Back to School Blues?

Lucy Wang

TALK columnist Lucy Wang is a sophomore at Shanghai American School . Each month she gives us her perspective on the lives of Shanghai ’s youth.

It’s that time of year again. With newly acquired tans and a few extra inches of height, Shanghai ’s student population finds itslef consumed with something graver than the blues: the ‘angry reds’. As Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's described it, the ‘angry reds’ is the feeling that “you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of.” Indeed, this illustrates the state of mind we feel as the new school year approaches.
 
There's a foreboding sense of uncertainty, and beneath our blasé masks we're completely bewildered. What will our classes be like? Who are our teachers? How are we going to see our friends? And to top that off, there are those who have to endure new teachers, new classes and a new grade while they themselves are new.
 
Being a veteran ‘newbie’ – I've gone to nine schools in 11 years, a tell-tale sign of being an international student – I thought it might be useful to share some advice about starting school as a new or returning student.
 
1. Don't be afraid to ask. On my first day of second grade, I was so intimidated with the thought of being a new kid that I didn't dare ask the other students where the bathroom was. You can imagine how painful that experience was. Even though the thought of posing a question to strangers may be daunting, it really isn't as bad as it seems. There's no need to be embarrassed by it, and it doesn't make a difference whether or not you are new. Who knows, you might even find a new friend in the process!
 
2. Smile and be friendly. Being new can be tough at an international school, especially if those around you don't seem amiable at first. Truth be told, they're just as nervous as you are, if not more. Don't be afraid to make the first move. Introduce yourself, be friendly, because after all, what have you got to lose? If you're a returning student and you spot a newbie, invite them to sit at lunch or simply say “hi”. A small gesture can go a long way.
 
3. Familiarize yourself with the school and events in the school year. This is just as applicable to new students as it is to returning ones. Since you're here already, you might as well make the most of the school year. Look around the school, memorize shortcut routes, take note of re-decorated classes, and locate your locker. Then, flip through your school agenda (or, if your school does not have one, look through newsletters and school calendars) and familiarize yourself with the extracurricular activities offered, the dates of holidays, and so on.
 
4. Get organized with classes. When you get home from school, instead of going right back to watching TV like you did throughout the summer, take some time to organize yourself. Work out a system for your classes, buy new notebooks and binders. This will make your school year much easier and more enjoyable. Getting the system figured out early on means you won't have to worry about it for the rest of the year.
 
The last piece of advice: you're not alone. There's always bound to be another person who feels just as lost and confused as you do. So enjoy your last days of summer and make a bold entrance into the new school year. Best of luck!