From Catholic school to big public High School...advice?

[catholic1seeks]

Tomorrow is the first day of school, but I’m not used to public schools at all. I’ve been going to the same Catholic school ever since kindergarten, and I’m going into the 9th grade.

Today we had Open House. Talk about the confusing twists and turns of the school structure & hallways!

The biggest change will be the amount of students at the school. Last year, there was about 25 of us 8th graders. At this school, you count by the hundreds. All of this doesn’t go well with how shy I can be. I’m not very outgoing, even compared to last year’s 8th grade (Catholic school). I even struggle to say a simple “hi” to someone I know. I guess I’m always afraid of what someone will think, and that adds a lot to how nervous and shy I can be.

Sometimes I hide this “shyness” by acting like I don’t really care. But the truth is I do care; I want high school to be fun. I guess I’ll have to see as time goes on how much of a struggle this will be.

I need advice.
Just look at the website I am currently at. How many high school students do you think will have this same “hobby”? ha ha

 

[gettingthere]

Your chances of finding people who share your interests are pretty good in a large school!

Don’t be afraid if the first few days are a struggle. I was homeschooled from Kindergarten until grade 9. It was a huge adjustment and kind of scary, but after a few days I made a few acquaintances and it was easier.

Try to get involved in clubs or after-school activities. It will help you make friends in a smaller circle.

I’m sure you will be just fine!

 

[catholic1seeks]

Your chances of finding people who share your interests are pretty good in a large school!

Don’t be afraid if the first few days are a struggle. I was homeschooled from Kindergarten until grade 9. It was a huge adjustment and kind of scary, but after a few days I made a few acquaintances and it was easier.

Try to get involved in clubs or after-school activities. It will help you make friends in a smaller circle.

I’m sure you will be just fine!

Thanks!

 

[HouseArrest]

I went from a Catholic K-8 to a public high school as well. It was a long time ago, but I remember being shy about it, too. What helped was to get involved in some after school activities. I also had a friend from the Catholic school that went to the public school with me. Do you have anyone from your class going to the HS?

I had an easier time than I expected because I was kind of the “new girl”, even though the kids already knew who I was. Hopefully it will work this way for you, too.

 

[ABello]

I even struggle to say a simple “hi” to someone I know. I guess I’m always afraid of what someone will think, and that adds a lot to how nervous and shy I can be.

Going to a new school can be scary…actually, it can be downright terrifying. But don’t worry, it’s like that for everyone, and at the end of it all, everyone makes it through and most can even say: “hey, that wasn’t THAT bad.”

Also, the part about it being scary for everyone, keep that in mind. Everyone seems to have the same bad habit of thinking all eyes are on them, all of the time. In reality, in situations when nerves are high, like at the beginning of a new school year, most people are busy worrying that THEY look like a total dork that they won’t really notice the things about you that YOU think are so obvious (oh my, am I dressed ok? Can everyone tell I’m totally nervous?) …you get the point.

In terms of saying “hi” to people you know, just try not to overthink it. If “hi” won’t come out, try a warm smile or a casual wave. Just…let it happen, if you stress too much, you’ll just become…well, stressed…and you’re far too young for your hair to be going grey!

If you’re kind to others, and you just be yourself, I have every confidence that you’ll come out on top.

 

[pumpkinbeast]

Here’s what I try to tell myself when I catch myself worrying about what others will think about me (especially my appearance): If they care that much about it, they aren’t worth spending time with. Seriously, if someone has a problem with you wearing a particular t-shirt(baring offensive stuff), it is, more often than not, THEIR problem, and not yours. Any person who is capable of being a good friend will look past the clothes and check out your personality. (and perhaps give gentle fashion advise later, but friends are good for that!)

I was homeschooled through highschool(thank God! Truly!), so I never had to deal with this on a daily basis, but the taste I got of highschool life from social activities with other public school kids was enough for me! shudders Keep your chin up, pray lots, and I’ll pray that you find some true friends to hang out with. Feel free to PM me if you want. If you find yourself in a rough patch, just remember that this, too, shall pass. Things will get better.

 

[SeekerJen]

Try to get involved in clubs or after-school activities. It will help you make friends in a smaller circle.

Excellent advice. I too attended the same Catholic school for grades 1-8 (although mine was larger, about 100 students per grade), then switched to a public high school with about 300 students per grade. I joined the choirs, the marching band as a color guard member, and the Model U.N. team. I met a lot of people and made friends through all of these groups. I also met a bunch of devout Catholic kids from a different elementary school and became involved in church activities through them. Some of them even got the okay from the district to start an after-school Christian prayer group.

Honestly, I think the first day was the hardest: trying to find my way around that big building, trying to get to my locker (which was not near any of my classes), trying to see around the throngs of students, all of whom appeared to be taller than me (I was 4’10" when I was 14). It got easier after that. I learned my way around, I became friendly with the girls whose lockers were on either side of mine (lockers were alphabetically assigned so the same girls were on either side for all four years), and I got a couple of inches taller.

 

[OSUbride0708]

I wonder how the first day went…be sure to let us know!

 

[catholic1seeks]

Everyone, thanks for the advice!

The first day went as I expected it to go…
Basically, I didn’t know anyone except for the ones from the Catholic school. Because of this, the day was slow with not many people to talk to.

If only there was a Catholic high school! I’m just so used to the kids in my class last year, even though I can be shy around them.

There are so many changes. Besides the number of students, crowded hallways, and the locked lockers, there are things I don’t like about the kids - things you shouldn’t like. For example, at lunch, there must have been four or five freshman who were cussing. I know that’s expected, but look how that limits things… I like the values! I’m glad I went to a Catholic School - or at least I’m Catholic!

And yes, your prayers are appreciated. I think that sounds strange for a normal 9th grader to say - - - but we’re on a Catholic website, and I’m not “normal,” and proud of it! ( I think)