Afraid of school next week!

[msfsteven]

Im going to be a sophomore this year.. I just feel anxious, and not in a good way. I like taking the classes, but what I don't like about it is the bus, breakfast or lunch! The bus takes me early, and I don't know where I'll sit. I dont have very many friends and... Id hate to not have anywhere to sit. And what would I do when I have to find a partner during class? Not many people liked me as a freshman, and I was in an all freshman school. There was never any open seats. This is a whole new campus to me, and I don't feel comfortable siting by myself, especially in in a school with more people. I don't think I'm very good at making friends, people never seem to like me or would want to talk to me, or even to sit with me. Does anyone know how I would survive this? I lve felt like throwing up all summer everytime I think about going to school, it just makes me so nervous!

[Le bonheur*]

Keep your head up and just try to make friends. You'll be surprised as to how many people are in the same boat as you. Good luck and let us know how it turns out

[msfsteven]

What if no one is in the same boat as I am? I dont go to a very large school.

[Kate*]

You sound a lot like me, I was always a nervous wreck every year and I wanted everything planned out exactly before anything actually happened. If you know someone when you get on the bus, try to sit next to them, if not, take an empty seat if one is available. Otherwise you're stuck with whatever is left. Lunch can be tricky, I ended up sitting alone for awhile until someone invited me to sit with her and her friends, most of whom I realized that I knew already and lunch became fun. Partners in class kind of depends. I was usually the one who got left out if there was an odd number, or got left working with someone I didn't like because that's just how it worked out. You'll most likely know someone in your class, and if you don't partner with someone near you or whoever is left stranded (If you're going to college, this is how things work) The professor may very well walk in one day and say get into groups of a certain number or find a partner and you'll just have to do it, so it's a good idea to get used to working with people you don't know.

I was also the one who always managed to get lost when i started a new school (and I'm still like this). The longer you're there, the more comfortable you'll be. Being nervous is normal, you'll make friends. Also, be aware of what message you might be sending, you might be putting people off without realizing it.

[Le bonheur*]

Originally Posted by msfsteven

What if no one is in the same boat as I am? I dont go to a very large school.

Although it may be a small school, there may be a large amount of nervous kids.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Maybe it's just me but I'm not understanding your concern of not knowing where to sit (on the bus I presume). Since you're going to a big school, chances are the bus will be full so you'll likely sit with someone no matter what. Whoever that person is, chat with them.

You've got to remember, there are other new students who are also nervous like yourself.

People may be unwilling to be with you due to how you present yourself, such as body language and facial expressions. For example, if you sit in a chair in the school cafeteria and slouch with crossed arms as though you're distancing yourself from everyone, that's what people will see: someone who wants to be left alone or feels sad. Alternatively, if you're jumpy, people may be a bit taken back and leave you on your own. If you dress in dark, dirty clothing, people are going to wonder why you're dressed like that and may not want to be seen next to someone who looks like they rolled around in a pig sty. Even if you sit and stand up straight, the rest of your body language will dictate how the conversation goes because if you quickly back down, keep looking to the ground or sides, mumble a lot, hands in your pockets, head down, etc..., it suggests you want to be left alone or you're bummed out.

If you want to get some conversations going, wear certain clothing, such as a band T-shirt (especially of a popular band), designer clothing, etc... . Already it makes you more likely to get conversations because you're showing you have things in common with the majority. Also, use your lack of knowledge of the school to your advantage, that is, ask someone who is in one of your classes where a certain room is, even if you already know because once they tell you, they may also say what class it is, so ask them about it and you've got a conversation going. Don't try to interrogate them by asking too many questions because that drives people away. If you're in a conversation, let them talk as much as they want before they give you your cue to talk.

For example, let's say I've been to the school for 1 year already and we're chatting about whatever, and you ask where a room is because you have class in, say, 30 minutes. A shortened version might go like this:

You: Oh, I was wondering, where is room 234?
Me: That's on the 2nd floor next to the principal's office. Are you taking biology with Mr. Bigdick?
You: Yeah, I did pretty good in science at my last school. Is Mr. Bigdick an OK teacher? Have you had him before, 'cause I'm a bit nervous?
Me: Nah, don't worry Mr. Bigdick is a cool guy, kind of strange and looks like Adam Sandler.
*You pull out your phone and open it*
Me: Hey, do you like The Shit-Sticka-Saurases?
You: Oh man, they're my favourite band! I like their album NumbNuts.

That's just an example.

[Cosmic]

A good portion of your classmates will be in the same boat as you, you're not the only one with feelings and emotions. The first day of school is a bit scary for everyone, no matter where you live, how many friends you have, what school it is, etc. Everyone will be doing something different than the year before and will be making adjustments to the new year with the classes being different, new teachers, and having different people in your class.

You should be open to making new friends, and just relax. It's not worth it to get all worked up about it, as it will just make things worse. If you keep your head high, mind open, and just be yourself, everything will be fine. Look forward to the year ahead and make it an enjoyable experience.

[leavemealone]

Hey there, I just want you to know that I'm going to be a Sophomore too this year, and I go to school next week also. I'm just as nervous as you are. Your worrying about all the bad things that could happen. I'm going to a bigger campus too, and the thing I'm worrying about is losing my way, not that I wont have anyone to sit with. I don't have many friends either, what with me being weird and all, but I found a crowd that sort of likes me for me. I'm sure you'll do the same. Good luck.
~Alice

[snoogums]

hey I think I kind of know how you feel about all of this. I have never had trouble making friends but I have troubles keeping them I guess because I am a little too honest sometimes. But I am going into high school a year early and will be leaving most of my friends behind in grade 8. I hardly know anyone in high school and everyone in my class will be older than me and I am already really short for my age. I have never been really good at presentations or public speaking so I am really nervous for that and the group work. But I am just going to go to school and be as happy and friendly as I can and hope to meet some other nice people. if you just do your best at everything im sure all the good people and potential friends will come to you. so I hope everything works out well.

[alibear101]

hey hun, things can be tough. I'm going into grade 10 too and its really scary for me too. I'm a big outcast at my school and i hate going because i constantly feel alone. my only advice would be to basically try and get through the day (ino it sucks i have to do it too) and then join clubs outside of school. thats where you will make all your friends, I've made a couple. if you want we can be friends? message me <3