8th Grade Advice

You’re walking the halls and see tall upperclassmen with facial hair. You get pushed into the lockers during passing time. Your first-ever Regents class starts to feel like too much. Eighth grade is a whirlwind. 

I remember my eighth-grade year like it was yesterday; I had an entirely different group of friends and my advanced classes were just that, advanced. I felt alone despite having Link Crew leaders and teachers swearing they were there for me. It is normal to feel overwhelmed in the hallways, in gym, lunch, and any other combined class you might have. I wish someone would have told me that high school is full of change and adjustments but that it is all worth it. High school is as fun as you make it, and at Kenmore West we have many opportunities to make it fun.

Eighth grade can feel lonely when you’re being introduced to an all-new environment. The trick is to connect when you’re given the chance.  My advice to you is to go to the school dances, the homecoming events, the football games, the club meetings, and more. All-class events are a great chance for Kenmore West students to connect. There are many opportunities for eighth graders to feel less alone. High school goes by way too fast so it’s important to enjoy every moment.  When we’re doing the “Wobble” at Welcome Back or joining the cheerleaders' chants at football games, we are not seniors and eighth graders or freshmen and juniors:  We are the Blue Devils. 

Additional advice to keep in mind:

• Your time at Kenmore West can be easy if you use your study halls and after-school learning period to get ahead on your homework and get help from your teachers. 

• Be respectful to administrators, teachers, your peers, and everyone you encounter.

•  There is no need to feel alone; there are so many clubs, sports, and events for everyone to enjoy.

• The hallways are not your space; everyone needs to share these spaces.  We don’t want to be late to class because of groups standing around, and we definitely don’t want to see anything that should be happening in private. 

• Be yourself.  Anyone who makes you feel bad about who you are isn’t worth your time, the best friends are the ones who make you feel the best.

I’m Gigi, a senior here at Kenmore West, and my advice column is open to requests from this point forward. If you want advice or would like a chance to be featured in the newspaper feel free to submit your questions to the link below. I’m here to help and give you my best advice from the perspective of an upperclassman or even a friend.

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