Anxious introvert at Whitman

[Anonymous]

DD in 8th grade at a private and we are looking at Whitman for high school. Just trying to figure out whether this will be a good fit. I have no doubt that academics will be good/great. However, she is highly strung, introverted and non-sporty. Plus she will not know a soul.

We are an international family and don’t have any experience with the public school system here. How does this kind of kid find their way at Whitman?

[Anonymous]

Will she really not know anyone? Not another private school kid moving over? A friend from drama or robotics club that she does outside of school? A neighbor? Someone from your local swimming pool?

If the answer to all of those is "no" then I think the best thing you can do is figure out how she'll find "her people" early in the year. What does she like to do?

[Anonymous]

There are many clubs and organizations that at Whitman that a student can get involved in that are not sports related. What are your DD’s interest? Are you already in a neighborhood near Whitman and if so does she know any of the kids in the neighborhood? Is she anxious enough to be medicated or need other supports for which you will need to talk to the Counselor about?

Being anxious, an introvert, or both doesn’t mean that Whitman won’t be a good fit, but it does mean it will be a challenge. Your DD will need to learn to step out of her comfort zone to meet people and will have to learn to manage the stress that can come with a school like Whitman(larger environment, more competition). These are also good skills for her to learn for college and life. But only you can decide if you DD is ready.

[Anonymous]

It's a big school and a lot of kids find a group. Big schools can be really hard for a lot of anxious kids but no one can tell you whether your child will do well or not. Part of it is luck - whether she is seated next to a compatible person, whether she finds a good club.

[Anonymous]

My introverted 15DS is a 10th grader, and I can attest to the faculty and counseling office going above and beyond to help kids find friends and make connections. There are dozens and dozens of clubs and organized activities that welcome most everyone. If she needs help with anxiety during the day, Whitman has been testing Bridge to Wellness for mental health (on-campus therapy supports) and the counseling office is very responsive - esp when she involves a teacher in seeking assistance

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD in 8th grade at a private and we are looking at Whitman for high school. Just trying to figure out whether this will be a good fit. I have no doubt that academics will be good/great. However, she is highly strung, introverted and non-sporty. Plus she will not know a soul.

We are an international family and don’t have any experience with the public school system here. How does this kind of kid find their way at Whitman?

My DD will be there next year and would love to be an ambassador to help your DD. Mine is non sporty and an introvert too but has a good set of friends.

I am certain, that if you discuss the concern with counselors when the year starts, they will pair her with another student for some time. They do this at the middle school ( students are called Ambassadors ) and they help new students.

Also, if your DD is doing Band/ Orchestra/ Chorus, they will make friends or atleast a group to hang out with.

I promise you, she will find her tribe at Whitman!

[Anonymous]

I think there are a lot of options to find a friend group at Whitman IF you join one of the clubs/activities freshman year, like PP said there are so many options on the website as well as classes that focus on interests like band, choir, drama, newspaper, etc. They key is to make sure your child has a plan to join something. And our experience with the counselors so far has been good, although we haven't needed much support yet.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the helpful comments. I’ve tried calling the counselling office and left two voicemails but have not heard back. I’m hoping I’ll eventually get through.

[Anonymous]

OP - I hope you are still checking this thread. I just got this email from WWHS:

"Navigators is a student club whose members work to welcome new students to Whitman. If you are interested in joining Navigators club and helping with events like the 8th grade visit, Freshmen Orientation, Back to School Night and more, come to the lunch this Friday.

If you started at Whitman recently and are looking to meet new people, come to the lunch on Friday."

The counseling office is crazy-busy -- a couple of people for a couple thousand kids -- but maybe ask who the faculty member is who staffs this club? Or rest easy knowing WWHS knows there are kids who are new to the school and who need help meeting one another. I think it's fabulous they are still promoting the group 3 quarters into the academic year

[Anonymous]

I didn't copy enough of the email - it ends with the contact info of the faculty sponsor:

Questions? See Ms. Cline in Room 343 ([e-mail])

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I didn't copy enough of the email - it ends with the contact info of the faculty sponsor:

Questions? See Ms. Cline in Room 343 ([e-mail])

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Thank you!!!