Student Stories: New to Your School and Feeling Lost During Back-to-School Season?
Editor’s Note: OSPI aims to elevate the authentic experiences of the students in Washington’s K–12 public schools. This story was written by a Washington state high school student participating in OSPI’s Student Stories Program. The author’s opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints do not necessarily reflect those of OSPI, and publication of this story does not constitute OSPI’s approval or endorsement of its contents. With questions, please contact OSPI’s Communications team at commteam@k12.wa.us.
I transferred to my new school at the beginning of my junior year. Coming from out of state, I hardly had a clue as to where to go, who to talk to, where to eat lunch. In fact, I sat alone during lunch and kept to myself for the first few weeks.
Little did I know, my school has a very welcoming environment. Whoever I built up the courage to speak with was enthusiastic and friendly, quite the opposite of how I had initially imagined the once strangers around me. I made the most connections by collaborating in and out of the classroom. I made a good friend by joining my school’s Technology Student Association (TSA) club and simply saying “hello” to a smiling face. This friendship blossomed. I was invited by the same person into a robotics club where I now spend many hours of the week collaborating with my new friends in an educational environment. This goes to show just how much saying “hi” benefited me in the end.
Building relationships with those around me in class allowed me to feel comfortable in my scary new school. Knowing you have a peer to help you out is always comforting. I know this may sound daunting, though simply by discussing your current subject with your tablemates may spark friendship. Last year, I discussed books with people around me in my AP Language and Composition class. Now, those same people hangout with me and we go to book shops. Secondly, if you’re feeling lost in your new environment, try joining a club that piques your interest. You will find peers with a similar passion for the subject as yourself and it’s quite an easy conversation starter. As you can see, this tactic worked for me in TSA.
It is no secret that being thrown into a new environment is frightening, though many schools have social outlets such as clubs or school events. So, join a club or ask a peer for help on a problem. You never know where it may lead.
About the Author
Trillium Keith (she/her) is in her senior year of high school in the Mukilteo School District. She is an aspiring aeronautical physicist and plans to move to Scotland for university! In her free time, you can find Trillium reading, building robots, and going to see local bands.
