Navigating High School

A Guide to making new friends

In High School, it’s important to focus on embracing and being your true authentic self. It’s easy to get lost in the new world around you.

“Don’t try hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try so hard to be different… just try hard to be you”.

-Zendaya

Here’s your reminder to find your unique identity, values, and voice without succumbing to the external pressures that high school comes with.

High school – the best of times??

Starting high school can be both an exciting and scary time. The corridors are filled with unfamiliar faces, and friendship will feel like stepping into new territory. But have no fear making friends in high school is  an exciting journey waiting for you! Let’s look at helpful tips and tricks in this guide to help you form lasting connections, build strong friendships, and make the most of your time in high school.

Be Yourself Unapologetically 

Keeping it real is the golden ticket to making friends in high school. Embrace who you are, let your true self sparkle. People who vibe with your authenticity will naturally gravitate towards you, and genuine friendships spring from shared interests and values. Your quirks and hobbies are what make you interesting and unique, so don’t be shy to share them.

Step out of Your Comfort Zone

High school is a melting pot of different cultures and personalities. You have to step outside of your comfort zone and and be up for trying new things. Jump into extracurricular activities, hit up school events, and sign up for school clubs. This way, you’re not only broadening your interests but also upping your odds of like-minded people.

Smile & Make Eye Contact

A simple smile can sometimes start a conversation and break the ice. Practice smiling comfortably and keeping eye contact with your schoolmates. By making yourself approachable and friendly through your body language, you could convince people to start a conversation with you.

Start with Small Talk

Starting a conversation with a stranger can be scary but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with a short conversation about similar hobbies, classes, or school activities. To get the other person to share more about themselves, ask open-ended questions. Never forget that everyone is figuring out their way through the complicated web of high school friendships, so don’t be scared to start.

Attend School Events and Socialize

High school is an energetic environment with tonnes of events and activities, not just classes and assignments. Participate in athletic events, school dances, and other social events. These social events are a perfect setting for making new friends and bonding over the same things. Don’t miss the opportunity to make memories by being there and getting to know new people.

Be a Good Listener

Friendship is a two-way street, listening to others is important to forming meaningful bonds with others. Pay close attention to anyone who is sharing their ideas or experiences. Show real interest in what they have to say by following up with questions. This not only encourages a closer bond but also shows that you’re committed to creating lasting friendships.

Include Everyone

Creating a positive social vibe starts with inclusivity. Look out for everyone around you and make an effort to include them. Simple acts of kindness can nurture a welcoming atmosphere and pave the way for connections with diverse individuals. This could mean inviting someone to share your lunch table or teaming up with a classmate for a group project. In high school, group projects and assignments are common.

Teamwork makes the dream work. When you crush it as a team, it often turns into solid friendships and working together on projects can make you feel like you really belong.

Embrace Rejections & Learn from Them

Usually, not every shot at making friends will hit the mark. Don’t let rejection get you down. Instead, view it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Reflect on what didn’t click, identify areas that could use a little tweaking, and take those lessons into your next interactions.

These could be your friends for life!