High Life : A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Human Book Report: Read It First

We’re told that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but how many of us in dealing with one another never even take the time to read a person’s table of contents before making up our minds?

Hot Topics wonders, “How do people misjudge you?”

“People think of me as strait-laced and a mother’s dream. I am, to a certain extent, but part of me tends to lean to the not-so-innocent side.” John Ray, 17, senior, Troy

“It makes me mad people automatically think I’m stupid just because I’m a cheerleader.” Jaimie Clark, 15, sophomore, Mission Viejo

“My mother is a teacher here. People think I can get the answers or change their grade, but I can’t.” Mike Bender, 15, sophomore, Santa Margarita

“When people see me in class, they get the first impression I am quiet and serious. That is totally opposite of my personality. Just because I try to get my work done in class doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy socializing. The truth is, I am a talkative person. I just know the right time and the right place to talk.” Florabelle Guzman, 15, junior, Loara

“People think just because I’m Asian, I can’t speak English. Get real! I was born here!” Ann Mah, 17, senior, Connelly

“Some people misjudge me by thinking I don’t take things very seriously, because I’m usually in a happy mood.” Mariane Asad, 15, sophomore, Kennedy

“Because I’m from a Midwest town, people think I’m just another hick, and because I get good grades, I’m always a goody-two-shoes. They don’t realize I’m a normal person with the same feelings as everybody else, with sound morals and goals on life.” Amanda Sidders, 17, senior, Woodbridge

“Just because I have a smile doesn’t mean I don’t have problems. I just don’t want to bring other people down.” Paul Sokol, 17, senior, Servite

“By the kind of car you drive (and your) religion.” Rachel Arrow, 15, sophomore, Newport Harbor

“People think I’m dumb because I’m blond.” Jessy Kinnahan, 17, senior, Los Alamitos

“People think just because I’m a senior, I don’t feel it is important to do my homework. But the fact is, I haven’t thought homework was important since my freshman year.” Dennis Fredenberg, 18, senior, Fullerton

“Because of my short hair and the sports I play, they think I am gay.” Jeanie Gordon, 16, sophomore, Bolsa Grande

“Many people think I live like everything is going my way. But I have made a lot of close friends by sharing my emotions.” Diana Cheng, 17, senior, Rosary

“Because I’m a quiet person, many people assume I am conceited or stuck-up.” Adriana Gonzalez, 15, sophomore, Villa Park

Next Week’s Hot Topic: What is the most popular gift--within economic reality--parents can give their teen-age son or daughter?