Lily Jackson ‘28, Feature Editor
The adjustment from middle to high school is one of the biggest changes students will face throughout their educational career. It is not just about harder classes, fresh faces, and new buildings: it is about self development and new experiences.
The change ninth graders endure walking into their new high school for the first time is about more than the building in which they will spend everyday. In high school, there is much more freedom to discover passions for clubs, sports, and classes, allowing for more ability to interact with a broader spectrum of people. Therefore, the change from middle to high school does not just impact classes and buildings, it changes people.
Firstly, high schoolers are put into positions where they must advocate for themselves, learn the difference between doing what is right instead of acting out of impulse, and working towards discovering themselves on a higher level. There is no longer a teacher or parent holding their hand, reminding them of late assignments or homework to be turned in; individuals are compelled to learn independence. For some, this is a dramatic change, but the effects ultimately benefit them as self-reliance is learned.
Furthermore, a large difference between the personalities of students at a high school and students at a middle school is their confidence. In middle school, most students are afraid to stick out; therefore, they follow every trend closely—fitting in instead of being true to themselves. The major change that individuals go through as they adapt to an older, more mature high school environment is learning more about who they want to be. In high school there are so many ways to express what you love, like participating in band, art class, choir, or many other electives that focus on self-development. Sophomore Evelyn Kirshman said, “I love the freedom I have in art class. It is way different than middle school, and I feel so much more independent.”
Other mature changes that occur during the shift between middle and high school are priorities. While in middle school many students find themselves consumed by gaining popularity, hanging out with friends, or avoiding (maybe even starting) drama, high schools are often infatuated with their future. The reality sets in that college is only a short four years away, and many feel the heavy weight of adulthood looming over them. Focusing on grades, getting recommendation letters, and researching colleges often beat out starting drama with friends on the priority scale.
Regardless of middle schoolers’ personalities, awkward and immature habits, the stage of life they are in is crucial to personal growth. The first step in personal development of an individual is to undergo an “awkward phase.” The transition to high school can be hard and daunting, but it is important none the less. Going into high school is not about becoming a completely new person with a different outlook on life, it is about learning more and preparing for the following stages in life.
Lyon Life 