New student finds a home at Pea Ridge schools

Engaging students in school can present as a challenge initially. Some students become anxious about being accepted by their peers or by teachers. This year the Anti­Bully Ambassadors are working to help work with students feel more included in the Pea Ridge Schools. By using personal stories and empathy, our ambassadors continue to advocate for students new to our district. One ambassador, Megan Crawford, junior, shares her personal experiences with being a new student in the district.

The first time I walked into Pea Ridge Middle School, I never knew the anxiety I was going to get. I had spent my whole life at a huge school and now I was moving to a school one-tenth the size. I had called Bentonville my home from pre­-kindergarten up until seventh grade.

I was leaving the people so close to me. I was moving somewhere where I knew no one. The thought of being alone and not having any friends terrified me. The first day I walked in with tears in my eyes not knowing what was coming next. I sat down in the gym and just watched as everyone was ecstatic to reblossom the friendships from the previous school year. I had yet to say a word to anyone.

As we were corralled into the gym, we all sat and listened as Mrs. McElroy go through the rules and procedures of our school. I sat there with the cheeks bright pink and my head down. This was hard for me because I'm a very shy person, at first. As we were released, a girl beside me struck up a conversation with me asking me where I was from.

It was scary walking around a school I had never been in and not knowing a single soul. I arrived at my first class and realized this wasn't going to be that bad. My first class was with a newer teacher, Mrs. Loewe. Her room was so comforting and she made me feel at home already. I always knew I was going to have a friend in her. The day continued on and it got easier as it went on. More people talked to me and I knew I was going to find forever friends here. The days got longer and the bonds got stronger. I could never imagine I would make the friends I have today. I could never imagine I would feel so at home so quickly. I could never imagine coming to LOVE school like I do.

Pea Ridge is an amazing school district with some very influential teachers who care for your success. While my favorite has moved away, we still have many more to fill the gap. It may be hard being new to Pea Ridge or anywhere, but you will always find someone to help you along the way.

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Editor's note: Megan Crawford contributed to this article for Amanda Childs, social worker for Pea Ridge Schools. The views expressed are those of the authors. Childs can be reached at [email protected].