Transitioning to Public School
I’m not entirely sure if this is the right subreddit for this, but I’m a homeschooler who will be starting public school for my freshman year of high school, thanks to my parents’ decision.
I struggle with severe social anxiety, which has led to panic attacks in crowded places. My parents believe this issue may stem from being homeschooled and feel it was a mistake to limit my social interactions. The panic attacks became particularly challenging toward the end of seventh grade, but they chose to wait until high school for my transition so that I would be experiencing it alongside other freshmen. While I appreciate that this timing may be better than transitioning mid-middle school, I still fear being labeled as the “weird homeschooled kid.” I currently don’t have any friends from public school, so I’m worried that I’ll only reinforce that stereotype by navigating everything alone.
The school my parents have chosen is hosting an open house in two days, and I’ve been feeling incredibly anxious since they shared the news. I knew public school was in my future, but it didn’t feel real until now—and I’m truly scared. My only understanding of high school comes from movies, and everyone keeps telling me it’s not like that. The thought of being around other teenagers every day feels overwhelmingly exhausting (seriously, how do you public schoolers manage it?). Plus, knowing there will be students who are up to four years older than me makes me even more anxious.
I apologize for venting a bit! I tend to be quite long-winded. If you have any tips to help me navigate this change or just want to share what your school is like, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much for listening!
First off, I want to say that it’s completely understandable to feel anxious about this big transition. It’s a huge change, and it’s natural to have worries and concerns, especially when social anxiety is involved. Kudos to you for being brave enough to share your feelings and seek advice!
Here are a few tips that might help you as you prepare for this transition:
Take it One Step at a Time: Try to focus on one aspect of the experience at a time, like just getting through the open house. It can be overwhelming to think of the whole school year right now, so consider breaking things down into smaller, more manageable goals.
Ask Questions: During the open house, don’t hesitate to ask teachers or staff any questions you might have. Most educators are more than willing to help and can offer insight into what to expect.
Connect with Others: If you can, try to connect with fellow incoming freshmen, either at the open house or online through social media groups for your school. Finding others who are also new can help you feel less alone.
Find a Comfort Zone: It might help to find a teacher or counselor you can talk to about your anxiety. They can assist in making your transition smoother and can provide support if you ever feel overwhelmed.
Plan Your Schedule: Knowing where your classes are and having a rough idea of your daily schedule can take some of the anxiety out of the first few days. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the school, so you’re not navigating it all at once.
Focus on the Positive: Try to think about aspects you might actually enjoy, like exploring new subjects, participating in extracurricular activities, or making new friends who share your interests.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Before the open house and throughout the school year, practice breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques to help manage your anxiety.
Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that it’s okay to feel a bit out of place at first. Everyone adjusts to new environments differently, and it’s perfectly fine to take your time.
As for what public school is like, it’s very different for everyone! Some people enjoy the variety of classes and social interactions, while others find it challenging. Keep in mind that there are lots of different types of students, and you will likely find your own group over time.
It’s great that you’re reaching out and looking for advice. Just remember, you’re not alone in this and many people have gone through similar experiences. Be patient with yourself as you navigate through this transition. You’ve got this!