Grade Nine KCI Students Enjoying Their Transition to High School

By: London Amor

On September 6th 2023 a group of fresh, bright eyed students with unique backgrounds, interests and aspirations, walked through the doors at KCI for the first time as grade 9 students. Starting high school can incite excitement and a lot of nervousness that students can find extremely stressful, very exciting, or for some, they might not feel much either way. The wide array of extreme emotions has long since been used as the basis to create TV and movies plots as high schools are often depicted to be full of drama, stressful, and overall, chaotic and divided. 

We have all heard crazy stories from our parents or older family members about their high school experiences. These stories can make you feel like you're entering a haunted house full of pop quizzes, where the lockers are like puzzle boxes and the cafeteria is some kind of  fashionista jungle while they administer some kind of crazy social experiment. It all sounds a bit intimidating, but as we adjust to our new educational setting we learn how to navigate all the ups and downs and twists and turns that come our way.  

However in this case, I thought it best to go straight to the source for information. A group of grade 9 students were invited to answer questions I prepared about their own experience and first impressions of High School life, so we can get a better understanding of what starting high school at KCI has really been like. 

When asked the question “What subjects do you think you will do best in?” my first participant, a female grade nine student, replied with, “I’m excited mostly for things like Biology that are going to help me become a nurse.” This student has a clear job path in mind for her future and was willing to answer the question without hesitation. This is a great example of the kind of excitement and enthusiasm I was presented with when conducting my study. It is just one example of the inspiring feelings I have been left with and now have the knowledge that the grade 9 students are ready to help change the world.

My next participant’s response shows how devoted our school is to making everyone feel welcome, all the time. In response to being asked the question “What do you feel the environment of KCI is like for you?” Jack Griffioen responded with, “Very energetic, like fun!” It’s a simple answer with so much feeling and honesty. It came from his heart.He continued to talk about how much he loves the energy at KCI and what great school spirit everyone has.

When posed with the question “How are you feeling about the prospect of the next 4-5 Years at KCI?”  Shae Keirstead answered, “I think my next 4 years will be great!” I was left with the impression that she felt very confident in her response, however when we continued talking about the potentially tense and stressful workload in our senior grades, she seemed a bit more unsure (as I’m sure we all do). 

In conclusion, after conducting my study it proved that the many grade 9 students are feeling hopeful, comfortable and confident with the beginning of high school. I hope that as we continue on through this semester and into our high school careers, we remember to embrace the challenges in our paths, to savor the knowledge handed to us with the realization that the gift of knowledge is not given to everyone in this world and to cherish the friendships we make along our journey. We have the power to shape our destiny and high school is the place to create the colorful masterpiece that will someday be the start of a beautiful life.