Entering a college-preparatory environment can bring both opportunities and challenges for seventh and eighth-grade students.
For Lidet Mesfin, ‘30, the shift to WHHS has been characterized by an increased workload and loss of free time.
“I feel like there are a lot more assignments and expectations compared to my old school,” Mesfin said.
At WHHS, seventh and eighth-grade students are often tasked with developing strong time management skills, so they learn to balance their coursework before they enter high school.
Mesfin transferred from Dater Montessori earlier this year. While the change hasn’t been seamless, she has adapted to her new environment and has learned new ways to use her time to the best of her ability.
“If you use your study hall right, you should be fine,” Mesfin said. “Sometimes there might be a lot of work, so you may have to finish it after school, but after that you should have a couple of hours of free time.”
While school structure helps students stay organized, other pressures may continue to persist. This can be through parents, teachers, peers or numerous other outside sources.
“[I feel a lot of pressure from] my parents because I don’t want to let down their expectations,” Mesfin said.
This pressure, even if it is unintentional, can heighten stress that students may already be experiencing due to extensive coursework.
“I don’t feel any pressure from my siblings, but I think my mom compares me to them, so that adds pressure,” Mesfin said.
Going to a college preparatory school as a middle schooler can be difficult, but it is important to manage your time properly and always focus on the positive.
“[At WHHS] I think it’s easy to compare [yourself] to other people a lot because there are so many levels, so if [you] focus more on yourself rather than other students, you’ll be better off,” Mesfin said.