In the halls of high school, I have spent much time. From tears to laughs, the number of memories I have made has been insurmountable. As a freshman, I was incredibly apprehensive. I didn’t know what I would join nor did I know who I would be friends with. I had just finished middle school and all my current friends had decided to no longer see me. We were going to high school after all, they reasoned, so why continue being friends? (In aftermath I laugh because I am now friends with people at North and it is possible to make work)

Due to this, I entered high school with my legs trembling and a face so white it was as if I’d seen a ghost. I had absolutely no one in my first hour class nor my lunch hour. I was completely friendless.

However, this story is not one of fear, but of hope. If you are a rising freshman or a parent of a rising freshman, please take heed of this story.

I entered high school as a small, scrawny, scared child. Now, I am in my senior year. I am still small, a little less scrawny, and now scared as hell for college, but my high school journey has been one of happiness. Here is a list of things that have happened to me during high school:

I have met my best friend

I have dated my first serious boyfriend

I have grown into my happiness

I have learned to accept imperfections

I have learned how to make friends

I have learned how to eat breakfast while driving very well

I have learned how to change myself for the better

I have found my passion for journalism

I have learned that I love to write

I have learned how to become a leader

I have learned how to conquer my anxiety

I have met some of the greatest people on earth.

And in all this, you know what? I talk to no one from middle school anymore. Middle school gave me an incredible amount of stress and pain, and yet, four years later, I realize all of that was temporary.

Four years ago I was borderline suicidal. Today, I am in love with life. The transition from middle school has been and always will be a tremendous stressor for parents and and kids alike, but if I can tell them all one thing: please don’t worry. I know you’re scared. I know it’s new. I know it seems impossible. But some day you will be standing in the bleachers for a football game wearing ridiculous camouflage cargo shorts and know that it was all worth it. You have made it. You have made this big school small as you’ve found your community and your happiness. Just look at how far you’ve come.