Salaam - taking the step to wear hijab at work for the first time

Salaam Alaikum sisters, I’m a revert sister in the UK and have been Muslim about 2.5 years, Alhamdulilah. I haven’t been wearing hijab up till now, but I’ve been gradually dressing more modestly - choosing looser clothes and being more intentional - and I finally feel my wardrobe is ready for the scarf. I work in a school and since September I’ve been putting my hair up in a bun instead of letting my curls down. Even without the hijab, I felt the curls weren’t the most modest option for me. My hair is long and keeps escaping the bun though, and honestly I feel ready for the next step. Lately Allah has put the desire for hijab on my heart. I used to be so anxious about going out in hijab, but Alhamdulilah I’ve grown more confident this month. I’ve worn it on weekends in busy places - shopping centres, cafés, petrol stations - places where I would have taken it off before because of nerves. Every morning I put my scarf on for the drive to work… then I take it off in the car before walking into the building. I’m really nervous. My head fills with thoughts: - “What will people think?” - “What will my non-Muslim colleagues say?” - “What if I wear it and later feel unsure and take it off again?” - “Will they assume I’m only doing it because many of my students are Muslim?” I also worry people here sometimes read hijab as a political statement. There’s a lot of talk about Islam, immigration, and British identity, and I fear that might be projected onto me. But I try to remember that long ago British women also covered their heads and modesty was a common value. This land has Christian history too, and the message of prophets like Ibrahim and Isa (peace be upon them) is part of the wider heritage. So even if some see hijab as unfamiliar, it isn’t truly foreign to these shores. Alhamdulilah I’m so grateful to be Muslim - it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Yes, I first met Islam through colleagues and students at a Muslim-majority school, but my shahada was my own sincere choice after studying and reflecting - not to fit in. I don’t expect to completely “fit in” with every community, and that’s okay. My priority is feeling close to Allah throughout my day. I’m sharing this to say where I’m at and to ask sisters who took that first step to wear hijab at work: how did you get past the fear? What helped you finally walk in with it on? Any practical or emotional tips would mean a lot. JazakAllahu khairan for any advice.