Back to School-The Journey to High School

As the finally chapter of childhood begins or continues the end of this first chapter of our story is quickly coming to an end. Growing up, we realize that life is moving fast and our decisions are sometimes clouded. Everything is either falling apart or falling into place. Childhood moments and memories we experienced are slowly disappearing as life goes on.

Looking back, we took childhood for granted — “I want to grow up so bad” most of us said, and now we find ourselves regretting wanting to leave those days behind. Realizing how innocent our actions once were, done without fully understanding their consequences, makes those moments all the more memorable, unforgettable, and deeply inspiring. If we could go back and tell our younger selves something, it would be: “Don’t rush to grow up—enjoy the simplicity, because adulthood comes with responsibilities you can’t imagine yet.”

Entering into the memories where we first made them — elementary school — the place
where we learned that friendship could be formed over crayons and kickballs. The nap
time and recess we took for granted, the smell of crayons, the hallways, the smiling
teachers saying “Good morning.” We remember trading snacks, playing games, and working hard just to earn recess time. It was a time of laughter, simplicity, and freedom. These early years shaped our first ideas of community and identity. Research suggests that many people begin to feel they are growing up or losing their childhood between the ages of 11 and 13, often marked by increased responsibilities and emotional awareness.

So then enters middle school… Now this is where we learned the hard truth for some of us. Recess wasn’t there, lunch was somewhat different, and the hallways seemed unfamiliar. Sleeping wasn’t in the schedule anymore. Now it was the bells ringing and locker that ruled our schedule. Making sure we got to class in 3 to 5 minutes. I think this is where most of us learned to be fast paced or fall behind. Different classes, different schedules and yet we still found friends to share those memories of middle school. And making a strong connection with teachers. You know the saying the teachers used to say “High school is going to be harder” or “I’ve never in my life ever encountered this in my class before”. But at the moment we were living in the present and not the future yet trying to recreate the past. The journey through these three years was filled with nerves, growth, and the beginning of self-awareness — trying to live in the moment, yet constantly thinking about the future.

Last our final stop of childhood- high school. I would say this would be the last of education but we all know that is a lie. This is the 4 years where we thought hard about our future instead of our past. Our GPA, college plans, and self-worth felt like they were on the line. For me this is where my anxiety increased. Presentation was the scariest part for me personally, where my nerves were so high that I felt like the earth would swallow me but I overcame it. Even here, we found strength in friendships and support from teachers. Who pushed us to be better and create an environment where it pushed us to be greater. Taking Honor classes/ AP challenging ourselves. “What scares me most is the fear of making the wrong decisions and not knowing if I’m truly ready for everything life throws at me.” And yet, summer came. We rested. We prepared. We moved on. And now, looking back, we realize: the change we feared is the very thing that shaped us — and nothing can ever take that away.

Whether we’re just starting our high school journey or ending it or somewhere in between, going back to school at the end of the summer can be bittersweet. It’s looking forward to seeing all of your school friends, going back to school shopping, and preparing for the next level and year of your life is always exciting. At the same time, giving up late nights, and sleeping in, no more vacations or sleepovers whenever can sometimes be dreadful. It’s a new start to make something great of the upcoming year.

Be ready with the supplies you need.  There’s nothing wrong with having too many supplies, but most important is have your computer and something to write with every day. Get ready to successful this school year with getting in the routine of waking up and going to bed on time. Though it can be hard and not fun sometimes, it can really help with getting ready for school. This is because your body gets used to the times you tend to go to bed, and your body clock will make you more tired at the time you should be going to bed as well as help you wake up on time and refreshed in the mornings. Last but not least, get involved and have fun. This chapter of your childhood will be over soon too before you know it and you may just miss it more than you think.