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The 5 Lessons I Learned From Moving to a New High School

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By F MPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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It was mid-way through my sophomore year when my parents told me about my dad's new job. We would be moving from Connecticut to Massachusetts. Despite us moving only three hours away, it was at the time the biggest change that had happened to me. I (initially) did not handle it well. In my freshman year, I had created a plan for all four years of high school. The classes I would take, the friends I would have, even the type of prom dress I wanted to wear. I was devested by the fact that everything was being destroyed. And so, I went into denial.

For months I kept my move a secret. Until one day in French class, we started to talk about our Junior year. It was an exciting time, AP classes, thinking about college, and prom. The only thing I could think about was that I wouldn't be going to the school I so dearly loved. By the time the bell had rung I was halfway out the classroom, my eyes tearing up. Soon after I told my friends. Denying what was happening was taking a piece out of my happiness. That summer as I packed up my childhood room I decided. I decided to change my attitude about moving. From then on, I became overly optimistic. I put aside my nervousness and focused on creating new experiences, taking advantage of a new start, and learning from those around me.

Lesson 1: 'Take it as it comes.'

As time progressed I found that facing what was happening put me in a better mindset. On the first day of school that next year I wasn't nervous, rather I focused on my excitement. Who would I meet? What would my classes be like? Although the first day was hard, I stayed in a positive mindset. Nothing had gone to my plan, still I knew things would work out. Taking every new experience on with a positive mindset, truly helped me. Before I knew it the first week was over and everything slowly fell into place.

Lesson 2: Friends will come and go.

People come and go from your life. You learn from those you surround yourself with. I wasn't surrounded by new friends immediately. I moved to a small school, I knew breaking into social groups would be challenging. Making new friends always takes time, after a while, my friend group began to grow. People began to fall into my life, I began to see a new perspective on the world. Even though I don't talk to my 'old' friends every day, the ones who have stayed in my life have stayed here for a reason. You will make new amazing friends and keep friends from home. Take in their experiences, enjoy new friendships, but never forget your old friends.

Lesson 3: Join everything you can.

This is the most cliché advice, but its cliché for a reason. After moving I adopted the mindset of joining things I had never thought of doing. So, I joined the Model UN, Teachers of Tomorrow, theatre, and many (way too many) more. Whatever I thought would be interesting I joined. I met more people and built some of the strongest relationships I have ever had. Without going out of my comfort zone I wouldn't have grown as a person, nor would I have met some of the most inspiring people I know.

Lesson 4: Take a bit of home with you.

No matter where I go, I always take pieces of Connecticut with me. My experiences, my friends, and my childhood memories kept me going. They reminded me that I came from somewhere else, and that made me special. Even if you want to get away from where you come from its important to take the good of home with you. Where I grew up shaped who I am, and for that I am thankful. Wherever you go you can create a new home, fill it with new memories and keep the old. Combining the old and new will teach you the valuable skill of adaption.

Lesson 5: Embracing Who You Are

Fitting in proved to be a challenge. I grew up in a big town, hence I went to a big school. I was blessed with having the ability to be a part of several groups. Each gave me the chance to explore different sides of personality. I didn't have this opportunity at a small school. I had to embrace all those interests and sides of myself, this was one of the hardest things to adapt to. Yet after no time (and lots of smiling), I began to make friends and I managed to pinpoint what my passions where.

Throughout both of my high school moves, I kept these lessons close to my heart. I kept pushing through, looking for the feeling of comfort when I felt most out of place. I created a new better world for myself, and I filled it with old and new friends, and most importantly new memories. If you are moving to a new high school, it can be one of the most frightening experiences in your life. It will push you into a situation which will be uncomfortable, but you must keep your head held high and smile. In a little time, you will be creating new friendships and memories. Don't forget to smile and good luck!

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