Myths and rumors filled junior Michael Chin-Robinson’s head when he found out that he was moving to West Fargo, North Dakota in August earlier this year. Robinson, originally from Florida, heard many myths about the state he was moving too.
“People were telling me rumors and asking me if there were cars or if I would have to ride horses,” Robinson said. “Those were the stereotypes. [My friends] said there was nothing up here. But now I would tell them that it is just like Florida, except a lot colder.”
Robinson was born in Florida, moved to Ohio in third grade, and then moved back to Florida in sixth grade, attending South Plantation High School until his junior year. Robinson and his family then moved to North Dakota.
“I came exactly when second semester started,” Robinson said. “It was a challenge for me because I was afraid that the teachers would be on a completely different topic.”
Counselor Jamie Zuel thinks that one of the toughest challenges when a student moves to a new school district is that sometimes the classes do not happen to match up. Requirements differ from school district to school district.
“We have a requirement for some classes, and some districts don’t,” Zuel said. “So some people might need to take online classes or retake the class.”
Other than seeing if classes match up, meeting new people can also be a challenge. Zuel says though that the advice is not only for the new student to branch out as much as they feel comfortable, but for the current students to reach out to the new student.
“One of the things that would be really great to see is a group of students that just really embrace the students as they get here and not necessarily become best friends with them, but embrace them and welcome them,” Zuel said. “Even coming to lunch can be the most intimidating. So my suggestion is if you see a counselor walking around a new student, to go introduce yourself and become the ally for that counselor.”
For Robinson, moving into West Fargo was an easy and pleasant transition.
“The people here have different personalities,” Robinson said. “They are more open and they actually say hi to you on the roads and in Florida they don’t do that.”
Throughout his time in North Dakota, Robinson has come to know many new friends and find a niche for the Midwest and small towns.
“It’s a good [type of] different,” Robinson said. “I am more of a quiet person and I don’t like busy city life, so this is more of a place that I enjoy.”