Advice for Incoming 7th Graders

7th grader is the year that matters the most. This is the grade high schools look at for grades, the grade where you create hobbies and friendships that could last a lifetime. This is the good, the bad, and the ugly of 7th grade! (With some advice and interviews of current 7th graders)

Classes / Education

When I entered 7th grade I expected it to be so much worse than it actually was. For me, most of my classes were on the 2nd floor so I didn't have to move floors so often. But also, some of my classes were on the other side of the school. While you can't control the hallway traffic, try to stay with your class so you aren't the only person late.

It’s easier said than done, but if you are struggling in a class, ask  a friend or teacher for help. None of them see it as a weakness but instead getting the help you need, because in the end every teacher just wants the best for you. Asking for help in class is as simple as saying “Can you help me with this? ” or “I don't understand this, can you help me?”  Going to teachers during lunch when they are available not only helped me during 6th grade, but also is helping me this year.

Friends / Relationships

While having the biggest friend group or having a lot of friends may seem like the most important thing in the world, trust me it's not, I had that same mind set coming into 7th grade and then lost so many of them. Learning that you don't need 100 friends to make you happy is the best thing you could learn. All you need is a few really good ones. Some people say that you don't need 10,000 friends when you have friends that are worth 10,000. 

Dating someone might seem like the most important thing in your middle school career, but I thought that too, then I forgot about my grades changing. I saw them slipping because I was focused more on getting a boyfriend than my grades. This made me feel upset and then even more upset when they didn't like me back. So in case you are feeling like this you should know that you can always get a boyfriend later and that it isn't the most important thing.

Managing it All

This year, the thing I personally struggled with the most was managing everything from school to clubs. I joined 4 clubs and I had 4 days of the week busy all the time. Joining clubs you know you will love and enjoy but also learn how to sort everything out. I joined a LOT of clubs and fell behind in some of my classes because I constantly got pulled out of class. Join clubs, but know how to handle all the hard work and organize your time.

Q & A With a Current 7th grader!

Interviewing :Priyanka Wadhwa 721

Q: What was the hardest part of 7th grade?

A: The hardest parts of 7th grade were the social situations because they were very confusing and chaotic but they were also an opportunity to see who your real friends are, along with the actual schoolwork that we were given because it was a HUGE step up from 6th grade.

Q: What was the easiest part of 7th grade?

A: There wasn't much that was easy about 7th grade but I think that it was easy to get around the school since we already knew so much from 6th grade.

Q: What was the funnest part of 7th grade?

A: Personally, the funniest part of 7th grade was definitely band or theater. Both have taught me so much and mean the world to me along with causing me and others uncontrollable laughter.

Q: If you could change one thing you did, what would it be and why?

A: I wish I studied and worked more for my grades. I was not as worried and caring about my grades as I should've been. I also would've wanted to join more clubs; I feel like there were so many things I could've and definitely should've done in terms of extracurriculars, so I feel a bit sad that I didn't do as much as I could.

Q: Which class was the hardest for you?

A: Definitely Earth Science. That class was and is so much to take in and the topic in general is one of the hardest things I've studied. I'm scared for the regents as I'm sure all of my peers are too.

Q: What clubs did you join and why?

A: I joined theater because one of my close friends offered to try and get me to be able to do the lights for the show. It was a great opportunity and I'm glad I did it. I didn't do many other clubs, but the Earth Science Regents review class was and will be very helpful to me and others for a good grade on this large exam.

Q: What is one thing you would say to incoming 7th graders?

A: I would say to focus on your grades, join as many clubs as you can, and also just enjoy yourself. Sadly, 7th grade is one of those things you can't just hit the reset button on; make the best of the situations put in your hands and work hard to achieve your goals.