Madeline Diamond
Reporter
Due to my family’s adventurous spirit, I have been the “new kid” at school on more than a few occasions. Through my experience of moving around the country, I have learned not only how to survive high school, but also how to adjust to a completely new way of life. Whether you are a new student or the coolest kid in school, starting high school is overwhelming for anyone. From my experience, this is my declassified high school survival guide.
First, I’ll give you a little background on myself. I was born in sunny Southern California. When I was four, we ventured to a Virginia suburb of Washington, DC. Two years later, my family made our pilgrimage to New Canaan, Connecticut. My young self was not significantly affected by these moves, as I saw them as true adventures. It wasn’t until the summer after eighth grade that my relatively transient childhood became not just an adventure, but a burden.
My friends never cease to laugh when I bring up stories from what I now fondly call “Dana Pills.” You see, this is a term of endearment used by people from my school in California to allude to the school’s ever present drug problem- in a completely un-politically correct way. Dana Pills, actually called Dana Hills, is the school I attended from freshman to junior year in Dana Point, California. Much to the surprise of my freshman year self, it could not be more opposite from New Canaan. I quickly realized the differences of the California culture.
I walked into school on my first day of freshman year not knowing anyone in a school of over 3,000 people. Unfortunately, reality did not meet my expectations falsely created by The O.C., Zoey 101 and The Beach Boys. After a few horrifying months of lonesomely wandering the halls, I eventually found a group of friends with similar interests and goals. I enjoyed competing on the golf team. Most significantly, I joined the school newspaper and discovered my passion for writing.
Upon returning to New Canaan this year, the adjustment was certainly not as severe. By getting involved in activities and sports, I was able to reconnect with old friends, as well as make many new ones.
THE GUIDE:
The best advice I can give to a new student would be to get involved in the activities you are interested in. From my experience, I have found that it can be hard to meet people in an unfamiliar setting. However, becoming part of a team, club, or other group provides many opportunities to make friends. Being open-minded and willing to try new things are also beneficial traits.
Similarly, a positive attitude is everything. Trust me, having to uproot your life and start a new one at a new school can seem unfair. Although, staying positive is incredibly helpful when facing the perils of being a new kid.
High school certainly provides challenges for any student. However, these four years are an excellent time to find your passions and more importantly, yourself. In my case, moving taught me how to appreciate diversity and adapt to new situations, and for that I am grateful.
6 SIGNS YOU’RE NEW AT NCHS:
1. You were never assigned a locker and wonder why no one uses them.
2. You don’t know the difference between the main, attendance and guidance offices
3. Until recently, you thought Mr. Rothman and Dr. Luizzi were the same person
4. You use the same halls and staircases to get to all your classes, otherwise you’ll get lost
5. All year you have carried around your schedule- this eight day rotation is tough
6. Wait, we have a planetarium?