Reflecting on my high school experience I praise the Lord it is finally over. Including college, I managed to go to five different schools in five years. Being the new kid was just something I became accustomed to but never fully enjoyed. While always getting a fresh start may sound exciting, it could feel incredibly isolating at times. Luckily I have learned to look back and laugh about my experience as it taught me to be more thankful for the friendships I have today. Those who have had similar circumstances can relate to the following:
1. Your first name is officially changed to "the new kid"
2. If you are painfully shy you will feel invisible for approximately 5 months.
I don't think anyone actually sat on me but there were a couple close calls.
3. Since you are invisible, people will have highly personal conversations next to you without registering you can hear everything they are saying.
Hey man, I can hear every dirty detail about your date last night... thanks for the mental imagery.
4. People will start exaggerated rumors about you.
5. Eventually you just start to play along with them.
6. If you are quiet and appear well dressed many will assume you're a rich snob.
Trust me if I had money I wouldn't look so miserable all the time.
7. Lunch time is the most terrifying experience and usually eating alone in the bathroom is the more appealing option.
I still have nightmares about it.
8. Aside from a few friendly exceptions, most kids just stare at you.
Hello, yes I am in fact a person
9. You feel like the other kids can smell your fear when approaching them.
"Maybe they're more scared of me than I am of them," I comfort myself in the mirror.
10. If you're from a different state people will claim you have an accent, some will even think you are from a foreign country.
No. New England isn't actually in Europe.
11. You are naturally the target of aggressive perverts.
12. You develop friend crushes on people who seem cool but you're too nervous to start a conversation with.
I am still guilty of having friend crushes. One day I'll work up the courage to talk to them, one day.
13. By the time you get to college, you are a pro at new beginnings.
The best part is people finally know your name. New kid NO MORE.
