Teen Girls: How to Start the School Year Off Right

Teen girls, if you started school this week like many across the world you are probably experiencing a bundle of different feelings from excitement to fear. The new school year brings everything well, new. Including classes, teachers, activities, teammates, schedules, and even friends. All of this newness can be a little overwhelming whether you enjoy school or not. Yet, it doesn’t have to be.

I remember as a teen girl I was always filled with excitement, anticipation, and wonder the night before school started each year. I looked to the fall season and upcoming school year as an opportunity to start anew. It almost seemed like an open invitation to leave the past behind (a little), and make some changes. However, I know many teen girls look to the start of the new year with pure dread or fear. If you don’t like school, enjoy the activities or anything else, then you are probably miserable this week. Yet, it really doesn’t have to be so bad. Whether you love school, or hate it, the key is to stay positive and seek change. While you might not enjoy doing schoolwork, or having to see people you don’t particularly like on a regular basis, you can still find enjoyment in certain aspects. How?

Start Off Right: Think Positive & Seek Change

You need to look inside you. To put it simply, I realize now that even though I thought the start of a new school year was an open door for change, the idea to switch things up actually came from me. The first day of school was just a symbol, which encouraged me to explore deeper and find what was needed to continue onward, grow up and become a better me. I always started the new school year on a positive note. I felt as if I could accomplish anything. I subconsciously chose those thoughts. While of course I was a bit fearful what the year may bring, I encouraged myself to be upbeat and look for opportunities for growth. That old saying “you are what you think” has some truth to it. For instance in my junior year of high school, I decided to do things differently and I joined the school senate. This set the stage for later happenings and in my senior year, I was class president.

An Exercise in Positive Thinking

So what do you do if you don’t truly feel positive? “Fake it until you make it.” Keep telling yourself that you can do anything, you are open to change and no matter what, you will remain positive. Whether you are of the kind who loves school or that of the latter (you deeply despise it) you have the chance to make this a good year. It really is ‘mind over matter.’ While it may take some time before you actually feel different, if you keep telling yourself that you are open to change and positive thinking, better things will come your way.

The following poem I wrote as a reminder for you. So print it out, put in your locker or notebook, but whatever you do – don’t forget – stay positive and seek change!

School Change

The bell rings

It’s a new year

A new you

A time to highlight

All that is unique

Making you, well, you

Crazy school schedule

Endless hours

It seems your workload

Is the size of a tower

Take a step back

Inhale a deep breath

All can be yours

If you reach in-depth

For you have the power

To make the most of every hour

If you glimpse the fine line

Between you and the divine

When push comes to shove simply seek inside

Where the answers lay dormant

Needing a mere flint to arise

The only obstacle between you and success

Is the one in the mirror who each day you dress

So seek to find all that is new

And you will uncover the potential hidden in you