The transition from your childhood years ( elementary school and middle school) to high school marks an exciting and scary time for both the child and its parents. It's not just a move from one school to another, it's a whole new environment that you have to adapt. Now, being in the tenth grade, ninth grade was very overwhelming and confusing, and this is not because the buildings are physically bigger. When I was a kid, I always wanted to be a mature "big kid." But now I realize, being the "big kid" comes with responsibilities.

1. Lunch

As a child, I would patiently wait for the lunch bell to ring. When the bell would ring, I rushed down the “big” hallways to the cafeteria to see all of my friends. Now, being in high school, I know that lunch would be the only time I have to study for a test that I did not study the night before. I’m usually running from my fifth period to lunch, only to choose the perfect seat at the media center because it was cleaner and less noisy.

2. Being outside

During my childhood years, I would play outside daily and promised myself I would continue to exercise for at least 60 minutes. In high school, I feel like there is no time for me to even go out and hang out with my friends at a social event. I feel very overwhelmed with school work and do not feel the need to exercise.

3. Foolish mistakes

In high school, one of the biggest mistakes that I have made is not preparing for a test by studying. In the childhood years, the biggest mistake was not asking your teacher before doing anything. For example, in the first grade, I did not ask my teacher to go to the bathroom. After I came back from the bathroom, my teacher embarrassed me in front of the whole class by saying that I was a good example of a student who doesn't follow directions.

4. Being sick

During the flu seasons, whenever I had a bad cough in elementary or middle school, I would ask my mom if I could stay home, and she would most likely say yes because both elementary and middle schools did not overwhelm you with the workload. However, in high school, if I miss a day of learning, I would be very behind.

5. Cash

Back in the old days, I did not feel the need to ask for asking money because I knew that if I wanted something, my parents would give it to me. However, things have clearly changed since I started high school.