Transition: Back to School

Transition can be both overwhelming and exciting at the same time. But, through proper care and attention, we can better embrace the inevitable and often ongoing transitional changes in our lives.By Rachel Elizabeth Szewczuk   Transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. Transition can mean many things. Moving into a new grade, ending a relationship, taking on a new job, beginning a new friendship, and even moving to a completely different country. It can bring sheer joy, or lay the foundation for a very difficult period or anything in between. As an ongoing aspect of our lives, best embraced gradually, to process and work through, transition often means we undergo a sort of transformation and metamorphosis. So, it’s during this phase that proper care and attention should be taken. Transition can be extremely overwhelming and tremendously exciting all at the same time and because of this, I’d like to introduce my thoughts of transition through a multicultural lens of various multiplicities, within the school setting, and look at how we can embrace transitional change in our lives.

My story of cultural transition

Let me begin by going back in time. When I was a 17-year-old girl, I was boisterous, adventurous, and bold. I wanted to change the world. I was in the US Coastguard, running border patrol at the age of 17. I will never forget how hard that transition was in my life. Leaving home, living on a boat in the middle of the ocean, catching drug traffickers, and having to learn a new language within weeks. After the Coastguard I studied in Rome, taught visual arts in Philadelphia, ran community mural projects and then decided to move to Thailand to work in diving and teaching. I’ll never forget who I’ve become because of these experiences and transitions in my life. I’ve become an improved, stronger version of myself.

Transition often means we undergo a sort of transformation and metamorphosis. So, it’s during this phase that proper care and attention should be taken.

How? First of all, I was brought up in a city, and moving to the tiny island of Koh Lipe with no more than 500 people was a heavy blow; I fell into depression and used destructive ways as self-care. Culture shock kicked in.

Taking action to adapt

It dawned on me that to embrace this transition I needed to be proactive; I began teaching yoga, art and painting murals around the island – all of the things that reminded me of home, while exposing myself to this new place and this new transition. I began learning Thai in order to communicate, getting to know the Chawley Islanders culture and beliefs, trying new foods, and embracing the change. I often thought I couldn’t go on, or believed there was no-one to support me – even myself, mentally. But, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

You're never alone

You’re not alone during transition. Never think you are. We are all going through some sort of change within our lives, whether it be external or internal. Seeking proper support from family, friends and groups as well as self-care methods are essential during this time. I often think about how long it took me to feel confident and comfortable accepting the multiplicity and variety of people around me. Learning how to respect, gain approval, trust, and build a foundation. Being able to learn how to interact with others through social networks and thriving through the beautiful differences that make us, is what continued my passion here. We need to be sensitive to the individuals around us who are going through large transitions that need time to adjust and grow. It doesn’t happen overnight and having the right guidance can help.

Adjusting to school

As an art therapist and school counselor, at the beginning of the school year, I meet clients and families that are seeking my guidance during their times of transition, especially due to the nature of moving to a new school, city and the overwhelming occurrence that can be Bangkok! We all have back to school anxieties that come in a variety of forms, from both students and parents. Last year, I observed the nature of children’s interactions and how many of them were finding it difficult to establish friendships because of cultural barriers. This was also happening with the relationships I saw between students and teachers. For example, students coming from Europe, America, Canada and other schools around Bangkok were faced with confusion about curriculum, workload as well as the personalities and teaching styles of their teachers. As educators, mental health professionals and individuals working within these settings, we need to remember to give these new students and families some space and time to open up and talk about the issues that they face. Without proper support from the school, children tend to carry their stress home in various forms of emotions, which can filter into the family dynamic, causing the transitional period to become even more stressful.

Transition can be difficult, but the overall idea is being able to embrace change and steer towards something more positive and beneficial for us as individuals, communities, and families.

The school setting can be a place to educate and offer the right amount of support.

Strategies at school

When it comes to strategies and methods of helping students and families work through the transition at the beginning of the school year, they look to my team and me for the utmost support, understanding and guidance. What helps ease the anxiety, stress and frustration that surrounds the transition, and most of all, how to embrace, accept and build a network throughout the transition? Well, transition can be difficult, but the overall idea is being able to embrace change and steer towards something more positive and beneficial for us as individuals, communities, and families. This year my colleagues and I have come up with the idea of having monthly meetings for new families that are transitioning into the school, and city. These meetings will be held during the mornings, and are aimed at bringing parents together to set up playdates, feel more comfortable, meet friends, speak about relatable information, and create a mini-community within our larger school community. Remember, change and transition are healthy, and if you open up and embrace them you’ll see how valuable these transitions can be, no matter what form or path they take.  

About the Author

Rachel is an art therapist, art educator and professional artist living in Bangkok. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her main approaches to art therapy include Positive Art Therapy, CBT and Person Centred Therapy. Rachel also works with domestic violence survivors in Vietnam.

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