Being popular is bad - people recognize you, we were in fight, only few people, my friend got stabbed, died with eyes opened before ambulance got there. He was popular...  But this was back in Russia, and neighborhood wasn't so good.  We had a lot of good things to remember: real friends, fun nights, taking parents cars,cute girls etc, pretty much same way as it's here in US.  I know my English is limited, but I would say - since I came to US I have never had so much fun as I had it before.... the only reason why Im here is because I wanted to be independent when I turned 18. Popularity  is what we all wanted, you can't lie to yourself=) but you have to just pass this period. My other friend is 25, and still trying to get famous by recording rap songs lol.