Going back to school after summer or a holiday break, can be hard. You might be sad that the days of sleeping in and having extra time on your hands are over until the next break. Or alternatively, you might be really excited to get back to school, catch up with all your friends and start your new classes.
No matter what you might be feeling, here are a few tips that can help you get back into the right frame of mind to get back to school and get motivated for the new semester or quarter.
•Remember you’re not alone. A lot of other people are just as likely to be anxious about returning to school as you are.
•Set some goals. These might be school-related goals, like getting good grades in certain classes, or personal goals, like joining a club or volunteering. Check out putting your goals into action for more information.
•Get involved. A good way to get back into things at school and possibly make new friends is to become involved in activities or clubs.
•Break the ice. You and other students in the class are in the same situation and one great way to break the ice is to start talking with your classmates.
•Don’t stick to stereotypes. It’s often easy to identify different groups at your school.
•Express yourself. There are a number of ways that you can do this, check out the express yourself article formore ideas.
•Getting help. If you find that you aren’t coping well with the thought of going back to school, it may be helpful to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. Try talking with a friend or family member. Sometimes talking to someone who isn’t directly involved in your situation can also be helpful. If you would prefer to talk to someone anonymously you can call the Boys Town National Hotline at1-800-448-3000.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.