#BackToSchool: Four Ways to Up Your Peer Relationships
No matter the age, making friends can be a difficult and anxiety-ridden process. Cirkledin has compiled some tips to help students build lasting relationships with peers and ace the new school year together!
1. Find Common Interests
Do you like video games? What about volunteering? Being vocal about activities you enjoy can help attract friends who share similar interests. While small-talk can be daunting, chatting about something you are knowledgeable about and genuinely enjoy can give you insight into a person and might even spark a new friendship!
2. Attend Back to School Events
From kindergarten to college, the new school year is kicked-off with orientations, get-togethers and events that promote student bonding and school spirit. Attending these events alone (or with a parent) can be stressful and overwhelming but just remember: Most students are in the same boat as you! Try starting up a conversation in line for books or over a punch bowl. You never know, you just may be talking to your next best friend.
3. Join a Sport or Club
When participating in an activity, bonding over a common goal not only strengthens the team, but also gives ample opportunity to hang out with people you may not regularly see in school. Whether it’s a school-sponsored activity or a community program, developing a relationship with teammates and club-mates can lead to opportunities beyond the activity!
4. Be YOU!
The easiest way to make genuine friends is to be yourself! Everyone has qualities that make them unique and friendships are the perfect way to appreciate the differences in the people around you. Finding friends who like you for who you are will undoubtedly be one of the most rewarding experiences this school year!
