Middle school students offer advice to rising seventh-graders

New teens come across a lot of change in the upcoming years, from new schools to new social groups. 

The experience of transitioning to middle school varies for everyone. It is the beginning of a new path that leads to your young adult years. 

Many say that their middle school years were horrible but others can argue that theirs was great. Either way, it is a learning experience and prepares you for obstacles coming your way. Some of the kids who have gone through all handed out their best advice to rising middle schoolers. The most notable being the basic “Be Yourself.” 

“Dealing with transitions has to do with your mindset,” said Mrs. Rebecca Little, an RCMS counselor. 

With a new schedule and environment, it can be scary adjusting to middle school. Many students are nervous, but that is normal. Getting into a routine is essential to get more comfortable, but it will take time. 

“It’s a little confusing but it has gotten a lot easier,” said Emily Lasure, a seventh-grade RCMS student.

Mapping out your classes before your first day will help the day seem less scary. RCMS gives out a daily assignment book (DAB) which has a map and other helpful features. When you are given an assignment it can be beneficial to write it in your DAB so you don’t forget it. 

RCMS offers advanced classes that can make you feel like you are under a great deal of pressure. Take a look at your priorities and know that one B in your transcript isn’t going to make a difference.

“I think for everyone, you don’t need to stress that much over homework,” eighth-grader Annanya Bitra said. “In the end, your grades don’t define you, and to set aside some time for yourself after you have your work done.”

The academics in middle school are demanding, but taking care of yourself and your mental health is important. Surrounding yourself with a good group of people also impacts your life in middle school. In middle school, kids are introduced to new things, like different class periods and lockers. It can seem intimidating at the beginning, but with the right advice getting through middle school is easy.

The biggest tip people hand out is “Be yourself” and there is a reason it is a cliche. Don’t change yourself for people who won’t matter in a couple of years. Real friends like you for who you are. 

If you’re having trouble making friends, try to put yourself out there and experience new things. Electives are a great way to broaden your interests and meet new people. Of course, extracurriculars are the way to go, but you don’t want to overextend yourself. Finding a good balance between school, friends, and downtime helps ease the stress that comes with being in middle school. 

“Mental health is key,” Mrs. Little says. “You’ve got to be content with trying your best.”

Throughout your life, you will have to persevere through many obstacles. Find your motivation and work towards what you want. Prioritize what is most important to you, and don’t lose yourself. Now that may seem like heavy advice just for going to middle school, but the experience stays with you throughout life, and can vouch for any given situation.  

“Be open, because the year is going to be really fun and it will go by really fast,” said Reagan Shin, a seventh-grader at RCMS. “Take everything one step at a time.”