New School Stronger You: Finding Your Identity within a New Environment

New School, New Environment, New Experiences.

With the school year starting soon, this is a period of transition for many students. Whether it's starting high school, entering the trades, beginning post-secondary education, or switching to a new school, these transitions into unfamiliar environments can evoke a range of emotions, both positive and negative. 

Feelings of excitement at meeting new people, classes you are interested in, joining clubs, and a new sense of freedom. Feeling scared of the unfamiliar, the intimidation of meeting new people, and the stress of harder classes. Pressure to find your place and identity within a new environment. You may feel some of these, you may feel all of these. And that is normal. 

When starting at a new school or even a job, it can be a mix of excitement and intimidation to find your sense of self within the environment, and often people can feel out of place, especially in the beginning. 

The environments we are in shape a lot of our identity, especially when we are young. The people around us and the way we interact with them, and the things we learn and absorb in school, play a large role in shaping our identities. 

While school helps us shape our sense of self, our sense of self also shapes our education. Having a sense of understanding of our goals, dreams and who we feel we are can help strengthen our motivation and provide direction in a world with nearly unlimited directions.

But how do we find and build that sense of identity? 

There are several ways that we can find and build our sense of identity, and all of them are unique to you.

Explore What Interests you:

• Explore activities you haven't done in a while

• Branch out to similar activities to ones you already enjoy

• Explore new activities and experiences 

• Get involved in clubs or organizations that interest you.

Explore and create goals you care about: 

Achieving goals can help provide a sense of accomplishment, bolstering our identity. Whether the goal is personal, academic, or work-related, having something to work towards that you care about can be very motivating and boost your confidence.

Connect with others

• Join clubs or forums for things you are interested in or a part of

• Having others around us that share in our interests helps to support our sense of self and belonging within that community

Identity is fluid; it always changes as we grow and go from place to place. Some parts of our identity we keep with us all our lives, while others come and go. When you were younger, loving to play with Legos may have been a strong part of your identity, and maybe that part of your identity has gone and been replaced with something else, or maybe that part of your identity has grown and led you to find passion in building and creating. 

Our identity is ours to build and grow, and while new environments can be scary or intimidating, they allow us to build more of our identity and find new things to add to what makes us both unique and part of a community. 

Here are Anchoridge , we can help you navigate the ups and downs of the school year and build on your sense of identity. Our team of clinicians is focused and is here to support and guide you on becoming the best you you can be. 

Here are some of our many clinicians who can support you through the transition into a new school environment:

• Jeff (RP) 

• Carrie (RP)

• Rebecca (RSW)

• Delaney (RPQ)

• Avielle (RPQ)

• Judy (RSW)

• Leah (RSW)

Let’s Talk

Starting a new school? Trying to find your place within a new environment? We are here to help support you.

📍 In-person sessions available in Waterloo, London, and Oakville

💻 Virtual counselling across Ontario

Book a free 15-minute consultation or explore our Student and School Stress page to get started.

Supports

Suicide Crisis Line https://988.ca/ 

Reach Out: https://reachout247.ca/ 

Support Line: https://certifiedlisteners.org/ 

Sources

https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/community-inclusion/beyond-high-school-self-identity-and-managing-life#:~:text=your%20financial%20plan?-,Steps%20I%20Can%20Take%20in%20High%20School,Find%20a%20mentor. 

https://collegejourney.ai/blog/thriving/identity-development-important-for-students#:~:text=Your%20teachers%20play%20a%20key,grow%20and%20perform%20better%20academically. 

Feature Image: Moren Hsu on Unsplash 

Supporting Image: Sean Kong on Unsplash

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About Anchoridge Counselling Services

At Anchoridge Counselling Services, we provide compassionate, client-centred support for individuals, couples, and families. With locations across Ontario, our team of experienced psychotherapists and social workers is committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges with evidence-based strategies and a supportive environment.

Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or personal growth, we’re here to help. Our mission is to guide you toward resilience, healing, and a stronger sense of self.

Explore our services or connect with a therapist today at www.anchoridgecounselling.com.