Changing schools mid year

Transferring to a new school can be a source of high stress for students.

Coming into high school for the first time is very stressful, but for a student transferring mid-year it can be even worse. Incoming freshmen, at least have a whole freshmen class by their side experiencing the same thing, when the first day comes mid year the student is alone navigating unfamiliar hallways and strange faces.

Vincent Mollano, a student who transferred mid-year because of his father’s job, said, “it is hard changing schools because by this time everyone has their friends and they see you as the new kid.”

Being the new kid can be tough at times, but teachers and students both try to make your adjustment as easy as possible. Ms. Pizzano, an English teacher said, “We try and make the incoming students as comfortable as possible, but at the same time the student has to take the initiative and come to the teacher for help. But then again all students should come to the teacher if they need help.”

Margarita Fernandez, guidance counselor of the I.B. Program gave this advice to new students, “get involved, join a sports team, do something you enjoy and  an activity where you could meet new people, and make new friends.”

From my personal experience of transferring  mid-year, I have found that actually making the decision to change schools rather than moving was the hardest part of the whole ordeal.  Parker Garvin, a sophomore who transferred from LaGuardia last year, said, “When you change schools it’s like breaking up, once you make the decision you shouldn’t look back, if you ever start to regret your decision just remember the reason you left in the first place.”  Garvin has settled into his new school and is on the track team and an illustrator for the school paper.

“You have to be transferring for the right reasons and you have to be sure that you’re not running away from anything”, said Robena Bush,  the secretary in charge  of incoming students. According to Ms. Bush, approximately 50 students transfer to Curtis mid year.

Even though transferring is challenging at times, if you are doing it for the right reasons it will be the best decision you may ever make.