Switching Schools

Change is hard. It comes with uncertainty and fear. Changing schools, in particular, can be scary, uneasy, and stressful. School is a significant part of a child throughout its youth and teenage years. It is a place to gain a proper education and be a par

Through school, students make friends and learn skills that last a lifetime. Switching schools not only changes the primary form of education but also changes the culture and community of a student. Throughout my life, I have changed schools a few times. The most prominent one was when I moved from Rajarshi Gurukul to Lincoln School in the sixth grade. Many changes followed as I went from a Nepali School to an American School. It took some time to adjust to the new system alongside new teachers, classmates, and student life. 

Before joining Lincoln, I visited the campus with my family. I remember being excited to see the open campus and the swimming pool. I was also excited to do ordinary things like pack my own lunch and have my own locker that I could decorate. When I was a kid, I used to watch American back-to-school videos on YouTube. This made me influenced by the American media I consumed, which made me eager to experience ‘the American High School.’ Additionally, the idea of not having uniforms was very unusual to me. Before joining Lincoln, I had worn a uniform my whole life. It felt free to be able to wear whatever I wanted in my own style. However, I had mixed feelings about switching schools. I was intrigued by the new facilities and student life, but at the same time, I was sad about leaving my friends and nervous about meeting new people. 

Although I enjoyed little changes, such as uniforms, I was most affected by the new school system and curriculum. Up until the fifth grade, I was used to the Nepali system. It consisted of taking many notes, memorization, exams, and some projects. At my new school, the classes were more relaxed and consisted of more research, creativity, and independence in projects. Since I joined during middle school, there weren’t many tests either. Instead, I took part in many clubs and activities, which often included being innovative and collaborative. 

Furthermore, in the American system, there are no exams until high school. Coming from a school where I had to take three sets of important exams, I found it exhilarating to not have to stress about them. It helped me relax and enjoy the activities by removing pressure to retain all the information. The new system felt unusual at first, but eventually, I got used to it. The hardest part of switching schools was losing my friends and meeting new people. Lincoln has a diverse group of students from different backgrounds. It was challenging to talk to new people and connect to them. As a new kid, fear consumes the mind while trying to talk to others. However, I joined Lincoln alongside my cousin's sister. We were in the same class, which made me feel more comfortable in a new environment. 

In the end, I adjusted to the new school and the new community. Even though it was difficult at times, I will always cherish the memories I have made. Change can be difficult, but sometimes, it is for the better. Personally, switching schools has provided me with opportunities and given me space to grow. All in all, my experience has been fulfilling and memorable.