Are You Ready for Middle or High School?
I remember how scary it was transitioning from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school. It was a period filled with numerous changes - physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Some questions ran through my mind…
-Will I be cool enough for kids to like me? Will I have friends?
-Will I be bullied?
-Are my teachers going to be nice?
-Are the classes going to be difficult? Will I do well? What if I fail?
Can you resonate with any of them?
It can be overwhelming when you are faced with new academic challenges, social dynamics, and increased responsibilities. Alongside this, I remember experiencing hormonal fluctuations and a heightened awareness of my own identity, interests, and values.
This period can bring about a mix of emotions as you navigate through unfamiliar territory. This is why it’s so important to find a safe, nurturing environment where you feel heard and understood without any judgment.
So here are some simple ways to help make your transitional period easier before school starts.
Do a Brain Dump
Write down everything that comes to mind as you are getting ready for the next chapter in your life. This will help you release all of those negative thoughts that have been swirling in your head and getting them down on your paper is the first step in helping you figure out what is making you anxious or stressed out so that you can stop them from paralyzing you.
Audit Your List
Once you have listed those negative thoughts, go through each one and ask yourself if they are true. Most of the time, what we say to ourselves are lies. This is where having a trusted individual or coach go through the list with you may be helpful.
Find Out Your Why
What are you nervous about and why? Becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings is the first step in helping you overcome your fears and becoming empowered.
Find Out What You Can Control
What are some things you can take action this summer? What are some realistic goals you can set for yourself to help prepare for the school year?
Examples:
-Start practicing your morning routine so that you know how to get ready and not be stressed out about getting to school late.
-If there’s a particular subject you are worried about, are there books out there that can help you or maybe a tutor who can give you some extra help this summer?
-If you are worried about getting lost at your school, is there a way to come to campus a week earlier just to explore and create a map for yourself so that you will be ready on your first day of school?
-Have you cleaned and organized your room lately?
Explore and Reflect Are there summer activities/programs or volunteer opportunities you can try? Not only will it keep you distracted from thinking about the new school year, it will also give you a chance to learn more about yourself while gaining some invaluable skills and insights.
Find Your Tribe/Community
Find a community that encourages open communication, fostering self-expression, and providing guidance can make the transition smoother. Seek support from teachers, counselors, and mentors during this transitional period. We are currently revamping our Circle Empowerment program (now called Leadership Empowerment Mastermind) so stay tuned for more details.
These are just some simple ways to relieve some of your anxiety and help you feel empowered as you prepare for the new school year. Just remember, this is a phase we all go through and everything you are experiencing is normal. You are not alone in this.
By having the practical tools and a supportive environment, you will be able to navigate through the transitions of entering middle or high school with confidence and resilience.
Let me know if this was helpful to you. Would love to hear about it! And of course, if you have any questions or if you are feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing me. You don’t have to go through this alone.