I'm going from a small Christian school to a really big high school. HELP!?

Question

I went to a small Christian school. It goes from Pre-K to 8th grade and has less than 200 students. There were 14 people in my class and I was really close to most of them. Next year I will be attending a public high school with 2500 people. Only 5 other people from my class are going there, but I won't be in any activity/class with any of them except for volleyball in the start of the year. I'm taking all AP classes and no one else is taking any. I don't know how to make friends. I've been with the same people for what feels like forever! Does anyone have any suggestions about how to survive this transition? And also: Does anyone have any tips for how to remain a strong Christian in highschool? I want to keep growing closer in my relationship with God. I took it for granted before, but I now know what an AMAZING blessing it is to be able to attend a Christian school where I am nutured in my faith!!

Answer 1

Your faith is your own. Just remember that. It sounds cliche but before you do anything think to yourself "what would the Lord think if I did this?"

As to making friends... you'll do fine. Trust me. My best advice is to be yourself, and let others know the real you. That way you make real friends.

Here's a story I heard once:

There once was this road between 2 towns - Revi and Tox.

One day a couple from Revi decided to move to Tox and were taking that road and came across an old woman. Not recognizing her, they determined she must be from Tox.

They asked her- "We are from Revi and are moving to Tox. What type of people will we find there?"

She tells them - "First let me ask you this - What are the people like in Revi?

They answered - "OH! they are horrible - they lie, they cheat, they steal! - It's the reason we're moving!"

So she answers - "You'll find the same in Tox." With that they go on their way.

A few days later, another couple from Revi decide to move to Tox and happen upon the same road to meet the same old woman. They also ask her what kind of people they will find in Tox. Where she posed the same question to the second couple.

"What are the people like in Revi?"

Except they answer - "Oh they were wonderful - kind, caring, loving and generous. It's a shame we have to leave, by my husband got a better job in Tox."

To this the old woman replied..."Don't worry - you'll find the same in Tox."

The moral of this story is - If you look hard enough you will find whatever you want to find wherever you go... Good or bad.

Good Luck

Answer 2

To make friends, i suggest you get involved in something you're interested in. Especially if there is a Christian group at your new school. I've found the best way to remain strong in faith at high school is to find a number of Christian friends. After a while, it seems like they are everywhere. That makes it much easier to stand strong. Most of all, pray for strength. God will protect you.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
-1 Corinthians 10:13

Answer 3

And this is a really rough crowd you're asking, hun.

I did the same thing you did. . .was in a tiny class - 9 of us- in a Christian school then went to a school where my graduating class was 475 people. It's rough, no two ways about it. You're going to have to decide up front what's most important to you - friends and popularity or faith in God, cuz the two won't go together. It isn't popular to do what's right.

The one thing you do have going for you is LOVE. The love of God that overcomes everything. You have that inside you, and you CAN share it. That's irresistible! You also have a supportive family - or they wouldn't have spent the money on the private school. You have parents you can lean on, and you can keep those friendships from the private school by phone and email. This can strengthen you in your walk with God . . . IF you let it! You can be a tremendous power for good - a great witness.

My son is a senior this year. . .his goal is to witness. . .he wants to start some sort of encouragement group for the Christians in his school. Brainstorm with your friends and start your own club! This is a great challenge, and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. . .we are more than conquerors through Him!

God Bless!!!

Answer 4

This is your new mission field. Be the influencer and not the influenced! God has an amazing journey for you- maybe a daniel in the lions' den, but He has an awesome plan while you are at this high school as well as the rest of your life. Ephesians 2:10! God bless.

I would also try to hook up with a FCA (fellowship of christian athletes) or really stay connected with your church youth group if that is an option. Just keep praying and keeping the faith. It won't be easy, but you are going to do great!

Answer 5

You'll adjust. The biggest thing is that it's been instilled in you all your life how evil the world is and how evil public education is. I have an interesting perspective. I went to a pretty good public school and after college taught for a short time at a Christian school and then became its administrator (principal) for awhile. I have since been teaching science in a small public school for over a decade, and for one year I taught in a very large public high school with over 2,000 students.
The biggest difference is now you will meet more of a variety of people. You'll meet hoodlums and jerks and perverts and rude people, yes......but......you'll also meet a lot of people like you. You'll probably be quiet and scared for a couple of days, but it won't take you long to find out who the smart kids are, who the good students are, who the respectful students are, and who the Christian students are. You'll be fine. You'll be able to hang out with them. In the meantime, realize that you've been fed, probably, a lot of negativity about large public schools. There are good kids in them as well, though, and you'll meet them.

