The transition from middle school to high school is a significant milestone, as high school is both more important than middle school to the trajectory of your future. So far, high school has been a much better experience than middle school due to the freedom we have.
High schoolers often have more freedom than middle schoolers, they get to choose their schedule, classes, and even lunch tables unlike middle schoolers. High schoolers also have a wider variety of clubs and sports, including pep club, javelin in track, FCCLA, FBLA, FFA, FCA, and journalism/yearbook. Most sports and clubs also start earlier and compete in state and national competitions, unlike middle school.
High school has also been more flexible with beverages in class, such as energy drinks, soda, and coffee. These were much more restricted in the lower grades. For an avid Alani and coffee consumer like me, it is nice. High schoolers are also allowed to carry backpacks with them throughout the day unlike middle schoolers. Being able to carry a backpack with me throughout the day is very convenient and less stressful.
But with that new freedom and variety of options, comes more responsibility and stress. Some of my concerns about becoming a high schooler were mostly how much more stressed I would be. High School matters more because students are creating a transcript and GPA that will make a difference in our lives. If I slipped in middle or elementary school, I knew it wouldn’t really affect me long term, however if I slip in high school I might not make my dream school.
As a new freshman, I often hear others saying that they wished they would have cared more about grades and attendance their freshman year because the one C is the reason they aren’t getting into their dream school. That’s what people mean when they say high school matters; one grade in one class can tank your four-year GPA. High school has a cumulative GPA unlike middle schools term by term.
Overall, high school is a much better and more personalized experience compared to middle school and elementary. High school is a very important part of our lives right now. Make the best of it while you can.
