It’s right around the corner. New classmates, old friends, new teachers and maybe even a different school for you. The challenge, for some students, is the anxiety of juggling all these realities at the same time.

Here are several ideas to help you make the best of the upcoming days and weeks of the new school year:

Many of the students that you will see in the classrooms feel the exact same way that you do. Some of them are anxious, scared, excited and hope they won’t look foolish in front of other students.

Focus on what you can control. That is, if you get lost trying to find a classroom or forget a teacher’s name you will not be the first student that has struggled with those things. Consider writing down a “cheat-sheet” to help you remember how to get to your classrooms and the teacher’s names.

I know this sounds silly, but your teachers are human beings with feelings, families, frustrations, hopes and fears. They have a very difficult job teaching so many students with so many different stories from their lives. Be patient with them. Learn from them. Thank them, often.

You will see bullies in your school. It took me many years to realize that most bullies are hurting inside due to some struggles in their home. Do not fear the bullies. Just stay away from them.

Find students who are honest. Make them your friends. Ask questions about them because that is one of the best ways to make friends. People are attracted to others who are interested in them.

Stay away from the liars, cheaters and the students who always seem to be angry. The closer you are to them the more like them you will become in life.

Do your very best every day. If you do not understand something, ask questions about what you do not understand as often as it takes until you understand it. The excellent habits that you create as a student can transform your life in amazing ways.

I Believe in YOU!