The transition between middle school and high school is a major one for rising freshmen, and can prove to be highly overwhelming. According to the Washington Post, high school freshmen deal with school related stress and anxiety they did not have before while also having to suddenly prioritize academics, clubs, and sports more than ever. Additionally, they will be the youngest in a school environment that is exceedingly different from middle school. 

However, there are multiple ways eighth graders can prepare for high school and make sure to stay on top of things. Sarah Perry, a counselor at Nelson Middle School (NMS), discusses how counselors help students prepare for high school. 

“We met with all of the incoming freshmen to discuss four year plans and then spend the next few months answering questions about classes and high school that students have,” she said. “We also show videos and share information about options at the CTE center.”

Perry discusses some academic tips important for rising freshmen to follow in order to not feel overwhelmed.

“Find the balance,” she said. “It is very important that you take classes you love and are interested in, not just what your parents want you to take, along with some classes that are easier and more fun. High school should be challenging, not a struggle, but it should be enjoyable.”

Every year, Independence High School (IHS) hosts ‘Rising Freshman Night’, an event where eighth graders that plan to attend  IHS can visit the school and learn about different clubs that they can be a part of and meet some of their core class teachers.

However, this year, ‘Rising Freshman Night’ was canceled due to inclement weather. NMS eighth grader and rising freshman Karthik Vattem details what he hoped to learn from attending the event. 

“I was hoping to learn the general map of the school, potentially meet some of the teachers, and find out about extracurricular programs that IHS offers,” he said. “I think eighth graders should familiarize themselves with their future school, and find out the activities that interest them and that they can be a part of once they’re in high school.”

Perry talks about what NMS is going to do to make up for the cancellation of ‘Rising Freshman Night’ and help rising freshmen.’

“We have some organizations that are going to come over to talk to 8th graders about their programs,” she said. “We also have the Aloha Pep rally coming up, so our students will have a chance to come over there.”

Perry discusses the biggest challenges rising freshmen face and how they can tackle these problems. 

“The amount of options in classes can be overwhelming,” she said. “Taking full ownership of grades and the independence that goes along with being in high school can be a struggle for some. It is important to really take it one year at a time and not become stressed in thinking too far into the future.”