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© 2007 Melody Schmidt With the new school year approaching, many students are excited to be back. Most are happy just to be back with their friends. However, some are groaning and wishing the summer was longer. But soon after, they'll settle into the same routine as last year. For me, this school year is the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I'm starting high school! I know, at times I'll be confused, overwhelmed, scared, exhausted, but I'll also be excited, motivated and fascinated. These next four years are going to be much different than my middle school years. The school is a lot bigger; it's a bit intimidating. I'll be going to the same school as 18-year-olds. I'll be with students who can drive, vote and are legal adults. This scares me, considering I'll be a puny 13-year-old. In middle school, grades were important to me, but an occasional mess up wasn't that big of a deal. Now, every grade counts towards college. 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, and a stack of papers to fill out, I think I am finally on the right track. Besides the many electives, high school also has a huge selection of activities. Pep rallies, sports games, dances, and over 150 clubs. There is something for everyone. Quiet often, I drive by my future high school, and the huge number of students that comes pouring out there every day is almost unreal. When I first entered this huge school on orientation day, I thought, "There's no way I'm going to find all my classes." But then again, isn't that what everyone thinks on their first day at a new school? 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. My practice round in middle school is over. I am moving out to the "real" world. 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. This school year, I will focus on doing my best and giving it one hundred percent. I hope I will never lose the excitement I feel whenever I start a new school year. That jittery feeling in the beginning of September is something I look forward to. A new school year is not just the beginning of a new grade; it's a brand new chance to become the best you can be! |