9th grade was a big transition for me as I moved from middle school into high school. I went in only having one close friend, which made everything feel new and a little overwhelming at first. During this time, I was also dealing with heavy depression, so it wasn't the easiest year for me. Even though I was struggling, 9th grade is when I started to grow the most. I began finding my current friend group and building new connections, which helped me feel more comfortable and supported. I also started thinking about who I wanted to become and what I might want to do after high school. Most importantly, I focused on improving my mental health so I could set a better foundation for the rest of my high school journey.