1. It's gonna stink
No one ever said that it was going to be all sunshine and rainbows, but it could be way different than you expect it to be. If you're like me even though I've lived in America all my life, you could be asked if you're a foreign exchange student.
2. It's not if, but how much people are going to stare at you
Either you're looking good that day, or your zipper is down people are going to stare. It's to be expected you are the new kid. If you live in Iowa like me and schools are small you are even more likely to be stared at because everyone knows everyone except you.
3. Put yourself out there
This is kind of a practice what I preach moment, because if you're kinda shy like me and want to have people you know to try something new with then this is very difficult. The best way to meet new people and make friends is being involved with something you love. It only takes 10 seconds of courage to start a conversation with someone new.
4. If you have true friends from where you are from they are always going to be there
In fact it will probably make you closer. You never realize how much you take for granted feeling totally like you around someone you have known for a long time. Or the late night coffee runs and not being scared to ask someone if you can look at their homework because you're too lazy to do it yourself. It is true "distance makes the heart grow fonder" because when you do get to see your friends again its going to be like you never left, and make things ten times more special.
5. Don't let the new atmosphere make you give up
Like I said before it's going to be hard, but looking to God for guidance is key. No one else understands you like God does. He already has everything planned out for you, and wherever you are is exactly where you are supposed to be. "For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
6. YOU WILL MAKE FRIENDS
It may take a little bit of time but soon you will meet friends who have the same values and interests. They make school a little more fun even when you know it could be a long day. The best advice I can give with making friends is a little cliche but be 100% yourself and don't wait for them to talk to you first. Most people are just as nervous to talk to new people as you are.
7. You always have your family
If you've had a bad day and don't feel like you're wanted your family is always there. They pick you back up and tell you what needs to be said, even if thats not what you wanted to here. They push you to get involved and put yourself out there because that is what they should do. They always see your truest potential even when you can't.
8. You will look back to when you first moved and wonder why you were so worried
You will realize there is nothing that you can do now to move back to where you are from. You will be used to your school and people and you won't totally dread getting out of bed in the morning. This move made you stronger than you could of ever thought you were. You never really grow if you're comfortable.
