5 Ways to Banish First-Day Anxiety!

When I was in high school, I planned out my outfits for the first day of school meticulously, color-coded my notebooks for my classes, and read all of the books on the summer reading list —and then some. (I know what you're thinking, and yes, I was a total nerd). I'm the kind of person who believes in the power of the first impression, and I want to start everything — be it AP Biology or my first day at work — off on the right foot. 

Since I've arrived home from Italy, my entire life has revolved around preparing for my first day of my internship. When I'm not reuniting with every family member, doctor, and hair dresser I know, I'm spending my time obsessing over my first day back at Teen Mag. Here are five things I've learned about calming nerves on your first day:

How To Deal When Your Fellow Intern Gets Hired

While waiting for the subway on the way to work this morning, I bumped into one of my co-interns. While eating lunch in the lounge a couple of weeks ago, we started talking and became friendly. We found out that we had both been working at the same major magazine in the past, even though at different times.

While chatting away at the expense of the morning sanity of our fellow commuters, she mentioned that she actually got hired as an Editor! I truly was excited for her, considering she’s been interning since she graduated more than a year ago – for no money. She’s a smart and very nice girl, and she really deserves it.

I’m not going to lie, I did get a little jealous. I wouldn’t necessarily call it jealousy; it was more like an anxiety attack. I settled down, started thinking rationally, and I realized that I am doing everything right. I’ve had innumerable internships (half of which were actually paid), I’m almost done with one of the best Journalism programs in the country, I actually have a job right now, and I have seen my name in print multiple times. After the first panic-stricken ten minutes, my turbo intern capabilities kicked in. I got to work, and did absolutely fabulously. Full-time job applications, you will be crushed.