Becky felt she was finally one of the big kids when she hit sixth grade. She was the top dog, the big kahuna. She felt on top of the world and looked forward to graduating from elementary school and getting to advance to junior high. But now reality hit; was she really ready for seventh grade? That was just one of the many questions she asked herself. What if the big kids didn't like her? What if she couldn't find her locker or worse her classes? What if her BFF ditched her for the more popular crowd? What if she tripped over her shoelaces and fell flat on her stomach? All the kids would laugh at her. Pretty soon, Becky's stomach was tied in knots and she was not sure about junior high. What's a girl to do?
Leaving the comfort zone of elementary school to junior high, middle school or moving to a new school or a whole new town can be both exciting and scary and would tend to make any girl nervous, however; a new grade, new school or new town doesn't have to be a monster to tackle, when you've got a plan or two, or three…
Here are some suggestions to make your transition a snap.
- Check out the school, before your first day. Ask a counselor or the principal if you can have a tour around your new school. Get familiar with where your classes will be, so you don't feel nervous. Ask Mom or Dad to come with you, so they will also know their way around the school. Most school officials will make it a point to show you around the joint and answer any questions you may have.
- If you have a bigger brother or sister going to the same school, ask them to be your guide the first day. If the whole family is new, having a brother or sister with you can ease your anxiety. Just think, when you're the big kid again or not new anymore, you can be someone else's mentor, maybe even your own brother or sister.
- Make a plan. Grab your BFF or if you are new to the town, get to know your neighbors. Chances are, they will have kids your own age. Jot down a map of the school and create a buddy system. If she's got some of the same classes as you do, you can link arms and forge through the first day together or have her be your guide. Maybe you could be in charge of locating all the bathrooms and your BFF or new friend could be in charge of locating the office and cafeteria. When you have a friend who is going through the same thing you are or knows more than you do about the new area, you can tackle it together. If you have more than one BFF, include her in too; the more support, the better.
- Start getting ready for your first day, by preparing the night before. Have your clothes picked out and school supplies ready to go. The next morning, get up early and eat a good breakfast. Get to school at least fifteen minutes early, so you aren't rushing around trying to do things before the dreaded bell rings.
- Make a new friend. Strike up a conversation with one on the bus or at P.E.; chances are they are looking for a new friend too.
- Before school, gather a bunch of girlfriends and hit the mall or go with your mom if your new to the area. Nothing says, “Watch out junior high or “Watch out new school” than a cool new outfit and hairstyle. Start out with a pair of jean Capri's or designer jeans, a loose t-shirt and jacket and some Mary Janes. Next, get a trim or a radical new hair cut. Make a statement, but remember; don't change who you are to fit in.
- Get involved. Join the Drama Club, The Pep Club or the choir; the sooner you get involved with events and organizations, the more comfortable you may feel with other people and in your own skin.
- Take your time. Sometimes it takes longer than someone else to get the hang of being in a new school and new town, with new rules and a whole new environment; savor it and go at your own pace. Who says you have to dive right in? If you're the shy type, take it easy; when you feel more comfortable, then you can decide what organizations, events you want to take part in.
- Last, but not least, don't sweat it! Everyone goes through being the new kid, whether it's in a new school or a new town. Who knows, after a few weeks; you may absolutely love the seventh grade or your new school and wonder what you were worried about after all!
After Becky talked to her BFF, they made a plan. They drew up a map and gave each other assignments for their first day. Becky's BFF Jessica was going to be the classroom locater and Becky was going to be the bathroom, cafeteria and office locater.
After laying out her awesome new clothes for the first day and thinking of how cool seventh grade would be, Becky didn't feel so sacred anymore. She realized with a little preparation and confidence, seventh grade was going to be a blast!
