How To Function As A New Student

As a new student at Mississippi School of The Arts, I can tell you, firsthand, what student life is like here. At first, it is very exciting, as all new things are. But as the days go on, a sense of loneliness sets in. You don’t know anyone here, and they don’t know you. It can be hard to make new friends when you haven’t had to say, “Hey, I’m Brianna. Do you want to be friends?” since Kindergarten.

Personally, I went to a very small school and everyone knew everyone. So for me, it is very hard to interact with people I’ve just met. I don’t know how much to tell them to keep them interested without over- sharing. I’m slowly learning to interact with people I don’t know. What do you say? What do you not say? How do you act? How do you not act?

Not only are the people new but so are your surroundings. It’s strange having to ask where the principle’s office is, or not knowing how to get to your local Walmart. But luckily for you, I made this guide about how to function  as a new student!

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask where something is. Everyone else was new at one point too.
  2. If you want something, ask for it (or work your butt off to get it. Whichever applies to you).
  3. Introduce yourself to new people. Everyone could use a friend.
  4. Don’t tell your whole life story within 5 minutes of meeting someone. If they want to know, most of the time they will ask. Too much information too fast will either make them uncomfortable or make them feel pressured into sharing something as well. All will come with time.
  5. SMILE! Smiling and being polite will get your muuuuch further than a frown and rudeness ever will.
  6. Don’t  let anyone walk all over you. You might be new but you’re a strong, independent man/ woman/ your preferred gender.
  7. Remember that you got accepted here because you are an artist! You have an amazing skill. Be proud of yourself.
  8. Have fun (but not too much fun. I wouldn’t want you getting arrested or something because a 16 year old blogger told you to go out and enjoy yourself).
  9. Open yourself up to new people and opportunities. You never know the possibilities until you reach for them!
  10. Remember that this is still high school. You don’t have to be an adult yet. Despite what all the old people say, you’re already in the real world. You’ve already experienced real world things. (Like, seriously Grandma, I haven’t been living in “lalaland” this whole time).
  11. Stay true to yourself. You are the only you. Don’t change anything about yourself just because someone doesn’t like that part of you. It can be very tempting to want to change yourself to be like someone around you because they look “cool” or whatever. But the only thing you need to improve is your intelligence and compassion. Everyone should strive to be smarter and kinder.

These steps will be hard, no, make that impossible, these first few weeks. But stick to the process. I believe in you, your family believes in you, and most of all, you should believe in you.

Author: Brianna Cox

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

4 thoughts on “How To Function As A New Student”

  1. I relate to your feelings and am also glad that you decided to make a guide. I believe that future literaries may be comforted by this if they decide to come here.

  2. Okay, but where was this guide last week?! HAHAHA. This is so great! I know this going to help so many incoming juniors! Also, I really related to the second paragraph because I have NO CLUE what to say & not say, which most of the literaries probably already know (tehehe 😉

  3. This is a really helpful list, and I like how you use your experience to aid other students who are going through similar transitions. I relate to not knowing where everything is, hah. Everything will become more familiar with each day, though, I hope.

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