It’s always bittersweet going back to school and university. I am headed to university at the beginning of September, and I thought I’d share some of the techniques I’m going to use to make sure I fit in and make new friends.
Beginning a new academic year means expanding your academic horizons and meeting new people. And it also usually means trying to make up for the mistakes of the previous academic year. In my case I’ve made a list of things I need to accomplish, sort of like a New Year’s resolution list. I realise also that in order to accomplish all that I wish to, I must overcome my shyness.
I am not inherently shy. In fact, I would describe myself as quite outgoing. But that doesn’t mean that I am immune to awkward first impressions and timid encounters – because I do that quite frequently. We all know that new classrooms, new teachers, and new classmates can bring out the shy side of anyone. Overcoming that shyness is always the first step to having an awesome year. Although I’m not an expert at it, I do have a few tips and tricks on how to overcome shyness.
What always seems to work for me when I’m put in new situations where I’m feeling a little timid is to pretend to be the most confident person in the room. Basically, you’ve really got to fake it till you make it! If you can convince everyone else that you’re not a shy person, eventually you’ll start convincing yourself. Also surrounding yourself with people that make you confident helps. If you’ve moved to a new school, keep contact with your friends at your previous school. I am counting on my high school friends to give me a lot of strength from across the miles.
I do hope my advice is helpful to you; God knows, I will need it, and use it. I wish all of you luck in the upcoming year, and may wonderful things come to all of us in school, university, and beyond.
