High School © 2007 Melody Schmidt Three years ago, I was preparing for middle school. Everything felt so grown up, and I felt important and mature. In reality, I was just a little kid, eager to learn about the exciting things in middle school; new lockers, more classes, and more students. Now, three years later, I'm preparing for my final four years of school: high school. This fall, many students will take the leap from child to young adult by starting high school. I know, at times we'll be confused, overwhelmed, scared, exhausted, but we'll also be excited, motivated and fascinated. The very first step I took toward high school, was scheduling. That's where the first confusion for the soon-to-be- freshman began. With almost 30 electives to choose from, such as Forensics, Creative Cooking, Mock Trial, and many more, I had a really hard time deciding. Then there is the option of taking zero period (which means you have to get up super early), or seventh period (which means you get home super late). Maybe I'll just stick with the regular six periods. Here is where it gets exhausting. Do you take summer school for one semester, or do you go through six weeks of intense learning, to be ahead of the game in the fall? The choices are endless. After numerous e-mails to my counselor, I think I am finally on the right track. Quiet often, I drive by my future high school, and the size alone scares me. Not to mention the huge number of students that comes pouring out there every day. Then there is the question of safety. The incidents at Virginia Tech and Columbine have frightened me and make me wonder if schools are really safe. Sometimes I feel like I'm leaving a great safe place behind, only to be thrown into the uncertain. The transition to high school has made me think of these past few years. I remembered all of the funny things that happened to me. In the first week of sixth grade, I was tardy to four classes, because I didn't know my way around campus. I ended up going to the wrong class twice, and I even ripped the seat of my jeans. It was embarrassing, but now I'm laughing about it. Good things also happened to me in middle school. One year I made it to the final round of the spelling bee. I didn't win, but hey, I was competing against a nationally ranked speller! It was a great experience, and I ended up on the cover of the school newspaper. When I graduate in June, I'll also think of all the great teachers I had. Teachers who involved us in learning with great joy and enthusiasm. I'll remember the smell of every classroom, and the way we could watch the P.E. class through the window. Middle school is a time of my life that I'll probably never forget, but I'm even more excited about high school. My practice round is over. I am moving out to the "real" world, where everything counts toward college and my life beyond. I am going to live a bigger, more mature life. I'll drive, go to parties, have a boyfriend, and prepare for college. Much of an adult conversation is about their high school. They can never forget that funny math teacher, or the head cheerleader. They always remember prom night, and many other events. I'm thrilled to become part of that experience, and can't wait to see what high school brings for me. Congratulations, Class of 2007!