The First Day of School

Filed Under: Blog

By Lizzy Davis

The first day of school is always nerve-wracking. It doesn’t matter if you’re in elementary, middle school, high school, or college; starting a new school year always brings a mix of excitement and anxiety. As a high school student starting Running Start at Spokane Falls Community College, I felt this nervousness all over again.

My name is Lizzy Davis, and, this year, I began the Running Start program at Spokane Falls Community College. Growing up, I had heard about the program from my older sisters, both of whom participated. The idea behind Running Start is simple: as a junior or senior in high school, you can earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. By the time you graduate, you not only receive your high school diploma, but you also walk away with an associate degree (AA).

While the opportunity was exciting, it also brought its fair share of anxiety. Throughout our high school years, teachers constantly remind us of the challenges that await in college. We’re told that the work will be harder, that we need to know the “right” way to take notes, manage our time, and work independently. We hear about the importance of good grades for college applications and the need to focus on achieving academic success. This constant pressure, while true, can make the transition feel overwhelming.

When I got accepted into the psychology program at Spokane Falls Community College, I was thrilled but also unsure of what to expect. I picked my classes for the first quarter and prepared as much as I could, but despite my efforts, the nerves were still there. I didn’t know exactly what the professors would be like or what kind of expectations would be set for me as a college student.

Tips for Overcoming First-Day Jitters

Knowing that most people feel nervous on the first day of school, I made a list of ways to ease my anxiety and get a better sense of what was expected of me as a college student:

  1. Prepare Ahead of Time: Familiarize yourself with your campus and class schedule. Knowing where you’re going can help calm your nerves.
  2. Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to find your classes and settle in. Rushing around on the first day only adds to the stress.
  3. Connect with Others: Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with fellow students. Most people are just as nervous as you are, and saying “hi” can open the door to new friendships.
  4. Stay Positive: Focus on the exciting opportunities that college offers. Remember, everyone is there to learn and grow, just like you.
  5. Practice Deep Breathing: If you feel anxious, pause for a moment, breathe deeply, and refocus. Inhale through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly.
  6. Set Realistic Expectations: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first. Give yourself time to adjust to the new environment and understand that you don’t need to have everything figured out immediately.
  7. Be Open-Minded: Approach the day with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Each class, interaction, and experience is an opportunity for personal growth.

My First Day

I used many of these tips on my first day, and they helped me manage my nerves. I arrived on campus early, took time to explore, and found my class without rushing. I was surprised to find that the experience wasn’t as intimidating as I had imagined. My professors were clear about their expectations, and I realized that while college may have its challenges, it’s also more laid back than I expected. As long as I stayed on top of my work and turned assignments in on time, I knew I could succeed.

By the end of the day, I had learned that the transition to college wasn’t as scary as I had thought. There were still plenty of unknowns, but I felt more confident and ready to tackle what was next. The pressure of perfection faded as I embraced the more flexible, independent nature of college life.

Conclusion

The first day of Running Start was a mix of excitement and nerves, but by following a few simple strategies, I was able to manage my anxiety and adapt to my new environment. College is a big step, but it’s also an exciting one. With the right mindset, preparation, and support, you can turn your first day jitters into an opportunity for growth.

Below are some campus photos captured by Lizzy: