The 2019-2020 school year has finally come to an end. It is a bittersweet ending for the eighth graders, for we are being sent to high school in an incredibly difficult time. For seventh graders, you still have another year in middle school, and here are some things my friends and I wish we had been told before eighth grade.

Don’t rush it- Eighth grade might seem like it goes by really fast, but it’s your last year in middle school, so you should try and enjoy it while it lasts, not try to get the year over with.

Give yourself room to change and grow- Our middle school years are some of our most formative years, and you need to allow yourself to learn new things and make mistakes in order to learn.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes- Relating to the last bit of advice, making mistakes is normal, and you’re not pressured to be perfect all the time. Your teachers are here to help you learn from your mistakes, and be a better version of you in the future.

Put yourself out there to make friends in all of your classes- Everything is more fun when you do it with your friends. Whether you are working together on homework, group projects, or exercising together in P.E., make sure to stay close to your friends.

Don’t stress- Eighth grade is supposed to be a fun year, so don’t let anything get in the way of that! Prioritize your school work and do your best, but don’t worry and have fun!

Enjoy it!- Eighth grade means that you are the oldest kids on campus, giving you privileges like end-of-the-year events and field trips. Your teachers are all supportive and you’ll have more friends than ever, so kick back and enjoy the ride.

Make sure to remember these things, and do what works best for you in order to have a fun, final year here at McAuliffe. Have a great year, Eagles!