Back to School Wisdom
The start of another new school year is upon us and for those transitioning into a new school it can be tough and a wee bit scary. But fear not, because Jessica and I are here to help make your first week of school the best first week ever. We will walk through the whole day and try and give you tips and advice on what to look out for.
First off, the bus (even though depending on your school situation there might be a different mode of transportation for you. And that's a whole other topic):
Jessica. I would advise a snack, I always advise a snack. Sit next to someone don't be shy, start a conversation!
Sarah. Don't be that jerk that saves the seat for the friend that's not coming (though if you actually have a friend coming then you should save them a seat) because nobody wants to be that person that is wandering around looking for a spot to sit. And then if they sit with you you could make friends with them (bonus if they go to your school). Also for those who have to wait at a bus stop make sure that you dress for the weather, I have spent many cold, dark mornings at the bus stop with my friends.
Other transportation:
Sarah. There are some students who arrive at school by other means, whether their parents bring them, they drive themselves, or they walk. And all of those methods that require cards create a lot of traffic; people are trying to get in and done as quickly as possible. Don't be rude in traffic just get in, get your business done and get out and on with your day (especially for the parents who are driving, stay calm because everyone is in the same boat).
Second, entering the school:
Jessica. Talk to people because a lot of times if you don't get the initial jitters out of the way it makes it a lot harder to get over the fear of reaching out to people. Make sure you are prepared and that you know where your classes are ahead of time so you are not late on the first day, because that is awkward.
Sarah. Basically what Jessica said haha. But really, if your school offers you a chance to check out where your classes are or meet your teachers do it because it will give you a heads up for what's to come and then you know where you are going. Also be nice to those that don't know where they are going; especially if they are in your class, just latch onto them and drag them with you that way you both arrive on time.
Third, classes (this is for the whole day of classes):
Jessica. Don't get too stress or overwhelmed. Realize that it is the first day of school and you have a bit of time to get back in the loop. Take notes to look over later to avoid feeling like it's an information overload.
Sarah. First day of classes usually means one thing, syllabi.... those long, horrid contracts that basically tell you what the class is about and what is expected of you. They are a chore to get through but realize that the teachers that you have have to go through them even more than you do; they have to write them and then read them over and over again for every single one of their classes, so please cut them some slack. Also there are lots of personalities in every class and not all of them will vibe with you, trust me I have been in a lot of classes with a lot of people that I didn't like. So word of advice, if you don't like someone, be nice to them anyways (oh man shocker haha) because you have to be in the same class with them ALL YEAR (or quarter or whatever) so you may as well try and get along (besides once you leave school for the day you don't have to see them any more).
Third, time for lunch:
Jessica. Kinda the same thing I have been saying you wanna not be afraid to talk to people, a lot of times people are waiting for someone to talk to them because they feel as shy as you do because they don't know anyone.
Sarah. Lunch is usually that blessed time of day where you can hang out with your friends and for half an hour (or however long your lunch is) take your mind off of classes; but on the first day of school lunch can be crazy, students don't know their lunch numbers or how to go about getting lunch, and the lunch staff are trying to cater to everyone's needs. So at least for the first week of school be patient, everyone else in the cafeteria is probably in or has been in the same situation so stay calm. And if it is really that big of a deal that you get your lunch quickly then I advise packing in a lunch, true it might not be the most stylish thing (unless you have a rockin' awesome lunch box) it will save you a lot of time (plus you can choose what you want to have and it will probably be better than whatever they are serving in the cafeteria).
Finally, heading home:
Jessica. Just go home. It's simple.
Sarah. Another trial of patience here at the end of the school day. Be patient with the people getting on the buses, be patient with the buses themselves because sometimes they arrive late. And be patient with the traffic heading out because buses, parent pick ups, and student drivers all add up to lots of traffic so please be patient.
And side note for the person that probably gets the most attention on the first day of school, the guidance counselor:
Sarah. Seriously this staff member is the most sought after person on the first day of school; people don't like their schedules, people need to transfer, people want to be with their friends, and the list goes on. And they have to try and make time for everyone. But the stress doesn't stop with them, it migrates to the students - though of course it's not the counselor's fault, it just happens - who get mad about not having the schedules they wanted or about not being seen right away. But stop for a moment and think about what the counselor is going through, for about an entire week they have to sit down with upset students to try and fix their schedules, and then if they can't make the changes due to unforseen circumstances the students get even more mad even though the counselor can't help it. So cut them some slack for the first week because they are going through stress too.
