I don't think I've felt this way in years. All of my previous school transitions have been made with the company of my previous friends. Here in Hicktown, the kids you went to kindergarten with are the same ones in your AP Euro class. When I entered both middle and high school, I knew the majority of fellow students already and was therefore able to slide easily into whichever clique I chose at the time. But not now.
I think this is the first time in my life when I've had to go to a new school not only mid-year, but without the support of having pre-made friends. I know a few people at this new school, but I'm definitely going to be the new kid.
I am genuinely nervous, this is so weird!
Being fully aware of just how important first impressions are, I'm terrified that I'm going to make the wrong ones. I'm very conscientious of the social hierarchies within HHS setting and I have made a very nice little niche for myself just between 'theater kid' and 'party kid', which are both comfortably high on the ladder.
However, at GHS, I have no idea what the ladders look like or who sits atop them. I don't want to be immediately categorized as a 'stoner' or 'ewww that scary awkward kid'. I also don't want to be immediately picked up whatever slut crew fucked and fondled their way to the top of the pile. I am dominant enough on my own, I don't need an army of whores spreading shit behind my back and then smiling to my face and calling the whole process 'friendship'.
I just want to find a comfortable spot to sit on the ladder until summer, dig?
So. Nervous.
Julia
PS: This is where you, my lovely few and foreign followers, leave possibly a few words of encouragement and a smiley face.... Please.
I was in the same situation way when I went to a new school, too!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, fake confidence. If you walk in there with a smile on your face and just talk to people, it'll all be okay :D
Good luck :)
I have a strong strong feeling that you're badass enough to have absolutely no problem going to a new school. Also, I think social hiarchies are pretty much the same everywhere, so figuring out your new school shouldn't be too tough. Lastly, don't let other people decide who you are in the school; be what you want to be, and eventually they'll have no choice but to agree. Because you're awesome.
ReplyDelete:D <-- smiley face.
Dude my friend my friend friend friend. (That sentence made sense. Shush your face.)
ReplyDeleteYou will be awesome. Just talk to people! This has happened to me many times, and in spite of my painfully awkward genocide jokes I have managed to make friends. In fact, I'm going to a different session of my theater camp this year so I can do my rock choir, and I know exactly zero people there. So...you'll be awesome! Awesome awesome awesome. You are cool, you're funny, you're loved. (W00t comma splices!)
Ahhhh....
ReplyDeleteBeing the New Kid.
This is something that I genuinely could help you with, as I've been the New Kid...oh, just about eight times in my life.
WeMoveHousesALot.
So if you have any specific questions, I'll be here with open ears. But to give some general New Kid advice, I'll say:
1) Offer compliments. Like, a lot of compliments. Even if it makes you sick and you don't really love her bracelet as much as you pretend you do.
2) Try to stay smiling. It makes you look friendly, confident, and someone that's fun to be with.
3) This may be the most important: Just be yourself and talk. TALK TALK TALK. Start conversations. Thank people. Ask questions, even if you know the answer. Just make yourself acknowledged.
I hope these helped :)
GOOD LUCK!
I'm sure you'll make friends. I always think new kids are cool initially.
ReplyDeleteWait, why are you switching schools? :/
ReplyDeleteWait, did you move to the East Coast (since you met Philly)? What's going on?
ReplyDelete