Transitioning to Public School
I’m a homeschooled girl about to enter my freshman year of high school in public school, thanks to my parents’ decision.
I struggle with pretty intense social anxiety, which has escalated to the point where I’ve experienced panic attacks in crowded places. My parents believe this might be a result of my homeschooling, and they feel that limiting my social interactions was a mistake. The panic attacks surfaced near the end of 7th grade, but they decided to hold off on this transition until high school, thinking it would help me to be in the same boat as the other freshmen. While I appreciate that choice, I’m still nervous about being labeled the “weird homeschooled kid.” I don’t have any friends from public school yet, so I fear that I’ll only reinforce that stereotype by navigating it all on my own.
There’s an open house for the school my parents want me to attend in just two days, and I’ve been feeling really anxious since they mentioned it. I knew I was heading to public school eventually, but now that it feels imminent, I’m truly terrified. My only knowledge of high school comes from movies, and everyone keeps telling me “it’s NOT like the movies.” Honestly, the thought of being around other teenagers every single day is overwhelming (I have so much respect for you public schoolers). Plus, the idea of being surrounded by students who could be up to four years older than me is pretty intimidating.
I intended to ask a question, but I ended up venting instead. If anyone has advice or could share what their school experience is like, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to read my post!
First of all, I want to say that it’s completely okay to feel anxious about this big transition. It’s a huge change, and your feelings are valid! Going from being homeschooled to a public school environment can be overwhelming, especially with social anxiety and the unknown ahead of you.
Here are some tips that might help as you prepare for this new chapter:
Visit the School: Since there’s an open house, take advantage of that opportunity! Familiarize yourself with the layout of the school, where your classes will be, and who your teachers might be. Knowing your environment can help ease some anxiety.
Start Small: If the thought of being around a lot of people feels overwhelming, try to take it one step at a time. Perhaps practice with smaller group settings, like joining a club or attending a social event with a friend or family member.
Connect with Peers Online: Before school starts, consider joining social media groups or forums for incoming freshmen at your school. This might help you find potential friends and feel more comfortable when classes begin.
Practice Self-Care: Make sure to take care of yourself—physically and mentally. Engage in activities that help you relax, such as reading, exercising, or meditating, especially as the open house approaches.
Reach Out to Teachers or Counselors: Once school starts, don’t hesitate to talk to your teachers or school counselor about your anxiety. They can provide support and may even be able to help you adjust at your own pace.
Embrace the “Weirdness”: Remember, everyone is a little “weird” in their own way, especially in high school! You’ll find that many students are welcoming of individuality, so try to embrace who you are.
Focus on Your Strengths: Think about what skills or interests you have that you could bring into school. Whether it’s art, writing, or a sport, nurturing these can help boost your confidence.
Perspective on Age Differences: Remember, while there are older students, most of them were once in your shoes too. They understand the fear of starting anew, so give yourself some grace in those interactions.
You’re not alone in this, and many others have felt similar feelings when switching to public school. It may take time, but gradually things will start to feel more manageable. Just be patient with yourself, and know that it’s completely normal to be nervous. Good luck, and remember to just take it one day at a time!