There is something about the start of a new school year that brings a mix of emotions. There is excitement about fresh notebooks, new classes, and seeing familiar faces again. But there can also be uncertainty, especially if you’re a military-connected student.
Maybe your family just completed a PCS move and you’re learning the layout of a brand-new school. Maybe you’re wondering where you’ll sit at lunch or if anyone will understand what it’s like to say goodbye to friends every few years. Or maybe you’re returning to the same school but carrying the weight of a difficult year at home or the stress of a parent’s deployment.
Whatever your story looks like, one thing is true…you are not the only one feeling this way.
At The Barry Robinson Center, we work with military-connected youth every day, and we’ve learned that even the most resilient young people can feel overwhelmed by change. Military life teaches incredible life skills like courage and perseverance, but it also asks a lot of young people. Starting over, making new friends, and adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings takes energy, and it’s okay to admit that it isn’t always easy.
One of the biggest worries we hear from students is, “What if I don’t make any friends?”
The truth is that friendships rarely happen overnight. They usually begin with something small like a conversation before class, someone asking to borrow a pencil, or realizing you both have the same favorite sport or music. Those little moments may not seem important at first, but they’re often where lasting friendships begin.
It’s also worth remembering that you’re probably not the only person hoping someone says hello. Even students who have been at the school for years can feel nervous about meeting new people. Sometimes all it takes is introducing yourself or asking someone about their day. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make a meaningful connection.
As you get to know new classmates, pay attention to how people make you feel. The best friendships aren’t about being popular or fitting in with a certain crowd. They’re about finding people who make you feel comfortable being yourself…people who are kind, who listen, and who encourage you instead of making you feel like you have to change who you are.
Just as important as building healthy friendships is taking care of yourself.
The beginning of the school year can bring excitement, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, and homesickness. Missing old friends doesn’t mean you won’t make new ones. Feeling nervous doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Those emotions are a normal part of adjusting to change.
When those feelings become heavy, don’t carry them alone.
Talk with a parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, or another trusted adult. Sometimes simply putting your feelings into words can make them feel more manageable. Asking for help isn’t giving up…it’s taking care of your mental health, just like you would take care of your physical health if you weren’t feeling well.
It’s also important to make time for the things that help you recharge. Whether playing basketball, listening to music, reading, drawing, working out, or spending time outside, those moments help your mind reset and remind you of who you are beyond school and military life.
At The Barry Robinson Center, we believe every military-connected young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and understood. We have the privilege of serving military families and helping young people navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope. We know that the road isn’t always easy, but we also know how incredibly resilient military youth can be.
As you begin this school year, give yourself permission to take things one day at a time. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to make all your friends during the first week. You don’t have to pretend everything is okay if it isn’t.
Just keep showing up.
Be open to new experiences. Be kind to yourself. Be willing to say hello. The friendships you build, the confidence you gain, and the resilience you’ve already developed through military life will carry you farther than you may realize.
And no matter where this school year takes you, remember this…You belong. Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. And there are people who are cheering you on every step of the way.
