Whether you’re moving to Massapequa from one of our neighboring towns or you’re traveling cross country, it’s going to be an adventure. I would know, because last year I moved into Massapequa and was welcomed into a school over four times as large as my previous. I’ll share a bit of my story, and on the way, give you some tips on how to make your new adventure the best you’ve had.
Be confident.
In August of 2010 I moved into Massapequa as a sophomore. I must confess, the entire month until school began, I was pretty nervous; as anyone would be. I was worried about being rejected or labeled as the newbie, and about finding my way around the gigantic campus. As school approached, my nerves began to calm. I realized that if I was too nervous, it probably wouldn’t be helpful when trying to meet new friends. I found a new sense of confidence and used this and my full personality to help me make new friends when school began.
Be yourself.
The movies and some other people will tell about how going to a new school allows you to re-invent yourself. I feel this statement would be better if phrased; “going to a new school allows you to show yourself off”. If you are reinventing yourself, then are you really being yourself? When I got ready to enter Massapequa High School, I decided that if I was my full and total self, it’d be better off in the long-run, because then I will know my friends are my friends because of my personality and because they like me for who I am.
Let them know who you are.
On the first day, I was terrified, I walked into a sea of students, all of which I didn’t know. My classes were mixed with all different ages and different types of people. At first I felt it would be nearly impossible to make friends on the first day. As the school day progressed I realized that if people knew that I was a new student who didn’t know anyone, people became more eager to talk to me. This sounds silly, but I would literally make it my goal for the first week to let it be known in each class, “I’m new, and I’m Jessica”.
Take your time and find the right “lunch buddies”.
Lunch was the scariest part of my first day in Massapequa. On my first day, I sat by myself at the picnic tables, literally frightened. As the week continued however, I began to talk to different people in my other classes, and by the third week of school I had my “lunch buddies” all set.
I highly recommend that you do not sit by yourself on the first day, look for a group of young girls or guys that you can see yourself being friends with, if it’s a group of two, or a group of ten. Walk up to the table, introduce yourself (Remember: tell them you’re new), and ask them if you could sit with them. If you get shot down, keep your head up! There are plenty of other amazing and kind students whom will gladly let you sit with them. If you are just too nervous to make the attempt, talk to others in your other classes and find someone in your lunch period.
Join clubs, but not those.
You’ve probably had a million and two people tell you that the best way to make friends is to join a club. Not only does a club look spiffy on a college application, but it does help you to find friends. However, I strongly recommend you don’t join a club that doesn’t interest you. If you end up joining a club that is of no interest of you, it will be just as difficult to find friends as it would be to not join at all. Joining a club that you do not care for will make you bored or aggravated being there, and it will show. Students are in that club because they have a common interest for the club and its activities, if you are not interested in the club and its activities, the other club members will notice your lack of interest. Join a club that interests you; and do it quick! Unfortunately, I waited and joined a club in the last semester, which is fine, but now that I know about all the clubs Massapequa High School has to offer, I wish I had joined more, and I will this year. So, take some time in the beginning of the year and look on the school’s website at the long list of clubs available; there is surely something there for everyone.
All in all, I’m sure whether you’re a sophomore or an upperclassman, you will have a great adventure in Massapequa High School from start to finish. Remember to be confident, yourself, patient, and informed! Your first day or even first week of school may be uncomfortable, but it gets better, trust me. Good luck and have fun!