Last year, six 8th graders were interviewed about their expectations for high school. Now freshmen, the same students participated in this follow-up to find out if their expectations have been met:

Courtney Case

What extracurriculars are you taking?

“I’m doing choir, cross country and student council.”

How’s the stress load compared to middle school?

“It’s very different. I didn’t know it would be this hard. You have to actually put in more work, and it’s more homework than I thought it would be. I think it’ll get easier once I get used to it.”

How is it different and similar from middle school?

“It’s the same because the teachers [ease you into the class]. But it’s different because it’s so much harder and it’s going to get more difficult.”

What’s an experience you’ve had or something you are looking forward to in high school?

“So right now in biology it’s pretty easy, but world geography [is] hard because of all the quizzes and tests.”

Samir Sanjrani

What extracurriculars are you taking?

“I’m doing choir, theatre and P.E. because I’m trying to get my P.E. credit out of the way.”

How’s the stress load compared to middle school?

“It’s way different. There’s a lot of work. I thought it would be easy because I’m in Pre-AP,but it’s still a lot of work. I was in Pre-AP but I had to drop out.”

How is it different and similar from middle school?

“You have a lot of space to walk around. They give [you] seven minutes [during passing period] and in middle school they give you five minutes to get to your classes. Your classes can be [in the main campus or ninth grade campus]. There’s a lot of choices with extracurricular activities.”

What’s an experience you’ve had or something you are looking forward to in high school?

“I’m excited for theatre. I have theatre next semester, and I think it’s going to be pretty fun [in the future] with musicals. I tried out for the musical [this year], but I didn’t make it. Hopefully I’ll make it next year.”

Sophia Mahmood

What extracurriculars are you taking?

“I’m doing basketball, debate and student council.”

How’s the stress load compared to middle school?

“Right now it’s pretty good. Last week was pretty tough because I had a lot of work. I’m also in an AP class which takes a lot of time.”

How is different and similar from middle school?

“It’s so different. Well for basics, the classes are longer and there’s only four classes. There’s a lot more freedom. For example, you can wear earbuds in the hallway, the teachers are a lot more chill, [and] you’re in charge of yourself.”

What’s an experience you’ve had or something you are looking forward to in high school?

“[I was] excited for [Homecoming]. I [went] with my two best friends. I’m excited for basketball games. I hear those are pretty fun, so I’m excited for the whole season.”

Tyler Kerch 

What extracurriculars are you taking?

“I’m [in] drumline and it’s a lot of fun, [but] hard work. We have morning and afternoon rehearsals almost every day. It takes a lot out of you, but it’s definitely worth it.”

How’s the stress load compared to middle school?

“My expectations were high as far as stress last year, but [high school] is more manageable than I expected.”

How is it different and similar from middle school?

“In high school, everything is more important. Your future is based on what you are doing now, and it’s more stressful than middle school. But middle school helps you get prepared for [high school].”

What’s an experience you’ve had or something you are looking forward to in high school?

“Everything I’ve looked forward to in middle school is what I’m in right now. Where I am right now is my desired place.”

Ubani Ikone

What extracurriculars are you taking?

“I’m [taking] football and computer science.”

How’s the stress load compared to middle school?

“The stress level is a lot higher and over the charts because I have so much work to do and I have quizzes every day. So, if I don’t do that, I’m going to fail [because the] grade level is stricter.

How is it different and similar from middle school?

“The difference is grades weigh more. In middle school, [grades] didn’t mean anything. Now, you have to take it more seriously, but it’s similar because you still have the same electives and the curriculum is still the same.”

What’s an experience you’ve had or something you are looking forward to in high school?

“I’m looking forward to football and learning new information.”

Leah Thomas 

What extracurriculars are you taking?

“Currently, I’m in choir and for clubs I’m in student council.”

How’s the stress load compared to middle school?

“The stress load isn’t that much if you know how to manage your time and prioritize.”

How is it different and similar from middle school?

“There’s still freedom and you can still be with your friends, but in high school there’s a lot more work and every grade matters.”

What’s an experience you’ve had or something you are looking forward to in high school

“I’m looking forward to making new friends and seeing how far it takes me.”