Switching to a new school is, in a word, overwhelming. In my case, you’re thrown into a class of 300 kids, on a campus with 700 kids, with tons of hard classes, and no friends (yet). 

First, a little bit of background. I, unlike most kids switching schools, had the choice to continue going to high school at my old school, but decided to switch out. It wasn’t a situation where everyone was splitting up and venturing off to new places for high school—I chose to leave, along with three other kids from my old school—and left all my close friends behind.

I was very excited academically for the new school, but I didn’t spend much time thinking about the social aspect, I just assumed it would work itself out. But what I didn’t focus on seems to be the most challenging part. There is a lot of attention put on new students. I feel as though I have to always be upbeat and outgoing yet cautious all at once. And to make it worse, in this day, there are tons of kids at my new school that I “know of” (Facebook—and some friends of friends) and that have “heard of” me in the same way. So besides the usual scrutiny, many people have an expectation of what you will be like and everything you do and say is not only being judged by your peers but also weighed against that expectation. It’s not a bad thing, we all do it, especially when we first meet people—its just intimidating.

The thing I find hardest, although it sounds stupid, is acting like myself around new people. Sometimes I find myself without my normal personality, just making generic nice comments and having shallow conversations. I seem to be able to trick myself into thinking that being a bland yet nice girl will somehow beat the scrutiny—but it wont. It’s hard to let people in quickly, but if you don’t, then people cant get to know you and what your really like, and you’ll struggle finding the people who you go well with. So what I’ve tried to get good at is not holding anything back. Just saying what I would if I was talking to my best friends from my old school, and acting like myself. I also remind myself that even though I’m trying to make a good impression and please others, it’s important to be looking for people that I like as well. And anyways, the kinds of people that I’m going to want to be friends with aren’t those who will ride me off after a few days.

I don’t want to make it seem like I’m having a bad time AT ALL…in fact, I’ve loved it for the most part. These are more under the surface worries that I stress over (occasionally), but during the days I just try to meet as many people as I can and see who I like. People have been very nice and welcoming—it’s just hard to not be a little bit paranoid at times. I’ve had to get used to the fact that it takes time to make friends. It’s weird to go home each day not knowing exactly who you’re friends are or who they are going to be for the next four years, but you have to think that things don’t happen overnight and that you’ll get there. Switching schools is very exciting and scary, you just have to take it one step at a time. It’s a process.

Have you ever done anything super scary that you knew was ultimately the right choice?  Tell us in the comments or tweet us your story @StayTeen!

Amelia is 15 and from Los Angeles, California. She is a member of The National Campaign’s Youth Leadership Team. Amelia loves debate, playing tennis, being with friends, and coffee ice cream. You should see her do all of it at the same time. Have a question for Amelia? Email us!