First off, the bus (even though depending on your school situation there might be a different mode of transportation for you. And that's a whole other topic):
Jessica. I would advise a snack, I always advise a snack. Sit next to someone don't be shy, start a conversation!
Sarah. Don't be that jerk that saves the seat for the friend that's not coming (though if you actually have a friend coming then you should save them a seat) because nobody wants to be that person that is wandering around looking for a spot to sit. And then if they sit with you you could make friends with them (bonus if they go to your school). Also for those who have to wait at a bus stop make sure that you dress for the weather, I have spent many cold, dark mornings at the bus stop with my friends.
Other transportation:
Sarah. There are some students who arrive at school by other means, whether their parents bring them, they drive themselves, or they walk. And all of those methods that require cards create a lot of traffic; people are trying to get in and done as quickly as possible. Don't be rude in traffic just get in, get your business done and get out and on with your day (especially for the parents who are driving, stay calm because everyone is in the same boat).
Second, entering the school:
Jessica. Talk to people because a lot of times if you don't get the initial jitters out of the way it makes it a lot harder to get over the fear of reaching out to people. Make sure you are prepared and that you know where your classes are ahead of time so you are not late on the first day, because that is awkward.
Sarah. Basically what Jessica said haha. But really, if your school offers you a chance to check out where your classes are or meet your teachers do it because it will give you a heads up for what's to come and then you know where you are going. Also be nice to those that don't know where they are going; especially if they are in your class, just latch onto them and drag them with you that way you both arrive on time.
Third, classes (this is for the whole day of classes):
Jessica. Don't get too stress or overwhelmed. Realize that it is the first day of school and you have a bit of time to get back in the loop. Take notes to look over later to avoid feeling like it's an information overload.
Sarah. First day of classes usually means one thing, syllabi.... those long, horrid contracts that basically tell you what the class is about and what is expected of you. They are a chore to get through but realize that the teachers that you have have to go through them even more than you do; they have to write them and then read them over and over again for every single one of their classes, so please cut them some slack. Also there are lots of personalities in every class and not all of them will vibe with you, trust me I have been in a lot of classes with a lot of people that I didn't like. So word of advice, if you don't like someone, be nice to them anyways (oh man shocker haha) because you have to be in the same class with them ALL YEAR (or quarter or whatever) so you may as well try and get along (besides once you leave school for the day you don't have to see them any more).
Third, time for lunch:
Jessica. Kinda the same thing I have been saying you wanna not be afraid to talk to people, a lot of times people are waiting for someone to talk to them because they feel as shy as you do because they don't know anyone.
Sarah. Lunch is usually that blessed time of day where you can hang out with your friends and for half an hour (or however long your lunch is) take your mind off of classes; but on the first day of school lunch can be crazy, students don't know their lunch numbers or how to go about getting lunch, and the lunch staff are trying to cater to everyone's needs. So at least for the first week of school be patient, everyone else in the cafeteria is probably in or has been in the same situation so stay calm. And if it is really that big of a deal that you get your lunch quickly then I advise packing in a lunch, true it might not be the most stylish thing (unless you have a rockin' awesome lunch box) it will save you a lot of time (plus you can choose what you want to have and it will probably be better than whatever they are serving in the cafeteria).
Finally, heading home:
Jessica. Just go home. It's simple.
Sarah. Another trial of patience here at the end of the school day. Be patient with the people getting on the buses, be patient with the buses themselves because sometimes they arrive late. And be patient with the traffic heading out because buses, parent pick ups, and student drivers all add up to lots of traffic so please be patient.
And side note for the person that probably gets the most attention on the first day of school, the guidance counselor:
Sarah. Seriously this staff member is the most sought after person on the first day of school; people don't like their schedules, people need to transfer, people want to be with their friends, and the list goes on. And they have to try and make time for everyone. But the stress doesn't stop with them, it migrates to the students - though of course it's not the counselor's fault, it just happens - who get mad about not having the schedules they wanted or about not being seen right away. But stop for a moment and think about what the counselor is going through, for about an entire week they have to sit down with upset students to try and fix their schedules, and then if they can't make the changes due to unforseen circumstances the students get even more mad even though the counselor can't help it. So cut them some slack for the first week because they are going through stress too.
Just some back to school pictures for your enjoyment!
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