Inspirational Students

Link Crew Leaders are attending the middle school next week to prepare graduating 8th grade students for high school. The lesson is focused on "Choices."

My students each wrote a letter welcoming 8th grade graduates, quellling fears, giving insight, and wish them the best. Loud, brash, openly emotional, honest, funny, here are some excerpts:

"The first week at high school may be difficult, but at the end of the first month you'll think of it like your second home. Finding your classes and opening lockers would be so easy. Trust me, you won't be pushed around or thrown into a locker, it is a friendly environment and your teachers are nice and are always ready to help.

High school can be scary, upper classmen, new teachers, and suddenly you're not a kid anymore. Don't worry though, after a few times of walking into the wrong classroom, or trying to open the wrong locker, you'll get the hang of it. Make sure to hang out with the right people and don't do anything you won't do in front of your grandma. Have fun next year!

... I have close friends in a lot of different groups and grades. One thing you should always watch out for is your reputation. You really have to think about your decisions, because they will follow you. Watch out for your grades! They are super important, and they really do matter in the long run!

Don't be a tool, no one likes a tool.

Don't be scared or intimidated. My freshman year I was tempted to not try out for basketball, but I'm so glad I did because the varsity girls basketball team has become my second family. If sports aren't your thing, get involved in a club... it helps so much.

I know you will end up hearing this so many times, if not already, but your grades are so important! Don't screw things up freshman year, or any others, it'll come back to bite you in the butt come graduation time when applying to colleges and what not. Don't hang out with people you know will get you in trouble. You will have people drift in and out of your high school years and after high school you'll probably forget they even existed. Don't take things to heart, let it roll off your shoulder and NEVER be afraid to express yourself. This is a pretty neat school, and compared to most, smaller. It won't feel like that in the halls sometimes, but you learn to live with it. I really hope that you make the very best of your high school years. 11th grader.

High school will be an adventure for you. You will make new friends and many enemies. You will love Mr. ... or hate him. You will wake up late every other week, rush to get to school only to realize today was an off day! I LOVE YOU! (popular junior)

Do not procrastinate. Take honors classes.

When you are walking through the halls, DO NOT stand in the middle of the walk way. YOU WILL GET YELLED AT! If you just do all your homework, passing all your classes will be super easy. Don't get on anyone's bad side, and don't start any drama with people, for there might be some undesireable outcome. Just be nice, friendly, and accept everyone for who they are. Don't judge people or make any assumptions just based on a person's outside features. Treat others with respect and don't act like you own the school." (He's a really nice student, happy, liked by others, and it totally sounds like him, freshman)

Tons more... one young man suggests: Don't speak to the pretty girl you will make someone mad! Too cute. Wise, smart, intelligent, sweet, generous. What a pleasure to be working with these students ;-)