3 answers
Isla
Student
Hancock, MA
2
Questions
Asked
422 views
What do I need to look out for in high school?
I go to a very small school and I'm going to a bigger highschool with so many more people. Im going to be treated differently and its going to be hard to make friends there with all the people. Do you have any suggestions I can look at and learn about people, rules, etc.
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Isla friendships aren’t made overnight – it can take months to get to know someone well and feel comfortable with each other. But please don't become frustrated if you feel like you aren’t making any progress. Be patient, because you’ll find your place at school soon enough!
BE APPROACHABLE
This may sound tricky, but it’s not far off from “being yourself.” Sometimes, people hesitate to approach someone because of their demeanor. That’s why it’s important for you to have a friendly attitude in life. Doing so is far easier than you think, and someone who takes time to invite new people in will always be appreciated.
Making eye contact and smiling can be the first step in someone initiating conversation with you. Commenting out loud about the room, scenery, or cracking a joke invites people in. It’s easy to be shy, but even the smallest steps create a welcoming presence, like simple body language. Just saying, “hello!” can do wonders; or even giving someone a compliment in passing. Every social opportunity is an opportunity to make new friends.
A large part of making friends is taking chances. Socializing involves effort, and you should never hesitate to put yourself out there. If you see someone you think may be a potential friend, talk to them. Just as common interests can ignite conversation, any common situation can as well.
If you’re at an event and see people you think could be a match, take that moment to ask them some questions about themselves. Perhaps comment on the event you’re at and see what they think about it. Anything can become a conversation starter; the goal is to open up that opportunity that can lead to good times.
I hope this will be helpful Isla
Join school Clubs Joining school clubs can be a way to make new friends. It's a great way to experience things together, which can eventually make your friendship stronger. Start it off by getting involved in activities and hobbies that you enjoy, such as student council or sports teams. Once you put yourself in those situations, you will be more exposed to new people! Join whatever you like to do! It can be art, music, sports... anything!
BE APPROACHABLE
This may sound tricky, but it’s not far off from “being yourself.” Sometimes, people hesitate to approach someone because of their demeanor. That’s why it’s important for you to have a friendly attitude in life. Doing so is far easier than you think, and someone who takes time to invite new people in will always be appreciated.
Making eye contact and smiling can be the first step in someone initiating conversation with you. Commenting out loud about the room, scenery, or cracking a joke invites people in. It’s easy to be shy, but even the smallest steps create a welcoming presence, like simple body language. Just saying, “hello!” can do wonders; or even giving someone a compliment in passing. Every social opportunity is an opportunity to make new friends.
A large part of making friends is taking chances. Socializing involves effort, and you should never hesitate to put yourself out there. If you see someone you think may be a potential friend, talk to them. Just as common interests can ignite conversation, any common situation can as well.
If you’re at an event and see people you think could be a match, take that moment to ask them some questions about themselves. Perhaps comment on the event you’re at and see what they think about it. Anything can become a conversation starter; the goal is to open up that opportunity that can lead to good times.
I hope this will be helpful Isla
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Sophie Clissold-Lesser
project manager in Sales Enablement
36
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Sophie’s Answer
I'd like to wish you the best of luck, as this seems like a thrilling new journey! It's wise that you're considering it now. However, I must say that there aren't any specific rules for success, and schools can sometimes be challenging environments.
Maybe you have some hobbies that could help you connect with various groups of people at your new school. Activities like drama, public speaking, music, art, or sports can be great ways to bond with others outside your classes, thanks to your shared interests.
You didn't mention if changing schools also means moving to a new neighborhood. If that's the case, consider finding ways to make friends outside of school as well, so you have a mix of friends from both school and your community.
Personally, I wasn't the best at making friends in school, but I was actively involved in school plays, the orchestra (until I convinced my mom to let me quit!), the school newspaper, and even some sports. These activities allowed me to interact with people from different grades and outside my class. Additionally, I took swimming lifesaving lessons, which helped me meet kids from other schools.
I hope it goes really well for you.
I genuinely hope everything goes smoothly for you!
Maybe you have some hobbies that could help you connect with various groups of people at your new school. Activities like drama, public speaking, music, art, or sports can be great ways to bond with others outside your classes, thanks to your shared interests.
You didn't mention if changing schools also means moving to a new neighborhood. If that's the case, consider finding ways to make friends outside of school as well, so you have a mix of friends from both school and your community.
Personally, I wasn't the best at making friends in school, but I was actively involved in school plays, the orchestra (until I convinced my mom to let me quit!), the school newspaper, and even some sports. These activities allowed me to interact with people from different grades and outside my class. Additionally, I took swimming lifesaving lessons, which helped me meet kids from other schools.
I hope it goes really well for you.
I genuinely hope everything goes smoothly for you!
Matt Neves Agostini
Talent Acquisition
1
Answer
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hey Isla, I completely understand your situation.
During my school years, I switched schools around eight times, often moving to different countries. I know how nerve-wracking it can be to start at a new school. It's tough not knowing what the other students are like, the school's culture, or if you'll be able to connect with anyone.
Looking at your question, it seems you might be assuming that others will treat you differently and that making friends could be hard. While that could be true, keeping an open mind about how things will unfold can help ease your anxiety before the first day. It's possible that people won't treat you differently, and you might make friends quickly. Remember, it's essential to become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Embrace the uncertainty, and focus on how this experience will help you grow as a person.
In my experience, what helped me most during these transitions was listening more than talking and observing before taking action. This approach allowed me to understand the school's culture, how students formed groups, teachers' expectations, and who I wanted to be close to—those who made me feel safe. When you start opening up to new people, you'll find that the key to getting others interested in you is showing genuine interest in them. Ask questions, engage in conversations, and be curious about others. As the saying goes, "If you want to be interesting, be interested."
It's a unique balance between being introverted and extroverted, but it's achievable.
As you become more comfortable, participate in activities that interest you. This involvement will create more opportunities to meet new people and build connections.
I hope this advice helps, and I wish you an amazing time at your new school.
Matt
During my school years, I switched schools around eight times, often moving to different countries. I know how nerve-wracking it can be to start at a new school. It's tough not knowing what the other students are like, the school's culture, or if you'll be able to connect with anyone.
Looking at your question, it seems you might be assuming that others will treat you differently and that making friends could be hard. While that could be true, keeping an open mind about how things will unfold can help ease your anxiety before the first day. It's possible that people won't treat you differently, and you might make friends quickly. Remember, it's essential to become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Embrace the uncertainty, and focus on how this experience will help you grow as a person.
In my experience, what helped me most during these transitions was listening more than talking and observing before taking action. This approach allowed me to understand the school's culture, how students formed groups, teachers' expectations, and who I wanted to be close to—those who made me feel safe. When you start opening up to new people, you'll find that the key to getting others interested in you is showing genuine interest in them. Ask questions, engage in conversations, and be curious about others. As the saying goes, "If you want to be interesting, be interested."
It's a unique balance between being introverted and extroverted, but it's achievable.
As you become more comfortable, participate in activities that interest you. This involvement will create more opportunities to meet new people and build connections.
I hope this advice helps, and I wish you an amazing time at your new school.
Matt