Now that you have entered middle school and the new school year has begun, your life is starting to change. Just thinking about it makes you feel somewhat excited and slightly nervous. Will you always find your way to class? Will you consistently be able to open your locker? Will you make new friends? Will you be able to succeed with the new challenges that await you? Well, knowing what to expect may ease the butterflies in your stomach. Here are a few things you have to look forward to!
First, when you think about classes that are scheduled for nearly an hour, the amount of work may seem daunting. Taking exams, writing term papers and nightly homework are among the many big changes in middle school. Certainly, the workload may seem heavy at first, but teachers and counselors are there to help. Just as most kids don't shove an entire candy bar in their mouth all at one time, you don't have to do all your work at one time either. Tackle your work load in ìbite-sizedî pieces, and you won't get overwhelmed.
In elementary school, most teachers evaluate students with grades like ìcheck plus,î ìgood workî or ìexcellent effort.î Now that you are in middle school, letter grades may intimidate you or make you feel scared.
Remember, grades are personal. You never need to share your grades with anyone in your class. Whether you received an ìAî or a ìC,î your grades are your own business. If you are proud of your performance, keep it up. If you are embarrassed, ask for help from teachers, counselors and parents. Never feel as if you have to share your grades with your peers. If asked, share with them that you are striving for your personal best.
It's likely that making friends is at the top of your list. After all, you are now entering a new adventure in your life when social opportunities become much more important. Here is the good news. Although recess is no longer a part of the middle school day, extracurricular activities like sports and clubs offer many chances for you to meet kids with similar interests. Get involved in a wide range of activities. The more involvement you have in clubs and sports, the more opportunity for meeting new people. You may discover you like track more than choir, drama may become more exciting than debate, and the school yearbook may enable you to become familiar with the entire student body. Experiment with new possibilities. You never know which will become your ultimate areas of interest.
Chances are there are more students in your middle school than in your elementary school. So it makes sense that while some kids excel on the field, others will shine in the classroom.
Each of us has different talents and different abilities. Keep your options open. You may discover that although you are more academic than the student who shines on the stage, both of you share an interest in music. Middle school provides opportunities to meet a diverse group of people. If you are open to meeting new people, chances are they will enjoy meeting you too.
Middle school is an exciting time with lots of changes. While the adjustment might seem difficult at first, all of your peers are adjusting too. You will learn new things, make new friends, and have new experiences, just like the thousands of kids who experienced these changes in past years.
*Kasie is a 17-year-old high school senior from the area. If you have any questions or comments, contact Kasie for her point of view at kasieskorner@marsusa.com.
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