WOODBURY — As middle school days begin to dwindle, Woodbury Middle School’s eighth-graders draw nearer to the significant transition to high school. Students find themselves filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity of what lies ahead.
Eighth-graders create numerous expectations of the future, such as envisioning more freedom, additional sports programs, exciting opportunities, and a wider range of classes.
However, few students fully comprehend the reality of high school life simply by listening to the perspective of adults. Each student holds their own unique expectations, but what is the true reality of being a high schooler?
Woodbury Middle School eighth-grader Delani Packett shares her thoughts on the difference in expectations between middle school and high school sports.
“I think with middle school, it’s like, oh, you win, you lose. Everyone’s happy,” said Packett. “Then I feel like in high school there’s always the pressure of you having to win and not mess up.”
The fear of not being good enough is something nearly every athlete struggles with whether they show it or not. Her words reflect a common concern among students making a shift to a more competitive and high stakes team.
Building on this perspective, Nonnewaug High School freshman Maddie Garguilo states a more experienced view on the transition.
“I met more people coming into high school and I feel like they showed me different sides of myself,” said Garguilo. “Also just being more independent — I’ve gained some confidence in what I do, especially sports.”
Garguilo’s experience shows how, despite the pressure, high school can also be a time of personal growth and self-discovery through both athletics and social connections.
While athletics play a major role in high school, many students also encounter changes in academic expectations, time management, and social dynamics.
For example, according to a 2021 report from the American Psychological Association, nearly 65% of high school students said they had developed stronger organizational habits after their freshman year, including using planners and setting daily goals.
Nonnewaug High School freshman Eliza Butkus shared a personal reflection on that adjustment.
“It was really stressful at the beginning because I thought it was going to be very similar to middle school,” said Butkus. “I quickly figured out that it was a lot different and a lot harder than middle school, but I adjusted to it.”
Butkus’ words demonstrate the initial shock many students might face when they realize high school brings greater academic demands at a faster pace.
Beyond academics, many students also deal with changes in their social environment and personal identity.
Packett shares her thoughts on the upcoming changes.
“I think I might change as a person because of the people I hang out with. Like now, I feel like you’re kind of pressured to hang out with certain people because you’ve been growing up with them,” said Packett. “But I feel like in high school, it’s new opportunities because there’s a lot more people, so I feel like my school atmosphere will change and it will reflect on me as a person.”
Packett’s reflection captures the emotions many students may feel as they prepare for high school: nervousness, curiosity, and hope. Her words remind us that moving on isn’t leaving everything behind, but instead it’s you growing into the person you’re supposed to be. High school can be overwhelming, but it also offers a chance for change and new experiences.
“Always ask questions because learning isn’t a passive process,” says Kyle Brennan, a Nonnewaug High School journalism teacher. “Get involved as much as you can — you have the rest of your life to be bored and lazy.”
