Being the New Kid at School

It's the first day of the school year. Giggles and laughter resonate throughout the courtyard as old friends catch up. Eager and reluctant footsteps linger in the hallways as students rush to homeroom at the sound of the bell. A student is stranded alone in a strange, unfamiliar school with books in one hand and a feeling of panic. Is this student you this September? Your fears and worries overcome you because this September you have to start over fresh and reclaim your status on the social ladder. How are you going to do it? Take a deep breath because it's a matter of keeping your cool and taking reasonable steps at a time. Your new motto until you've successfully settled into your new school is: "Breathe, Smile and Speak!"

After one-on-one conversations with students who are changing schools in September, I have discovered that there are very common worries and concerns that need to be addressed to clarify some myths.

Being Labelled and Judged
Nobody should ever be judged before getting the chance to show who they are. So if you're worried about being labelled this September, take a few minutes to put things into perspective. Are you the person those people assume you to be? If not, why should you dwell on it? Confidence is key, so don't fret about what those people think of you. Channel your worries into meeting and mingling with people who could end up being your new friends. You can't always help how people view you, but you can help shape and show who you really are.

No Lunch Table
You probably don't want to be like Cady in Mean Girls and find yourself sitting in a washroom stall by yourself eating lunch. Why should you? As daring as it seems, all you have to do is ask if you can join a table. The people you choose to approach will probably share a common interest with you and be friendly (Isn't that why you would choose to approach them in the first place?). Bottom line – it's not the end of the world if they refuse you and they probably won't. I think movies have gotten into our heads and made us believe that teens are meaner than they really are. If you wouldn't refuse someone asking to sit with you, chances are they won't refuse you either.

Getting Lost
There is always the fear of getting lost at your new school and reliving horrible grade 8 moments, but as terrible as it sounds to not have the slightest clue as to where your classes are and having people stare at you, it's even worse to not ask for help. The truth is it's not a huge deal to be a bit disoriented at first. In fact, just asking the next friendly face that walks by you in the hallway can give you that boost of confidence of swallowing your pride and getting over your little panic attack – and that person will most likely be happy to help. So just take a minute to compose yourself if this happens on your very first day and just ask someone for assistance.

Academic Fumbling
We can't forget that school is a place of learning as well as socializing and having a positive relationship with your teachers is an important factor for success. As the students I interviewed pointed out, you lose those relationships when you change schools. So how do you learn to adjust to a new set of teaching methods and styles? Your old teachers may have known your strengths and weaknesses and could cater to your learning needs, but since you have lost that you must take it upon yourself to go in for help before and/or after school if you feel it can be worthwhile. Teachers are there to help you so if you don't feel you can work with a certain teacher, ask other students if they have experienced this and see how they have dealt with it. If all else fails, you can talk to your counsellor to see if you can switch teachers for that particular subject. Of course, if you approach the teacher to resolve what it is you don't understand, you'll most likely find a solution to your problem.

How to Fit In

I asked a few regular students how they see new students and what ways a new student could act to help them fit in more at school. Here's what they said:

1. Dress to Impress
The first impression does actually mean something in high school, so make an effort to groom yourself when you start school. This is not to say you have to dress to be somebody else, but more a matter of presenting yourself in the best way possible. When people see you have made an effort to present yourself, they will most likely make the effort to introduce themselves and welcome you into their schools.

2. Think Outside
the Comfort Zone
Don't be afraid to be bold and speak up in class. Put up your hand and answer some questions, or make a joke to lighten up the mood. Making yourself heard will get you noticed and it will help you to a fast track of easily meeting new people.

3. We Don't Hate You,We Just Don't Know You
The statement sums up itself. Don't think everyone is ignoring you right away. Friendships take time, so give people a chance to get to know you.