Going from middle school to high school can have pros and cons. Recently, I interviewed multiple freshmen on how high school has been beneficial or compromising their overall start of the year. 

After speaking with freshman Mathew Pint, we can conclude that the majority of freshmen have enjoyed the transition from middle school to high school. 

A big change between the junior high and high school is the grades are merged together throughout the halls and even some classes.

Pint said,  “I like to be with the upperclassmen since some of them are my closest friends.”

 In Poland Seminary High School, although the grades are split up, friendship is promoted, so by passing in the halls, it creates a bond between the grades that carries over to sports, clubs, and other school activities. 

With athletes, especially in Poland, football is a popular sport. Going from 8th to 9th grade puts you on the freshman football team rather than still sharing the 7th and 8th grade team. 

Pint mentioned that he has “been liking freshman football a lot because we get more time as a single grade to practice.” 

Between training with coaches one on one and getting to know your team, we can see how this is understandable and beneficial to the team. 

Next, classes can vary when changing from middle school to high school. After conducting another interview with Tyler Antal, a freshman, he stated that “classes are definitely harder.” 

However, he also told us that it is more enjoyable because “the teachers are willing to take time out of their plan to help us learn.” 

Drawing conclusions, the classes are harder, but it is all beneficial to the students and their futures beyond high school. 

Finally, we understand that classes will change, so we asked about declining confidence with Antal and Pink, and their studies. 

Pink says, “A class that I was once good at was math, but I feel like that has started to change with the new addition of Algebra 1.”

Although the switch to high school courses can be difficult, the teachers are there to help the students.

In conclusion, the exciting but challenging change from middle school to high school can evoke many emotions from the new freshman. Challenges like harder classes and bigger responsibilities can be testing; however, they also bring new opportunities socially, athletically, and academically. Not to mention, with the help of the teachers, the transition can go smoother. Although the sudden change comes with its benefits and flaws, it sets the bar for the next four years.