First impressions may last for just moments, but for developing minds, certain aspects and their first reactions are crucial to shaping their understanding of certain things. High school students can often lose confidence in a classroom or when surrounded by certain individuals. It’s important to inform teens of the effects and harm this may cause, particularly when building who they are as young adults. It can be argued that the idea of one at this age naturally has strong judgment and capability in making positive choices, yet rapid judgments can lead to massive influence on attitudes and decisions within social and learning environments.
First impressions can easily set a specific idea in the minds of teachers, peers, family members, etc. Simple interactions, maybe the first day of school, a student tries to ask a question to understand or engage, but is dismissed. This can set the tone for the rest of the year. When asking around about a certain teacher who clearly didn’t like being asked questions, many students didn’t have very good opinions or judgment about her. That specific teacher made it hard for students to connect with her because of her quick attitude in the classroom.
It is interesting that, because the teacher’s job was to work with and educate kids, others had a negative view of that teacher for an entire year of high school. Indicating that a teacher who is warmer and approachable often has a higher success with getting kids to participate in academic assessments. For that reason, it is crucial to present yourself not just as a teacher but in a way that shows others you’re open to listening and that their opinions matter.
Cylus Ward, a Hazelwood West senior, describes his first impression of another classmate, who, on one of his first days of school, the teacher wanted kids to get to know each other. He admitted that he was nervous to ask our other friend a question because she looked distant.
“She was quiet, and she didn’t show much expression, so I was a little nervous to ask her a question,” Ward said.
However, he mentioned that after he spoke to her and asked her about a song she favored, he instantly wanted to be her friend. Ward found her engaging because of her song interest; he disclosed liking the same music artist and admitted he found himself wanting to be friends. This demonstrates stereotyping, which is okay and just unfortunately happens to be something we can’t help at times. Although the connection just happens in our brains, we also tend to shut ourselves out from others and experiences. Early judgments or interactions can build and create friendships before getting to really know one another; it is sometimes rare, but many find the best friendships from certain assumptions.
High school students often choose friends and groups based on quick observations. Who seems approachable, dependable, or similar to them. These decisions can shape friends’ interests, social reassurance, and even school associations. Similarly, judgments are shaped very early and sometimes aren’t easy to change when or if needed.
“Assumptions are a part of all of our brains, whether we want them to be or not.” Hazelwood West Psychology teacher, Mr. Logan Garrick, said. “When encountering a stranger, my mind immediately thinks of a prior experience and immediately creates an assumption about that person.”
Garrick believes his direct assumptions are usually positive; this might be because he studied psychology in college. As a result, his study and schooling offer him a large advantage in his ability to read and look out for others when they are down.
Perhaps if most students had the same education, many answers they searched for could be discovered in a psychology textbook.
“The workload seemed unmanageable, there were many kids in my lecture hall, and a connection with the professor was impossible. How am I gonna manage school and sports?” Garrick said.
Garrick expressed that his professor seemed unavailable. He also noted that the class had more than 50 students. This first day gave Garrick a definite “stuck” feeling. Feeling that his teacher may not be there when needed, mainly having numerous students. An overwhelming first impression can lead to doubtful thoughts and overthinking. It’s important to find a way to relieve that stress and find ways to overcome your uncertainty.
Garrick wasn’t confident whether college was for him; he wasn’t sure if there were possibilities to solve his problem. Garrick made it clear that knowing others felt the same, he was put at ease. However, his impression of his teacher’s absence never changed; Garrick decided to give up on reaching out.
“Thankfully, these thoughts were put to ease when my peers felt the same way, but that initial impression was terrifying,” Garrick said.
Despite the power of first impressions, they can be altered. Specifically for developing minds, it remains important and influential. Not many are aware of how first impressions may impact some people, especially young adults. Even though judgments are created quickly, they don’t define your long-term experiences. Overall, if students recognize how effortless these assumptions form, it would give them a chance to explore who others truly are.
