By MICOL WAJSKOL
- ILLUSTRATION: Christine Hale
Middle school. Every fifth-grader looks forward to it, but at the same time dreads it. There are new teachers, more homework, and you will be going through many changes. Although it may sometimes feel that you are the only kid experiencing these things, remember, you are NOT! Every kid goes through this.
Those last summer days before middle school are the worst. You are aching to go back to school, see your friends again and get back into that rhythm. But then you think of all the changes and suddenly, another ache comes over you—you just want it to stay summer forever.
Then comes popularity. In elementary school, kids are not aware of popularity. It doesn’t matter what you look like, or what brands of clothing you wear, or if you wear glasses. What matters is what’s inside, who you are as a person. Unfortunately, in middle school, what you look like does start to matter. But you just have to remember to be yourself, no matter what other people say or think.
Despite what your older friends may have told you about how much homework there is in middle school, don’t worry. Yes, there will be more homework and more tests in middle school, but teachers and counselors at your school will help you ease into the rhythm.
I’m sure all your loved ones tell you not to worry, that it’s going to be fine, and that is true. It’s a big change but soon you will feel that you belong there. Just remember, even if it may not seem like it, there will always be somebody there for you.
Micol Wajskol, age 14, is a student in New York City
