On Wednesday Jan. 14, the eighth grade class visited the Upper School and were introduced to new classes, a new campus, new people and so much more. It was an eye opening experience. The trip was filled with many mixed emotions for them all. It was overwhelming with the new, large campus and numerous elective options. People were nervous, excited, in shock, and interested in high school and the new experiences to come.
“I like how big the school is, and how you can get food in different places and you get a lot of freedom than in middle school. It’s a very big campus and it is pretty. I’m also nervous about not having lunch with my friends, because everyone gets different lunches,” said eighth grader Ines van Gastel.
When they got to the campus, everyone was seated on the bleachers in the gym. Selina Sosa, the activities director of the high school introduced herself and explained what she does. Some people were even able to meet their guidance counselor, Ms. Cateriano. One group of eighth graders took a tour around the school. They had the chance to learn where all the classes were. They got a feel of the large campus that would soon be theirs.
“I’m looking forward to having more freedom and being able to have a cafe and being able to drive to school. I’m most scared about being in a bigger environment,” said eighth grader Viola Arellano Geddes.
The other group of eighth graders got to experience a display of expos throughout the Gulliver gym. It showcased all of the different kinds of classes, which helped students decide and think about what they wanted to do. Every stand was very detailed and the students that were showing the displays were very passionate about their stand. These stands helped numerous students, encouraged new ideas, and surprised students.
“I found the Portuguese class to be very interesting, because I’m from Brazil. I just want to get better at my native language, and also know more of the culture,” said eighth grader Felipe Nogueira de Lima Oliveira Marques.
Students enjoyed this experience despite their nervous feelings about a new school. It was an amazing privilege for middle schoolers, and it gave them a familiar feeling on what they are experiencing next year. Next year, middle schoolers can hopefully feel in place and know or have an idea on what they would like to do.