, I do, and it happens to be my stomach. And everyone makes fun of me for being fluffy.”
--Kelly

“Yes, I feel like people judge my ears. They are sort of pointy. My friends think they are not that pointy or ugly, so I have to cover them with my hair in a low bun. I must say that sometimes I look ugly like that, but I HATE change. So one of these days I’m going to take down my hair or do a pony tail instead of a boring, old bun.”
--Nancy, 13

“I feel that people judge me on how fit I am, my facial features (like pimples), and the way I act.”
--Alleene, 12

“I know people judge me because of my disability. They all think I can’t do much because I have a wheelchair, and it really hurts my feelings ‘cuz I can probably do more than a normal person can. I also have a slight mental disability, so I think a little slower and don’t always get jokes, and other things like that. But I like to think of myself as a normal person.”
--Kristi

To send in your own answer, go to:

/pbskids2008/itsmylife/body/kids/you_said_it_being_judged.html

If you want to sound off on upcoming IML topics and what you’d like to see on the site, visit our Tell IML page at:

/pbskids2008/itsmylife/tell_iml.html