Back-to-School Myth Busting
The alarm blares, pulling you from the last dream of summer and into a new school morning. That familiar mix of knots in your stomach and excitement in your chest is back as you pull on your uniform. You walk through the school gates, hearing the buzz of chatter and seeing faces you haven't seen in weeks. Taking a deep breath, you step through the main doors into a world that feels both the same and completely new. This is it—the first day of your fresh start…
The new school year is here! In this blog I’m going to bust some September myths to help you feel a greater sense of clarity heading into your first few weeks.
Myth 1: "Everyone else has it all sorted out."
Busted: From the outside, it might look like everyone else is gliding through the first day, confident and completely ready. But the truth is, most people are feeling a little bit nervous, even if they don't show it. Everyone has their own worries—about a new teacher, a new class, or just finding their way. You are not alone in feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.
Myth 2: "I have to be perfect from the first day."
Busted: A fresh start doesn’t mean you have to be a new, flawless version of yourself overnight. If you struggled with a subject last term or had a few friendship issues, that’s okay. The new school year is a chance to reset and refocus. Try making one small, positive change at a time. Build good habits. You'd be surprised how much consistent progress accumulates over time, even if there are bumps along the way.
Myth 3: "Last year defines me."
Busted: Your grades or performance from a past year are just a snapshot of where you were then. They don’t tell the full story of who you are or what you're capable of. This year, you have new teachers, new subjects, and a new opportunity to learn and grow. Leave the past behind and focus on the present. This is your chance to show how much you've developed and to tackle new challenges with a positive attitude.
Myth 4: "I shouldn't ask for help."
Busted: This is one of the biggest myths of all. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength. It shows that you're self-aware and committed to doing your best. Whether you're struggling with a difficult topic, feeling overwhelmed by a workload, or just needing to talk, reaching out to a teacher, a parent, or a school staff member is the smart and brave thing to do. There is always someone ready to listen and support you.
Myth 5: "I don't have time for a routine or for looking after myself."
Busted: We get it—your schedule seems packed, particularly when summer freedom comes to an abrupt end. But routine and self-care aren’t about finding extra hours in the day; they're about prioritising well and making the time you have work better for you. Having a routine for homework or getting to bed at a reasonable time helps you stay on top of things. And simple self-care, like taking a break to listen to music or making time for a hobby, isn’t a luxury. It’s essential fuel for your brain and body. By looking after yourself, you'll feel more in control and better able to handle whatever the new year throws at you.
Myth 6: "I've lost touch with my friends over the summer."
Busted: It's completely normal to feel a bit disconnected after a long break. You might see other people's holidays online and think you're the only one who didn't spend the whole summer with their friends. But real friendships don't just disappear. The start of term is the perfect time to reconnect. Send a quick message, share a funny memory, or plan to meet up at break time. That first chat can feel a bit awkward, but it won't be long before it feels like no time has passed at all.
So, as you step into the new school year, remember that all the myths you might be telling yourself are simply not true. You've got this, just as you are. Good luck with the term ahead!
Fore more advice about fresh starts, check out James’ interview with Kirstie from last September:
If you’re a parent of a child moving up to secondary school, check out our Step Up podcast here: