I’m going into high school in a few weeks. I’ll be a freshman, so I don’t know many people, much less know my way around.
Do you have any advice on making friends and finding my way around? I’m really shy and they didn’t give me a map of the school, although I’d still probably get lost WITH a map. Please help.
– New in School
Hey girl, I totally know how scary it is to be in a sitch that places you outside your comfort zone. Before I started high school I was SOOO nervous. I remember spending my days and nights worried about not making any new friends, getting lost, and worrying about about the crazy rumors I heard about “freshman Fridays.” Not only did these ridic worries about getting stuffed in my locker by some HUGE senior stress me out, but I was really concerned that I would be separated from my BFFs. You’re not the only gal who gets intimidated by new scenarios. It’s totally natural to be scared of the unfamiliar, but don’t fret. There are plenty of things you can do to kick these feelings of shyness and get geared up for an awesome freshman year!
Since high school is bigger, you might be separated from your BFFs. I know that it stinks that you and your besties can’t all stay together, but take this as an opportunity to make a lot of new friends. Not having any close pals in class probably makes you feel incredibly self-conscious. I know you’re nervous, but remember that everyone is in the same boat. Being away from your friends and outside your comfort zone can be a nerve-wracking, but the way to make the best of it is to put yourself out there and really try to talk to someone new. Start off small, say telling the girl whose locker is next to yours that she looks super chic in her new sweater (hello, compliments are always great ways to make new friends!), or asking that cute guy behind you what he thought of the homework. Soon chatting up people will become second nature!
Also, I know that it must seem that high school is sooo much more intimidating than the middle school you’ve grown so used to. But just think back to your transition from elementary school to middle school. That was a big step too, but you got through it. If you’re really nervous about getting lost, see if you can go through the school with a few of your chicas just to check it out before the year actually starts. If you can, find out where your locker is and do a practice run of your day…going back and forth to your locker and locating each of your classes. And when the year begins, there will be plenty of teachers around the hallways to direct you to make sure that no one gets lost. Sure, it might take a few days, but after that first week you’ll be walking those hallways like a pro!
Starting new situations is always scary, but it’s also exciting at the same time. High school is such a fun time in a teenager’s life. I know you’re anxious, but be the confident gal I know you can be, and I promise it won’t be as bad as you think. Good luck, chica!
-Jackie E.
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