“Hi! I’m Jo. Joanna.”
“Hi.”
“You are...?”
“Sneha.
“Hi Sneha. You’re new to this school, aren’t you?”
“Uh. Yeah...”
“Well, why aren’t you talking to anyone?”
“I’m... I’m shy.”
“But how will you make friends if you don’t talk to anybody?”
“Ummm...”
“Come. Let’s introduce you to everyone. But first, smile.” Jo said as she held Sneha’s hand and led her to a bunch of kids in her class.
Get set
There are many of us like Sneha, who are clueless about what to do or how to behave in a new environment. School, too, can be scary sometimes — and not just during exams. Every year, our school throws something new at us apart from the syllabus. New teachers, classmates, subjects, schools for the ones shifting to a new place, and even making that sudden, but delightful transition from pencils to pens... the list goes on.
Here are some pointers to make change as smooth as butter (psst! Getting an A+ on your tests is not guaranteed):
Be friendly
First step in the guidebook for being friendly is to smile. It helps others identify you as a fellow student and not a grumpy hobbit that woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Step two is to introduce yourself and talk to your new classmates. Whether they are new to your school or you are new to theirs, it doesn’t matter. Find out if you share anything in common with them. For example, your favourite books, cartoons, movies, music etc.
Get noticed
If you’re new in school, after you’ve adapted to your classroom and classmates, get to know your teachers. Go ahead and join activity clubs like book club, chess club, photography club and even try out for sports teams. After a while, people will flock to you. And the feeling of alienation you had initially will soon disappear.
Be a sport
It goes without saying that if your classmate, to whom you’ve never spoken, asks you for help in Advanced Algebra, you lend a helping a hand. Help out and don’t hesitate. Who knows, he or she might become one of your closest friends in the future. Oh, and one more thing — don’t be a bully!
Have fun!
Most important tip of all – have fun! Be yourself and make sure you enjoy what you are doing. Laugh out loud, live a little and love the company you’ve made in your new environment. Because in the end, that’s what makes you go back to school.
All the best to everyone for the upcoming school year!