Answer 6

The hard thing about this will be finding a place to fit in with like-minded people. Most big schools have lots of clubs and activities. Look for a Christian organization that you can join (Fellowship of Christian athletes, Campus Crusades, etcetera). You'll be more likely to meet the kind of people you're interested in this way, and your will have no problem remaining or even growing stronger as a Christian. Also, if you play an instrument or school sport, consider join the school band or an athletic team. This is another great way to make friends and find something you have in common. Also ask around, ask your current friends from school or church if they know any students at the new school they think you'd get with.

If themes seem scary at first, just ask. If you don't know of any Christian organizations, ask a teacher to recommend one.

From an academic perspective, big schools are also scary because it's easy to get "lost in the crowd" as opposed to the personal attention you received at your old school. In your old school teachers were probably very perceptive at figuring out your strengths and weaknesses as an individual and providing you with the appropriate level of help or support. At a bigger school, you may need to be more proactive and take that extra step to introduce yourself to teachers, or specifically ask them for help or advice where you need it (academic or otherwise). It's not that they can't or don't want to help, but at a bigger school with more students it's hard for teachers to get to know students as well, so it's partly up to you to take the right steps to MAKE SURE they get to know you.


On the flip side, I must say, also take this wonderful opportunity to meet people who are different from you as well. New opinions and challenges can be just as much of a learning and growing tool as like-minded people. You'll find friends in places you never imagined and meet people you'll never forget. Even if they are a little different from you.

Answer 7

Have no fear!!! You will already start out the school ear with friends-from the volleyball team. They will introduce you to their friends, there will be the guy next to you in class, etc. Also, if you're looking to remain a strong Christian, join any Christian or service groups they have at your school, and get/stay involved in your church. And of course, PRAY!!!

Answer 8

Welcome to my world,. i know exactly what you feel. Watch out that in trying to find friends, you will get on the wrong side and end up with bad people, cause public school is all about sides. Do not seem to desperate to make friends cause there are sharks out there and when they see you, they will act all nice and after a while drag you down. Do not make urself noticable that much, in other words, do not draw attention to urself, cause that way, i guarantee you, u will make more enemies than friends, and let me tell you, enemies in high school will get you killllllllled with those kids who bring guns. Never trust anyone, even the innocent-faced ones, never jugde a book yada yada yada. I went trough this so i know, there is pretty much that i can say so if u have anything else, please stick it to my mailbox and i will be on it.

Answer 9

Jodi, I experienced a similar situation as you. The most important thing is to be yourself. I know everyone says that, but its true. People will respect you for being yourself, and you will only feel confident being who you are. Being a Christian in our society is a difficult thing to do throughout your life, surely you will have missteps and faults, but that is what adolesense is all about - learning from life experiences. You will learn more about yourself in high school than any other time in your life, and remember take advantage of this wonderful time! Don't come out of high school regretting not living it to the utmost. This doesn't mean you have to drink, do drugs or be promiscuous. Its all about getting out of your comfort zone and truly learning a thing or two about yourself. The experiences you have in high school will shape how you perceive life later on.

About meeting friends, the most important thing to do is to be involved. Play sports - this is the single most easy way to meet friends and to meet people who are like you. Also, get involved in clubs and/or bible study. And please, don't fall to the perils of cliques or being "popular". If God is who your foundation is, then being popular should be left on the backburner. Don't let your ego get in the way of your faith.

One of the worst things i see in many Christians is their tendency to distance themselves from other groups and to act above certain groups. PLEASE dont do this. Open yourself to other perspectives and talk to those you may consider "secular". Not doing this will give others a bad taste about Christianity, and besides, who needs help more, nonbelievers or your believer friends?

But it all boils down to this question: what is our main goal in life - from what i believe it is salvation/bringing glory to God and others salvation/influencing others to bring glory to God. So in a sense relationships, and especially those that may inhibit your relationship with God, are secondary and are much less important.

Just be yourself, be willing to step out of your comfort zone and learn a thing or two while you are at it and you will have a great high school experience.

Best Wishes
Brandon

and ps. if you need help with anything else or just need someone to talk to about something, feel free to ask me!

Answer 10

Stand tall and proud hun you will be fine,, I myself went to 13 different schools when growing up. The thing to remember is in your case that everyone in your year is in the same boat, they are all attending a new school as well. You will make friends. Dont stress it will all work out.