Starting a New School
By: Dr. Molly Mitchell National Edition

OK, we have spent a lot of time recently talking about how to spend the summer holidays but, look, now it's August! And we all know what that means time to start thinking about going back to school. I would particularly like to focus on those of you that will be going to new schools. Maybe you've moved over the summer, but most likely, it's that dreaded/exciting time, when high school or college is about to begin. How are you feeling?

Some of you may be thrilled at the prospect of all those new potential friends to meet. There are clubs to join, new classes to take, and more freedom than ever before. While others of you may feel sick just thinking about a new school. You may be imagining awful people, no one speaking to you and the schoolwork being too hard. Most of you are probably going back and forth between the two.

So, what are we going to do to get ready? We are going to talk about self-esteem. You need the confidence and serenity that self-esteem can bring in order to face this terror called school. Studies have shown that the confidence that comes with self-esteem will take you far. Confidence is key. It is also very attractive to other people. Not only is this useful for romantic situations, but teachers will notice you, and people will want to be your friend.

Self - esteem. something you have to be able to do yourself (as the word suggests), no way around that. This being said, so many people turn to others or to objects for their self-esteem. Big mistake. Won't work. Think again. That would be I-know-so-and-so-esteem, nice-leather-jacket-esteem, or got-a-new-boyfriend-esteem never heard of those before hmm...

The major problem with self-esteem is that it gets all wrapped up in looks and possessions. Best car, blond hair, and most muscles wins or so we are led to believe. Not actually the case. Some of us do not have blond hair, are not good at sports and are a bit shorter than we would like to be. So what do we do? These are the 'character-building' times. Without all the fashion-magazine advantages, we turn to what's inside. And so a personality is born. And good character and personality are miles ahead of looks - not to mention all the great personality-filled friends you'll make. (And friends with personality are loads more interesting than ones who only have blond hair and a nice car.)

So, the secret to finding self-esteem and exuding confidence? Get on with your life. This may sound way too simple, but it will work. The only catch is that you have to get on with living the life you want to live, not the one someone else has chosen for you. So, figure that out. Make a list of things you want to do at your new school and get to work! Chose something, don't let other people make your opinions or choices for you.

You will like yourself better when you actually know yourself. And the more you like yourself, the more others will too. Don't join the chess club just because all your friends are. Say 'no', it will feel good. And you will see that the world won't fall down around you. You know what else? You can change your mind. So, even if you're not sure, make a decision. Go back on it if you need to, but you wouldn't have known one way or the other if you hadn't expressed some sort of opinion in the first place.

Starting-a-new-life plan:

1. Make a list of things you would like to do. Clubs, study habits, classes, teams, volunteer work anything. Take the time now, before the insanity of the first day is upon you. This way you will be more sure that these things will really make you happy.

2. As soon as you get the chance, go sign yourself up.

3. Marvel at all the people following you around, you trendsetter, you.