In this GRWM + storytime, I’m talking about what it’s really like being “the new girl”—because that was literally always me. I moved around 10 times because of my parents’ job, and I never stayed in one school for longer than two years. So while I’m doing my makeup (yes, including my very serious mission of trying to “shrink my forehead”), I’m sharing the parts people don’t always see: the weird mix of excitement and grief, and how the beginning of a new year hits the hardest when you’re still mourning the life you just left. I also get into how moving felt different at different ages. In elementary school, being new can feel like you’re a novelty, and middle school was similar for me—but being new junior year of high school? Rough. By then, everyone already has their groups, and you’re basically doing nonstop “information gathering” trying to figure out where you fit (or if you fit at all). One funny thing I swear happens when you move a lot: you meet the same types of people over and over—just “in different fonts.” Looking back, I’m genuinely thankful because it forced me out of my comfort zone early. I’m naturally introverted, but moving made me learn how to walk up to people and make friends—an actual life skill. And honestly, college felt like a walk in the park compared to some of my past moves, because freshman year everyone’s new and everyone’s trying to make friends.