I have gone to the same private Catholic school all my life, even kindergarten, and my mom intends for it to stay that way.
I really want to try public school in high school, a fresh start is really what I want, but my mom won’t budge! How do I get my ‘rents to let me try something new?
Hey there, girly! My BFF switched to my public high school after going to a small private Catholic school since…forever! Even though her mom wasn’t so keen on it at first, my bud totally loved it. After going to the same school since you were teeny-tiny, it’s totally normal for you to want a change of scenery. But before you sit down with mom and dad, there's a few things to think 'bout.
Before you chat…
Talking it out is way important. But to really grab their attention, it’s time to amp up the maturity. First off, you have to understand that your ‘rents love you and want the absolute best for you. Whether or not you agree with them, they’re just trying to look out for their dear daughter. And second, it’s time to do some research! Check out the public school you’re considering online. Make some phone calls to friends who attend. Find out more info from faculty who work there. Maybe even make a visit and take some notes. That way, when you do end up sitting down with your ‘rents, you’ll have the basic facts about class size, number of students and levels of courses offered right in front of you. You’ll also have phone numbers for your mom to call in case she has questions.
While you’re chatting…
Switching schools, especially after all this time, is a big deal. It’s really important that you all understand the whole picture, so stay calm and make sure you hear ‘em out. As parents, they may have considered some major issues that didn’t even cross your mind. And be open to compromise! I’m sure you can shadow the school first to see if it's a good fit, and your parents can prob visit to check it out themselves. If you really like it, maybe you can try it out for a year, and see how it goes.
After you’ve chatted…
Chances are, mama and papa won’t change their minds overnight. But if you keep ‘em in tune with how you’re feeling and keep listening to what they have to say, things will be much more likely to look up for ya. And if your public school plans don’t work out, try out some new clubs or even start your own to change things up a bit. I know that in the end, things will work out for the best.
Good luck!
~Kristen Y. <3
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POSTED ON 1/21/2010 7:00:00 AM
POSTED IN new school