public schools are weird. that's all there really is to it, long as you aren't getting a super bad one. sometimes the weird is even charming, and if it is, definitely hold on to that and laugh
school food? horrible. bring your own if you can but usually the breakfast isn't the worst. steal milk from your friends tho when they don't want it. always keep some snacks on you but don't let anyone know unless you're down with sharing. or ig if you don't know anyone then no one will likely ask lmao, except for Those kids. but yeah snacks are a life saver, school if boring and long.
dress comfortably. even with a dress code, you can still dress in ways that make you feel comfortable, which usually implies sweats and t-shirts or whatever. but really anything works. and if teachers give you shit about how in college it won't be accepted–they like to do that–tell them that unless a college has a specific standard they only care that you show up to class. because that's where the money comes from. not your outfit.
make friends, and make acquaintances. acquaintances are good when you just need a familiar face and casual conversation, and friends are friends and we love them. don't push yourself to over socialize. i see people do it all the time, and seriously, don't
you will be laughed at for something in your school career. teens laugh at other teens. it's fine, and everyone tends to forget everything because they're too tired and depressed and have other things to do. so seriously, don't be afraid of messing up or looking stupid cause usually no one will even notice in the first place
be nice to people! give compliments as much as you can and it'll hella improve both your day and someone else's and since public school is so boring and gross, everyone needs it
everyone is just as tired/stressed/nervous as you are at orientation. talk to people. ask for help. please, please, please don't hide and try to avoid talking. if you have a question ask it, talk to someone who looks as nervous as you feel. everyone doesn't want to be there. some people are just better at hiding it than others
people seem spooky but they're just as mortal as you are
if you have any specific questions as it gets closer to it, just ask and anyone here can probably answer!
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