grace

We're kind of friends, and he's in nearly every single one of my classes at school. Just recently, he started acting weird, playing with my hair, sitting next to me in classes, etc. I really didn't think much of it until he said he was getting me something for Valentine's Day, constantly bugging me, and suggesting that I be his Valentine. I've been trying to avoid him, but I simply can't! There is no way I can just straight up tell him to his face that I don't like him, though. That would make the rest of the year SO awkward. My friends are just making it worse because they think it's funny. I thought about maybe hinting that I have a boyfriend or something to get him to back off, because it's worked with another guy before, but I don't want to risk him finding out and being upset. It's not that I don't like him as a friend, it's just that I really don't think he's my type... What do I do?!

So I live in a small town, the education system sucks, and nobody cares about education here. I want to go to a good college after I graduate high school, and my hopes are to get into an Ivy League college. How do I do this? What clubs, organizations, etc. can I join to have impressive college applications? I haven't started high school yet, so I have a little bit of time to plan ahead. Having straight As is no problem for me. So what else can I do? I don't think my dream college will be interested in a penniless nobody from where I live unless I do something spectacular. Any suggestions? I already play sports, I'm going to join show choir next year, I plan on volunteering throughout my high school years, I'm an active church member, I'm going to join FCCLA if I have the choice, and the academic team... Is that enough? Your (serious) answers will be greatly appreciated.