Summer vacation is a kid’s dream come true and oft times a parent’s nightmare. However, the transition from excessive amounts of free time back to rigorous schedules and procedures is a necessary occurrence. Going back to school after summer vacation does not have to be as dreadful as it feels. There are ways to make the transition less painful.
Hopefully we will be able to offer you some important tips for readjusting your thoughts and behaviors. Getting back into the swing of school and teachers, homework and extracurricular activity, can take a little time. But, with the tips we are prepared to present to you, this awkward transition should be less troublesome.
The First Day
The last day of summer is the precursor to the first day of school. That means having to hear the blare of the alarm clock at a much earlier time than you have been accustomed. It might also mean having to put on a uniform rather than whatever you would prefer to wear. That first day of school can feel a bit chaotic. But there are things you can do to alleviate the pangs:
- Being prepared for the inevitable is always great advice. If you are having to attend a new school, be sure to visit it prior to the first day. That way you will feel more at ease walking onto campus on day one.
- Since you are returning to school, where you will definitely have to do work, be sure to have all your necessary supplies. There is nothing worse than returning to school only to find you left a needed tool at home. Pack your backpack the night before and check it a time or two to ensure everything you need is exactly where it should be.
- Of course, making a good first impression is important no matter what stage of life you are in. Therefore, trying on outfits the night before the first day is highly advisable. That way you can get up, get dressed, and be on your way without any wardrobe meltdowns or malfunctions.
- Make sure you read through all the paperwork the school sent to your house. This will help you know what to expect when you get there because every school has different opening-day procedures.
Facing Feelings
Going back to school, potentially a new one at that, can stir up a number of emotions within you. It is perfectly normal to feel a little scared, anxious, or nervous about going back to school. You don’t know which friends will or won’t be there. You are not sure who might have changed over the summer and in reality, you don’t even know how much you have changed. It is easy to see why the first day of school holds great trepidation for a number of students. However, facing feelings can be a great help:
- The Past. This isn’t your first, first day. If you are feeling completely overwhelmed by the newness of it all, take some time to think about the past. Since you have started school several other times before, recall that after a short stint of uncomfortable awkwardness, things began to settle down. You got back into the routine and everything turned out just fine. Don’t let the fear take over your thoughts, just remember that it’s going to get better soon.
- New People. One of the best things about going back to school is the opportunity to meet new people. However, that can also be a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you are a shy person. So, rather than try to push yourself to make large amounts of new friends, just hone in on one or two in a crowd and start a conversation. You could always ask someone new to have lunch with you, or say hi to people in the hallway. Those are great ice breakers and could potentially lead to lifelong friendships.
- Guidance. We are not all equally equipped to handle emotions. Some of us need a little guidance and that’s what the counselors at your school are there for. If you just can’t get past the barrage of emotions, don’t hesitate to seek out the guidance office. Make an appointment and share the experience. They can offer you advice to help you handle the emotions that are seemingly too much for you to handle at the moment. Besides, it almost always helps to talk to someone when you are struggling.
Stay on Task
As much as school will feel like a great opportunity for participating in socialization. It does serve a more life-lasting purpose, and that’s your education. You need to stay on task to ensure that you get the grades necessary to pursue your dreams. While this may just be the beginning of the school year, the way you start the year will be an indicator as to how the rest of the year will go. Here are some tips to avoid brain drain and keep yourself focused on the task at hand:
- Planning. If you want to stay on task, and keep up with all that will be required of you this year, getting a planner or a wall calendar is advisable. You can put all your due dates on it to serve as a reminder to keep moving ahead.
- Get Ahead. Sometimes getting ahead of the game will allow you to rest easy later on. So, while you are utilizing that planning technique, don’t hesitate to move ahead in the areas you can. Procrastination is never beneficial.
- Listen & Take Notes. Pay attention to what your teachers are trying to convey. Listening to what they expect and how things should be done will help you achieve the grades you’re striving for. And, when you take good notes, you’ll be better prepared to study for all the tests.
Going back to school after a great summer is a bit disheartening, but you can have a great time at school too. Just do what’s necessary to be successful and enjoy your friends in the meantime. Preparation, socialization, and staying on task will get you through the rough moments.
It is written by John K., one of freelance essay experts at CustomWritings.com – professional academic helper for students.
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