Using Tampons (virgins)?

I am a 13 year old girl and i just got my first period 2 weeks ago. I tried to use a tampon so i don't have to worry about it as much during school but it hurt and stung really bad. It felt like there was something squishy i had to push through to get it up far enough. Do i have to "pop my cherry" to be ale to use a tampon? What do i need to do? Help!