I was a particularly anxious teen when I was in high school. I was afraid of new experiences and doing anything outside of my comfort zone. I remember each day going home from school and feeling disconnected from my peers. I felt bored with doing my usual homework. I really wanted to join activities at school but found myself becoming anxious and concerned that I wouldn’t know anyone in the groups. I struggled with wanting to take naps and began to have a large amount of disdain for my high school experience.
Taking My First Step
It was after the first semester of sophomore year of high school. I decided that it may be time to begin to become involved in extracurricular activities. I took the first step in writing down the meeting times and places of the groups in which I was interested. I thought to myself that even if I decided not to go, I at least had the information down if I did, in fact, get the courage to show up to a meeting. I heard people talking about the upcoming turnabout dance. Then I immediately became interested in what the themes on the table were for the dance. I began to wonder if it could be possible to somehow give some input on the dance and become involved in any way.
Trying a New Experience
Fast forward, I met my now husband who was involved in the student council. He encouraged me to come to at least one meeting with him, and if I didn’t like it at least I gave it a shot. So, I went. I was nervous with all the people in the room. I noticed there were different age groups from each class, both male, and females. I recognized a few faces I had seen in my classes, and I remember feeling like ok, maybe I could become friends with them. The meeting started and we had to sign in. They explained that to have student council listed on your transcript you would have to attend each weekly meeting. You would also have to complete 15 hours of community service.
Learning About a Group to Join
I was not pleased to hear that to join this group I would have to do all this extra work just to have it listed on my transcripts. I began to worry that this group wasn’t for me. I was pleased when a teacher I knew who was in charge of the student council noticed me and introduced herself. She began to talk to me about different service projects they had done in the past to get students their hours. I was very interested. She mentioned working a collections table for the local food pantry, as well as decorating the school the morning of the dances.
Volunteering was Fun!
I decided this might be fun, and it might be a time I could meet new friends and feel more involved with my high school. I showed up to each event, and it helped that my husband was also able to attend so I felt like I knew someone. I immediately was given a task when I got to school. My husband was put on the cherry picker to hang lights. I was given the task of blowing up balloons and decorating the cafeteria. I was nervous because we were given different tasks. Yet I was immediately greeted by a few girls I had seen around in my classes. To my surprise, I was getting along and feeling accepted with these new girls. We laughed and talked about our dresses and excitement about the upcoming dance.
I ended up loving the experience! We got to have the first look at all the decorations in place before the dance. We even had pride that we created this for the rest of the school to enjoy! Looking back, I enjoyed decorating for the dance more than the dance itself! It was rewarding and fun! I was thankful that I listened to my husband’s encouragement to join. Also, I was proud of myself for getting out of my comfort zone.
Sticking with it
I continued to be a part of the student council for the rest of my time in high school. I eventually became an elected representative of my class, and really enjoyed it! I felt a sense of purpose and pride for my school that before I did have in the least. I no longer felt disconnected, bored, and isolated from my peers.
Try New Things
Moral of the story, do not be afraid of trying new things. You may find that you might enjoy the experience! Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies when it comes to being afraid of new experiences. It is normal to feel a few nerves the first time you try a new club. Yet the self-talk you tell yourself and giving yourself that extra push to try it can make all the difference in your high school experience.
Don’t be afraid to try new things! Consider trying out a new club or event at school this 2019!