Transitioning between eighth and ninth grade, from middle to high school, is one of the biggest transformations in a student’s life. No matter how prepared a student is, high school always comes as a bit of a shock, whether it be from the sheer amount of people or the unexpected freedoms. This is a hard transition, and it comes with its ups and downs. As the first semester comes to a close, freshmen reflect on the past semester and how it compares to their three prior years in middle school.
The move comes with a few necessary adjustments. Many freshmen, especially those newly moving into magnet programs, are often surprised by the intense workload that they never experienced in middle school. It is hard to go by even a day without tests or quizzes, which increases each night’s workload.
“The biggest adjustment I had going into high school was the amount of assessments I had. In middle school, I wasn’t tested on a lot of material I learned, but now, I have to study all my material,” Richard Montgomery freshman Paris Ye said.
In addition, the change of classmates can be jarring if students do not expect it. It is important for kids to find a supportive friend group that can motivate them. Of course, this may be easier said than done, but joining extracurriculars is a great way to meet new people with similar interests. “The biggest adjustment I had to make was probably the peer group, since I went from having friends to zero,” Poolesville freshman Lindsay Chu said.
The amount of extracurricular options also increases from middle to high school. From the beginning of the year, the school bombards freshmen with new and exciting clubs, encouraging them to sign up. While this may put a burden on students to bite off more than they can chew, extracurriculars are a great way to become part of the school community.
Despite the drawbacks, high school comes with a lot of perks. Students have more options and decisions to make, with schedules, lunch and in class itself.
“I love the freedom they give us in high school,” Northwest freshman Srihitha Akula said. High school also has improved resources that middle schools simply did not offer.
“I love…the resources they provide us, like office hours,” Akula said.
Middle schools do not always offer the right advice for the transition to high school, so it can become overwhelming very quickly and easily for freshmen.
“Stay on top of your work, and be nice to people,” Poolesville freshman Lindsay Chu said.
Most importantly, high school requires more self-reflection. Once students get a feel for their studying and learning habits, they can work more efficiently and effectively and enjoy the experience more.
“I think I really grew as a person and made a lot of close friends that I think truly understand me and who I have a lot of fun with. Make sure to have fun, as you only have 4 years of high school, so make it count!” Ye said.
Article by Victoria Koretsky of Richard Montgomery High School
Graphic by Jillian Wimbush of Richard Montgomery High School