Overcoming the New School Year Jitters

When we were younger, the first day of school brought with it both excited anticipation as well as unsettled nerves. Yes, we wanted to see our friends again, get back into our favorite clubs and after-school activities, but we were also nervous about who our new classmates would be, what our teacher would be like, and how successful we would be.

For learners in their high school and college years,as well as adult learners, returning to the classroom can be just as anxiety-filled, even though the sources of those concerns may be different. The classroom environment may be more intimidating and certainly, the campus will be different than school in your early years. Your situation may be different too, as you might be balancing work and family responsibilities. All that said though, you can still dive into the new school year challenges and kick off the year in a positive way. Consdier these tips:

Don’t Psych Yourself Out – you can do this! 
Remind yourself that everyone gets nervous, and that you yourself have a track record of getting through similar nervous beginnings with 100% success. You’ve made it to this point, right? Remind yourself of past high school successes as you begin another high school year, and remind yourself of why you are pursuing a college degree as you enter campus. Feel proud of the commitment and get psyched!

Plan and Prep Ahead of Time. 
Purchase and organize your new supplies. Treat yourself to a new planner and use if to organize your schedule, including important dates, deadlines, work and family commitments. Having these dates organized and laid out in front of you will make all the difference and will help to strengthen your time management success.

Seek Out and Make Connections. 
When you are in the thick of your new school year experience, it’s easy to forget that you are not the only one who may be nervous. Say hello to your school mates, even if it is a little uncomfortable. Turn the conversation to your shared experience of starting something new. Introduce yourself to your instructors. Communication is vitally important to any relationship, whether it’s with your peers, teachers or professors. Striking up those relationships is a good confidence builder as you put together a team to support you. Additionally, within your team, you can support each other as you strive for success and encourage one another when problems arise. 

Seek out Student Support Services. 
If you need additional support at the college level, reach out to the disabilities office to discuss accommondations you may need or tutoring they may provide. If you are in high school and your school does not have such a department available, go to your Guidance Counselor. 

Work to Stay Positive! 
Having the jitters at the beginning of a new school year is completely normal. Remind yourself that you are in control of your new experience, your positive attitude can make all the difference, and you can succeed at anything you put your mind to. You may need to push yourself a little until you become more comfortable, but you can do this! Here’s to a great new school year!