As an eighth grader transitioning into high school, I was filled with a mix of questions and excitement.

Reflecting on my own experience, I anticipated a significant increase in workload and a greater sense of freedom as a student. This combination of expectations, however, also brought with it a certain level of stress. Overall, it left me pondering how my freshman year would unfold.

Upon entering high school, I was immediately struck by the welcoming environment and the eagerness of others to connect with me.

My involvement in the Varsity Girls’ Soccer Team, which included players from grades 8-12, was a major contributing factor. Initially, I felt nervous and uncertain about how I measured up against the existing team members.

However, by the end of August, my interactions with upperclassmen had led to a strong sense of integration into the community.

With each game and practice, my skills noticeably improved, a journey that was acknowledged when I received the “Most Improved Player” award at the end of the year.

As the school year started, I still felt extremely nervous about the upcoming four years. Throughout Middle School, my teachers had often emphasized how much more challenging high school would be. Fortunately, on my first day, I met all my teachers and advisors.

I quickly formed a bond with my advisor, who reassured me that I had someone to turn to for support with any issues—academic or personal. My teachers also proved to be excellent resources, always available to help with homework questions or to discuss extensions.

In Middle School, our days ended at 3:15 p.m. on Mondays and 2:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, with sports activities lasting until 4:15 p.m. However, in high school, with the updated schedule, classes end at 3:25 p.m., and sports activities extend until 5:30 p.m.

This change means I get home much later than before. Moreover, there’s a shift in lunch times; while we used to have lunch at noon in Middle School, in high school it’s pushed back to an hour later. Consequently, even with break and snack, I start feeling hungry by around 11 a.m.

As I transitioned into high school, I was excited about the greater freedoms, especially regarding phone usage. In Middle School, we had to keep our phones in our bags all day. But in high school, although phones are still prohibited in class, we are allowed to use them during lunch, breaks, and study halls. Being in 9th grade, I only have study halls for now, but students in grades 10-12 get free periods.

Moreover, upperclassmen are granted off-campus privileges, which is another aspect of the increased freedom in high school.

High school also offers more freedom in the selection of electives, a notable change from Middle School. There, our options were limited to drama, art, or music. However, at the end of last year, I had the opportunity to choose my electives for the upcoming school year. This autonomy to pick subjects that genuinely interest me was something I eagerly anticipated.

I am eagerly anticipating the spring semester and excited about my continued journey through high school.