10:45 A.M. School Library

By Ron Stodghill

A 17-year-old senior is sitting in the library, talking about his social life. "If I found someone to date, it would be fine," he says. "But I'm pretty shy around girls. I really don't know what to talk about to girls. I spend a lot of time reading books, science fiction and horror. I guess I could talk to them about school or current events, but I wouldn't know what to say beyond that. My mom wants me to date more, to go to the prom and stuff. She says she'll rent me a limo. She's worried that I'm not socially active and stuff."

"I'm on Adderall, and I see a therapist. I used to be on Ritalin. I've been on medication since the third grade. I don't like what the medication does to me. About four years ago I stopped taking my Ritalin. I'd get the pills and then throw them away. I started being wild. I liked how I felt because I didn't have to be courteous, and getting in trouble didn't bother me like it used to. I was getting along pretty good and making friends. I went to a party with a bunch of girls and we stayed out late. I walked one home and kissed her good night. But I've never really had what I'd call a serious kiss with a girl. That was pretty much it.

"Then I went back on medication. I don't really like it. I used to be able to joke and laugh, but it slows down my reaction to things. And it killed my appetite, so I don't usually eat at lunch. I go off somewhere by myself rather than sitting at lunch not eating and looking strange."

--R.S.