10 Things I Would Tell Incoming Middle Schoolers (From a Graduating 8th Grader)
Dear reader,
If you are a 5th grader becoming a 6th grader next year, or already a 6th grader, meaning it is about the time you enter middle school and start maturing into a young teenager, here are 10 things I’ve been meaning to tell you.
It is a huge jump from elementary school to middle school, but there are always people who will help guide & push through. My elementary teachers always warned me of all of the changes from elementary to middle, and I am here to confirm their words, in a positive way. Yes, work will start to get harder and pile up, but there is also a lot more freedom and activities available. It all might take some time to get used to, but that's okay, things will start to feel more natural as time goes on.
Always try your best, no matter what & continue to push yourself to grow.
Breathe. Take time for yourself every here and there, you will need it. Once in a while, also do some stress-relieving activities that you enjoy, such as reading, writing, or painting. Always make sure to set aside some time for yourself and your mental health .
Your friends will change, and that’s okay. It is very rare to find someone who will always be by your side, but you will always meet new people. Just make sure to remember, your elementary bestie will 99.9% NOT be your bestie once you reach middle school. You might even not talk to each other at all anymore, just find people who fit your personality and will support you through the challenges middle school throws at you. That being said, not everyone is going to like you, and that’s okay, you can’t be friends with everyone. Just try your very best not to start any drama or issues with them, it makes your life so much more stressful and “on the verge.”
Do not put too much time and effort into your looks and popularity, it’s just middle school, no one is going to care in a few months. Most importantly, DO NOT be an attention seeker, no one is going to be interested in creating a relationship with you if you are just going to switch to another person after a week.
Listen to yourself and your body. Only you know your personal limits and needs. Going with the same track, make your needs known to a trusted adult. If you are silent and never ask, then you will never benefit. If you are too embarrassed to ask a teacher something during class time, just stay a few moments after class, or come and visit during lunch or a free period, just make sure you get the support and help you need.
Find a sport and/or extra-curricular activity that you truly enjoy doing. It does not have to be one of the sports teams that your school has to offer, just find something that suits you and your interests. You will not only need that activity as something to add to your high school interests, but it will also “help” support you through rough times. Just think of it as a safe space for you, something you can do that relaxes and takes your mind off any problems you are facing.
Be you. You are unique & perfect the way you are, do not let anyone change that. More specifically, DO NOT change yourself for a crush, it is almost guaranteed that you will be over him/her in the next few months, and you will later regret all you did just to get their attention and eyes on you. If you feel best with some makeup, then do that. Do what you feel most comfortable and most “you” in.
Do your best, but don’t stress. You will face many challenges (homework..) and mental blocks (tests..) during your middle school years, but try your very best to not stress over life. Things will get difficult and piled up as time happens, just remember that one missing paragraph is not going to change your acceptance into a college, just do the best of your abilities.
Have fun! These years will never happen again in your lifetime, so enjoy it while it lasts. Try to make these years stand out against others, whether that means going to school sporting events, or hanging out with friends during the weekend.
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