Middle school seems like it was quite a long time ago when in reality, it has been less than a decade. Some loved their middle school days, whereas others dreaded them and prefer to not look back on them. I, however, thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed my middle school experience at a small, independent school in a quaint Vermont town. Although there have been four incredible years of high school and four eye opening years of college to look forward to, I often find myself reminiscing about my middle school years. And there certainly are things that I miss from middle school. Maybe you’ll find yourself missing them too.
1. Bringing my own lunch to school
After experiencing dining hall food, I have learned to desperately miss packing my own lunch for school. Having the daily routine to much on fresh fruit and other snacks like Goldfish, Cheezits, Veggie sticks, etc… is something I wish I still had. In addition, eating leftovers from dinner for lunch was one of the best parts about lunchtime (as was sampling the food my classmates brought).
2. Recess every day
Recess was by far one of the best aspects about middle school. Every day I always loved playing four square on the blacktop, joining a kickball game, swinging on the swings, and hanging out on top of the monkey bars with my friends. Having a designated time to relax and unwind during the school day was mandatory in middle school; now it’s an individual responsibility that isn’t quite the same.
3. Being required to take art, music, and P.E.
Whether or not you liked to paint or draw, played an instrument, enjoyed physical activity, middle school required you to participate in the arts and physical education. This helped me figure out what I liked and gave me the confidence to try something new. It also provided a diverse educational experience I am still grateful for today.
4. My friends
Every day I miss my friends from middle school. We were also so close and genuinely liked spending time together. I have fond memories of our sleepovers, walking in town, and doing homework together.
5. Not as much access to social media and phones
When I was in middle school, it was rare for teenagers to have iPhones. Therefore, it was rare for my friends and I to constantly scroll our Instagram and Twitter feeds and watch pointless Snapchat stories. Instead of being consumed by social media, we enjoyed the time together and didn’t need to capture every moment with a phone. I miss being able to go out and not seeing everyone glued to their screens.
6. Not having to stress out about the future
Unlike high school, middle school was not the time to stress out about college and career. Instead, there was less intense stress based around getting homework done, going to bed before 10 PM, and studying for quizzes and tests. I miss being able to just focus on my learning rather than constantly being swamped with the question of: What’s next?
7. Participating in co-ed sports
It’s uncommon for high school sports to be co-ed. Middle school was great because girls and boys could be on the same sports teams. It seemed as though we were almost equal in terms of playing time and skill. However, in high school and college the stigma that boys are better at sports than girls is apparent.
8. Field day
Field day was by far one of my favorite days at middle school. I always looked forward to the annual game of tug of war, water balloon toss, sponge relay, and popsicles. Field day resembled the ending of the school year and the fun to come in the summer.
9. Middle school dances
As much as I hated middle school dances, I miss them. I miss the excitement of getting ready for them with my friends, the buzz slow dances created, grinding not being allowed, and jumping up and down with my friends to the rhythm of the songs. It was also fun going to dances at other schools because we got to spend time with people who we didn’t see every day in the classroom.
10. Having my parents drive me
Even though it’s great being able to drive and having my license, I miss having my parents drive me around. It was really nice being able to talk about our days on the car rides home, listening to my iPod or the radio in the passenger seat, and being able to nap in the car.
My middle school experience was great and something I truly miss from time to time. Almost everyone misses what it was like being a kid with fewer responsibilities and expectations. It’s impossible to go back to my seventh grade days, but I can try and implement what I miss about them throughout my life now.
