I’ve been an introvert my entire life. Always known as the “shy girl,” the one who tends to stay inside her shell. And while I’ve developed an acceptance for who I am, it hasn’t always been easy navigating high school as someone quieter than others. So I’m here to provide you all (the introverts of ETHS) with some tips about how to navigate high school together.
Tip #1: Start a journey of acceptance
I speak to introverts’ experiences when I say that it can be tough being shy and so different from extroverts’ personalities. Personally, I have often wished I had more outgoing qualities, but I also know that I can’t change who I am. Yet, I also know that I am capable of developing into more of who I am.
As I’ve adventured my way through high school, I have been exposed to everyone’s uniqueness, which has made me understand how important it is to stay true to who I am, especially since I bring qualities to the table that others may not. I’ve learned to embrace those qualities I possess, such as empathy and conscientiousness, leading to more acceptance.
Even if it sounds cheesy, I encourage you to name things that make you grateful for who you are. While being an introvert doesn’t define your entire self, it is an important piece of what makes you you. And even though it can take time to gain acceptance, it can help you develop a more respectful relationship with yourself in the long-run.
Tip #2: Challenge yourself to reach out
When it comes to navigating social life in high school, it can feel daunting at first. As a freshman, I was extremely nervous to reach out to people. As I’ve gained the confidence to make new friendships, I’ve recognized how crucial it is to connect with other students. I understand how challenging it can be to reach out to someone in person; that’s why it is important to start small and slowly gain your confidence over time.
My key piece of advice would be to start with your interests and join clubs. Even if they don’t work out, they will serve as a foundation for you to make some new acquaintances and give you the confidence boost to branch out from there. In class, start up conversations with the person next to you, even if it’s a simple question or compliment, you never know what will come out of a connection.
Tip #3: It’s okay to take time to decompress
As you begin to gain acceptance of yourself and make more connections, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself. One of the main things that I have learned is that I need time to decompress, especially after becoming overstimulated in large social situations. I often need to take a break and recharge, as is the case for many introverts, and that is completely okay. You don’t need to push through or be 100% all the time for the sake of others; it’s important to put yourself first sometimes. If you’re at a social gathering and find that you need a minute, locate a bathroom or quiet space to take a beat, do what’s best for you and your energy.
Tip #4: You may not find your people just yet
For introverts specifically, social life can be tricky, especially when you have such high hopes about finding your people. In my personal experience, and as someone more sensitive and shy, I have often faced being left out or not receiving the same amount of empathy I give to someone else. While it hurts, I know that I will, and am excited to find the people who accept me for who I am, include me, and support me as much as I do them, and you will too. Even though it will take time, I am grateful for the handful of connections I have made so far. I have learned a lot from my social experiences in high school, and I speak from the heart when I say that I understand how painful it can be when you are left out or when your emotions are brushed off. You aren’t alone.
All in all, being an introvert can be tricky, yet it’s important to remember that we bring special qualities that are unique to us. It’s also important to remember that high school isn’t supposed to be the best four years of your life, and everyone is trying to figure out who they are and what they want. That’s partly why high school is so important; it serves as an opportunity to figure out what you need and what you want in your friendships as an introvert. We introverts stand together!
