Finding Good Friends
Join a club, group or team. Participating in social life outside of the classroom is a great way to make friends and gain new knowledge. It is also a great way to take control of your school experience and even foster some school spirit. Studies have shown that extracurricular activities have positive effects on students, including improved self-esteem, social skills and better grades.
Find study partners. It has been shown that developing friendships at school can improve students’ emotional health and academic performance. Having friends to study with can keep you motivated, and it can make academic challenges a little less daunting. School work is something that all students have in common, making it the perfect thing to bond over.
Maintain your friendships. Friendships are only really meaningful if you value them. In today’s world of social media and virtual friends, it is especially important to show friends that you care in a real and personal way- by staying in contact, resolving conflict and treating them how you want to be treated. To demonstrate your commitment, reach out by: sending encouraging texts or emails celebrating their accomplishments with a gift or shout-out on social media remembering and commemorating their birthdays and other special milestones organizing fun outings to go on with them
Dealing with Bullying
Identify the problem. It is important to see bullying for what it is and remember that it is a result of the bully’s weaknesses, not yours. Acknowledging this fact is helpful in breaking past the shame and embarrassment that can come from being bullied and deciding to get out of that situation. It is also important to remember that bullying occurs in many forms: Physical (violence and destruction of someone’s property) Verbal Psychological or social(social exclusion or humiliation, spreading rumors, etc.) Electronic (cyber bullying)
Confide in someone. Whether you go to a parent, teacher, guidance counsellor or principal, telling someone you trust that you’re being bullied is a big step in overcoming the isolation that can come with it. Approach the discussion by saying something straightforward, like, "I am dealing with a bully and I would like someone to talk to." When confiding in someone, be honest and provide all of the information you can about the situation (e.g. who is doing the bullying, what they are doing, when and where it occurs, and how it is affecting you). If you do not feel comfortable talking about the bullying in person, write a detailed letter instead.
Be an ally to bullied peers. Bullying sometimes involves the presence of third party bystanders, whose inaction allows the bullying to continue. Intervening, offering support to the victim, or seeking help from a teacher or administrator can stop the situation in its tracks. If you feel guilty about getting someone in trouble, remember that bullying has negative effects on the bully too, and can foreshadow destructive behaviour down the line.
Building Yourself Up
Focus on your success. School might get difficult, but it is ultimately an experience that is geared towards giving you the tools your need for a brighter future.Students generally work better if they have an understanding of the specific goals they are working towards, so make sure to keep your own in mind! To stay on track: devote ample time to doing homework create and follow a schedule for assignments and studying find a distraction-free study area like a library take detailed notes in class
Express yourself. School provides many opportunities for students to show off their skills and to learn new ones. Projects, presentations and other creative outlets are a great way to shine and to foster comprehension, analysis and evaluation. To stand out as a student, remember the four A’s: Attitude- a positive outlook and willingness to learn Academic skills- good study habits and learning skills Awareness- the ability to connect learning material to real world happenings Accomplishment- the ability to apply and communicate what you’ve learned
Write a list of things you like about yourself. Self-esteem is something that comes from within, but it is also something that you can work to build up. Making a list of things that you are good at is an excellent way to boost your self-confidence by reminding yourself about your strengths. Feeling strong and self-assured is a great way to face all of the challenges that school can throw your way.
Make a kind gesture. Doing a good deed is a great way to feel content with yourself, and it is a positive contribution to the world. Studies have shown that performing acts of kindness can boost an individual's long-term happiness. They can be as simple as: offering your seat on the bus or subway to someone carrying an elderly person's parcels lending your notes to a classmate helping a friend with homework
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