As I go into 8th grade, I’m starting to look back at when I was in 7th and 6th grade. I have some friends in both grades, and I feel like I should give them some advice for the future. 

6th grade:

You just got put with about 100 new kids that you probably don’t know. You only know the kids that went to your school. Here’s some advice for 6th graders:

• Don’t pick fights.

These new kids probably don’t know about you. To them, you’re a wild card. You can make a whole new identity for yourself in 6th grade. Don’t become the troublemaker.

• Don’t pretend to be someone else.

I understand wanting to fit in, but you can’t sacrifice your time, skills, and happiness just because you want to impress people. You should be with people who accept you as you are. Even if you don’t think there’s anyone like you, there’s always people out there who are. You just need to look for them.

• Be a good student.

Teachers are taking time out of their day to teach you. It doesn’t make it easier if you’re constantly talking, making fun of them, or doing something else. Don’t make their life harder. 

7th grade:

You know most kids now. There are a few new people, but you probably have a flow and group of friends now. Here’s some advice for you:

• Know your capability.

Now that you can do modified sports, don’t overdo it. If you sign up for too many things, your grades will go down with your mental health. I’d advise you do one modified sport, one club/school thing like drama, and more if you feel like you can handle it. Also, around the end of the year, you’ll get the option to choose honor classes. If you think you can do Honors English and Social Studies, but not Algebra and Earth Science, then go for it. Don’t overwork yourself, and don’t let anyone peer-pressure you into taking all honors. If you don’t want to, then that’s your choice.

• Don’t sneak your phones.

In 7th grade, people start sneaking their phones with them a lot. Unless you have a medical condition that requires you to have your phone with you, like diabetes, you’re going to get in big trouble if you’re caught. Most of the time, people forget to turn their phone on Do Not Disturb, and it goes off in the middle of class. It’s extremely awkward, and you’ll get in trouble, so it’s not worth it. Besides, what are you going to do with it anyways? If you use it in school, you’ll get caught, so why is it with you?

• Don’t spread rumors.

They’re never nice. Some people spread rumors because they were annoyed by someone, they don’t like someone, or they just want to single out someone to be mean. Don’t be like these people.