Dear Missy: I’m going into secondary school in September and I don’t know anyone. What do I do?
Dear Missy,
I’m going into secondary school in September and I don’t know anyone. What do I do?
Anonymous.
Dear Reader,
Transitioning from primary school to secondary school might seem really scary and nerve wracking right now but try not to worry about it too much. Yes, the work will get harder and you will have more homework but you’ll also get to meet lots of new people and make some great new friends too.
On the first day, remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. Everyone is bound to be nervous on their first day of secondary school, regardless of what they say. Try not to be too shy and just start chatting to people in your class. Chances are some people that you end up talking to on the first day may already know some other people in the year and can introduce you to these. Who knows, the people you meet on the first day could become some of your best friends for life.
The best advice I can give you is to be yourself. Everyone has different interests and hobbies which is great and just because someone has different interests than you, it doesn’t make yours any less valid as long as you like and enjoy them. If a ‘friend’ doesn’t accept your opinions and interests, then they’re not a friend. If someone makes you feel like you can’t be yourself or makes you feel like you need to change to be friends with them, then you should distance yourself from that person and find some new friends who will accept you for you.
Similarly when it comes to choosing which subjects you would like to study. Don’t pick one just because your friends are. As much fun as it is to be in the same class as your friends, school is for learning at the end of the day and you will have plenty of time to hang out with your friends during lunch breaks.
Although it can be hard when you’re in a new school with new friends, try not to let yourself be influenced or peer pressured in anything you don’t want to do, even if your new friends are doing it. It’s always 100% okay to say no and if your new friends have a problem with that, then they’re not very good friends.
Most of all, don’t be too nervous or worried about going into secondary school. Of course, it will take some time to settle in and find your feet but just remember to enjoy every minute of it. Secondary school flies by so quickly so enjoy it because it will be some of the best years of your life and you will make friends forever.
Love,
Katie x