Going back to school?

Question

I have been homeschooled since 4th grade ( before that i went to private school) and now im in 10th grade and im wanting to go to public school, but i am painfully shy. I dont talk to people i dont know unless they talk to me first, If i have to make a speech or something in front of the class, i totally freak out. I dont wanna be the person people see hiding in a dark corner. Is there anything i can do to become less shy before i go to school? Any tips for the first day?

Answer 1

I was always painfully shy, too. But I wanted so much to be an actress, and my mom would say, "Act! Act like you're not shy." Sounds kind of silly, but it really helped. Also, just with time and maturity, you begin not to care so much what anyone thinks of you. It was really hard though and took me years to kind of get over. I think I'll always be shy at heart, but I can usually overcome it.

Answer 2

Oh, I know your pain! I, too, was an incredibly shy kid. I hated the oral reports. I would freeze in front of class every time.

However, I've since learned a few tricks to get over the appearance of my shyness.

1. Join a club. It's the best way to meet people with a common interest. It takes some of the awkwardness out of the first meeting. There is always someone who will welcome you and introduce you to other people.

2. Whenever you have to do an oral report, or presentation, rehearse until you are comfortable with the subject matter. It will give the confidence shake the nervousness.

3. Be yourself. I know it sounds simplistic. But people can spot a phony a mile away. When I was in school, the phonies got eaten alive.

4. Because you were home schooled you probably head and shoulders academically above your peers. Be open to help others that may be struggling. It's a great way to make friends. You'll soon get a reputation for being a cool kid.

I think you're going to be okay. You just have to believe in yourself. Good luck!

Answer 3

Public Schools.

Answer 4

I used to be rather shy (I am also homeschooled) but ever since I became involved in Speech and Debate I've been a lot less so. Not to mention that over the past few years I've thrown caution to the winds and just talked to people, and ended up with some really good friendships because of it. If you are afraid to talk to people, just force yourself to talk to someone. I'm not saying start conversations with people you don't even want to talk to, but if you're in a situation where you are introduced to someone, or want to make friends with another person, or something like that, just think of something interesting to say, and say it. If the person doesn't like you because of that, then that's their loss. And you could end up with a lot of really good friends.
Being homeschooled could also be a really good conversation starter. A lot of people who aren't homeschooled don't know anything about it, and usually they're pretty curious. Before you know it, you'll branch off into talking about other subjects, and end up making a friend, or at least someone who knows your name.

Answer 5

I was in your exact same situation. I was home schooled and in a small private school until my 11th grade year. It was a huge culture shock, but those last two years of school were my most favorite! I was really, really shy too. BUT once you get there and are in your classes for a few days you will have someone strike up a conversation with you and you'll probably end up being best friends years from now. Maybe get involved in a sport or student activity thing. That's the best way to do it. You don't have to be outgoing and you'll end up getting to know lots of people and you'll end up feeling more comfortable real quick. My only regret is that I didn't get more involved in school activities. :)
I really hope you enjoy your new school. I think you will really enjoy it.

Answer 6

You know what? I don't usually talk to people I don't know unless they talk to me first. And I'm in my 30's. So don't worry about that too much; if you stay focused on that, it'll stress you out more. It's okay to not be the first one to say something! Accept that's how you are for right now.

You have time to work out and talk to a guidance counsellor or something to help with making oral presentations in front of the class. I, too, was often petrified. (And yet I became a public school teacher; go figure!)

I guess my point is to not fret over being shy and nervous. The very fact that you worry about it makes it worse. Accept it. It takes off the pressure of trying to make yourself into someone else. Perhaps set some limits for yourself so that you don't stay in your comfort zone all the time, but don't become somebody you're not.

For more advice, try doing a search online for how to overcome shyness. It'll help deal with your thoughts about things and lessen your stress.

Answer 7

I know people who are in school their whole lives and have that problem. It's life. Some people are more reticent than others. You'll find that MOST people are like that, it just take some practice. And like glurpy says, I'm in my thirties and I don't talk to people I don't know, in fact, it's bizarre to consider that, because outside of school if you just approached people on the streets and started chatting, they'd think you were mentally ill.

I may chat with someone about what we have in common at that moment. We're both in the doctors office, you might say something about the fun of waiting. If I'm in a conference, we'll talk about the speakers. If I'm waiting for public transport, then we'll talk about how the bus is always late. Sometimes it leads to more conversation. Sometimes the other person doesn't feel like talking, don't take it personally.

So if you're in class, you might ask the person next to you if they know anyone in the room. Have a plan, like a tree chart. "If they say yes, then I'll say that I don't know anyone...if they say no, then I'll say me neither" "If they respond to me saying I don't know anyone by acting disinterested, then I'll play cool and let it go, try with someone else. If they start talking, then I'll listen, respond accordingly." It's just like talking to someone at the grocery store, asking where the green beans are, only you're asking where the friends are.

Answer 8

I went through pretty much the same thing. Except before I went back into school I got myself into a mental institution, and that forced me out of my shell. You don't want to go that route, I assume. XD

Push yourself. It takes time to get comfortable but hopefully you'll find someone who will be kind and stick with you. If you haven't picked a school yet, try to find something smaller. My high school is 120 people. The smaller population will be a better thing than a huge high school.

As far as presenting, that's a natural fear. I managed to tackle that as well. Practice, and start small. It goes hand in hand with accepting yourself and letting yourself off the hook. Over time you have to learn to let something go. Still working on that myself.
Don't try too hard. Try to find smaller groups to start with and go from there.

Good luck. Contact me if you want more council. ^^

Answer 9

Do you know any kids in that school? Maybe you should hang out with a few on the weekend in a purely social setting. Build a relationship/friendship with one or two students from the school so yo feel like you have an ally or a friend in school with you.

Answer 10

about the speech maybe you can try and prctice of any topics in front of mirror or in front of your siblings.
as for friend, you should be brave to be a friend...
try not to be too shy or you will never will get any friend...and be yourself...
one way to have friends is be friend to everyone...