Adventure Stem

     Congratulations! You’ve made it this far. Next year, you’ll be in high school, a freshman. You’ve gone all this way to be at the top of the pyramid, only to have to start all over again. In a way, I guess that could be life. You work hard at your job, only to get a promotion and start all over again, in a different way. Now, if you’re one of those people who have been here since 5th grade, I want you to really reflect back on everything you did. I want you to think about your friends and past teachers and everything they’ve done for you, and that you’ve done for them. I wish I could have done the same. Since this is your last year, I recommend you make the most of it. Tell your teachers how much you appreciate them, settle any drama with your friends. But most of all, what’s really important is working hard through the year. Because you’re an 8th grader, you’ll have many activities at the end of the year. If you keep getting in trouble, these privileges can be taken from you, so it’s important that you are on your best behavior, and that you keep your grades up.

 

    Now the question is, how does one really survive 8th grade? The answer to that question, can vary between many different types of people. If you’re considered the “overachiever” then you keep doing what you’re doing. You might be able to relax a little more, but you should strive for those perfect grades and getting on the teacher’s good side. Now if you’re one of those “slackers” you need to pick it up right now. This year is nothing to be all super chill with, and you should make the most of it right now. All the friends and classmates that you’ve gotten to know super well, may not be your friends or classmates next year. It’s hard, but also important that you start trying more and make sure you have no regrets when you leave on the graduation day. One thing I definitely know, is that this year is supposed to be fun. You’ll realize by the end, when you write your own E-portfolio, that you wish you had done more this year. And that’s something I hope none of you have to realize.

 

    Another thing I can say, is that the teacher’s go through a lot of stress like you. Between balancing so many classes and dealing with all of you, it can be a big weight on their shoulders. I ask that you learn to appreciate the teachers and everything they put together for you. This past year, my class had been particularly picky with the newest teachers, and I regret not appreciating the assignments they spent time to put together for us. At time, it will seem unnecessary, and you might ask why you’re even doing this. Here’s a tip, just go with it. A lot of time was put spent on these details, and it’d be best if you just went with it (especially because you don’t want to make the teachers upset).

 

   So about my experience this year. I can sincerely say I had a lot of fun. While there is some pressure about being prepared for high school, as long as you keep up with all your assignments, you should be set for a laid back and fun year. Spending time as a class and bonding together is so important during your last year. Everything you do should be together and you want to make sure you spend your time in class the best you can. We have something on Edmodo called “#rememberwhen”, which was a page filled with inside jokes and funny moments we’ve had as a class. I recommend talking to your teachers about doing something like this because it brings back such great memories.

 

    In the end, I’m writing this now, mostly because I have to, but also because I think it’s important for you to get advice. From my own experience, I know that 8th grade can be hard. With having to keep your grades up and be prepared for high school to trying to have fun at the same time, you might be overloaded with stress. Just know that your teachers and classmates understand as well, and they will most definitely help in any way they can. Just try not to get into trouble, and stay on top of your grades and you should be just fine. Don’t forget, have fun!