4 Tips for Making Friends at a New School

• Accept the Invitation
  Oftentimes, when in new spaces, new students are too scared to meet people, so they end up by themselves; I know that was the case for me. If you ever find yourself in this predicament, don’t be afraid to accept invitations from others. Had I never accepted the invitation from the girl asking me to sit at her lunch table, I would have never met my best friends.
  
  
• Inquire About Others
  In the process of making friends, kids don’t always know what to talk about, so they sit there in silence. When meeting new people, don’t be afraid to ask questions; here a few good ones to ask:
  
  
  • Do you play any sports or instruments?
  • Who is your favorite singer or actor?
  • What is your favorite TV show?
  • What is your favorite subject/class?
  • Do you have any siblings or pets?
    
    
  Simple questions can go a long way and can help spark great conversations. If you’re nervous about meeting new people, practice asking questions like the ones above to someone you are comfortable with (like a parent or sibling). This can help alleviate anxiety surrounding new social situations.
  
  
• Stay True to Yourself
  Being “a new kid” often comes with the dilemma of whether you should be authentic or portray yourself in a different light in order to make friends. In those moments, it’s important to remember who God has made you to be and choose authenticity. In today’s society, children can unfortunately get bullied for being themselves and not blending in with the crowd, but I’m thankful that bullying is taken very seriously at CCA, so students don’t have to be fearful of being themselves. They’re taught that their worth is found not in people’s opinions, but in who they are in Christ.
  
  
• Invest in Community
  You can be intentional about pouring into the people God has placed in your life by being supportive and a good listener. When we provide a space for others to feel seen and heard, it makes it possible for friendships to deepen and flourish. A great place to practice this is in small groups like the ones Upper School students at CCA have the opportunity to participate in on a weekly basis.
  
  I happen to be in a small group with my best friends and two new girls we invited into our group. Because we’ve been intentional to open up and be good listeners, the people in my small group have become more than just my friends; they have become family.
  
  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” –Psalm 133:1
  
  

PRAY FOR FRIENDSHIP

• Meeting New People Prayer
  by ConnectUs.org
  🙏 God, I ask for Your guidance as I seek people I can build new friendships with. Lead me to sincere individuals who also genuinely desire to establish good, meaningful, and lasting relationships. Guide me to new friendships that will help me grow as a person and become a better and responsible individual who is respectful of others and concerned for their needs, In your name, I pray, Amen.
  
  
• Becoming a Good Friend Prayer
  by ConnectUs.org
  🙏 Heavenly Father, You have taught us to always treat others fairly, treating them exactly the same way we want to be treated. As I develop these friendships, teach me to be sincere. Do not allow me to treat others lightly and may I never take advantage of them. Help me become the kind of friend that those dear to me need. Teach me to be considerate of their needs, sympathetic to their feelings, and supportive of their endeavors. Amen.