Throughout my years at Pelham Middle School, I’ve learned some of the most important life lessons that will continue to influence me, in the near and far future. Whether it was the people, skills, or environment, the middle school always found ways to inform and educate me about new ideas and concepts. Of course, Pelham Middle School taught me my core learning skills, but it goes way beyond that. Below are just a few different ways the middle school has helped form who I am today, and the lessons it has brought along the way. 

A key thing I’ve learned to deal with is nostalgia. In simple terms, nostalgia is referred to as an emotional longing for memories in the past. Especially those that remind you of a happy place, or point in your life. While nostalgia can be good to remind you of where you’ve come from, it can cause you to overthink and wish you were the person you once were. While reminiscing about nostalgic memories I’ve made at Pelham Middle School, it tends to make me feel worried that I’m not the person I was years ago, that I don’t spend time with friends from previous grades, and that I lost interest in things I used to find enjoyable. Well, these people, things, and moments are all stages in our lives. What I’ve learned is that we are all constantly changing. Our surroundings, minds, bodies, and thoughts are going to often shift, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it. Pelham Middle School has taught me to hold on to memories, but instead of thinking about them as nostalgic times in the past, I think about them in a way that will create my future. 

Pelham Middle School has also taught me about how having a good routine is key to success. Whether it’s procrastinating your homework, going to bed late, or rushing to get something done, it can heavily impact your day. Say you woke up late because you were binge watching a tv series the night prior, it would affect how you function, think, and act the following day. I remember when I would wait to do my homework last minute, and having that gnawing feeling of wishing I did it earlier so that I wasn’t stressed out. And it wasn’t until I started doing my homework earlier, that I found it a lot easier to concentrate and relax. Now, I’m not saying that doing your homework right when you get back from school works best for everyone, but having a schedule that works best for you will end up making your life a lot easier. So, after many times of bad scheduling, Pelham Middle School taught me that it is important to focus on priorities and how to manage them correctly. 

Another important thing to bring up is that middle school is rough. In no way am I saying that Pelham Middle School is perfect, but it definitely aims and achieves to create a strong learning space for kids. Middle school in general is a very straining environment to be in. Whether it’s picking yourself apart, wanting to be in the inner circle of popularity, wishing you were someone different, or contemplating choices you make, we’ve all been there. The key is to not let it get to you. Don’t let others discourage you, negatively impact you, or judge you for being different. If I could go back and change anything, I would tell myself to continue to smile and wave, keeping true to myself. 

Lastly, I think it’s important to take advantage of the resources you are being given. Pelham Middle school has an entire library dedicated to learning materials. You have Librarians that can help you find a book or document you desperately need. You have apps downloaded on your launchpad that give you access to millions of books, articles, magazines, comics, e-books, ideas, and information that you would have never even thought of looking at. You also have an academy period to ask your teachers questions or concerns you have about assignments, tests, and projects. There are endless opportunities and resources at Pelham Middle School, and all you need to do is acknowledge and take advantage of them. 

Also, I can’t go on without mentioning the amazing staff at Pelham Middle School. I have so many teachers and helpers who have guided me throughout my time at middle school. Pelham Middle School has teachers for every topic, guidance counselors for all issues, hall monitors for questions and directions for classes, a principal who works to achieve a safe and impactful learning area, secretaries who check your tardies and absences, counselors who listen to your problems, and lunch workers who make and provide you with excellent food. For any grade in middle school, I highly recommend getting to know the workers around you, as they will help you accomplish your goals throughout your time in middle school. 

So, for any incoming students at Pelham Middle School, especially 6th and 7th graders, please take my words of advice and just think about them. You don’t have to use them, or refer to them, but try to think about what I said. Remember that middle school is a hard time for everyone, and you are not alone. Remember the memories, experiences, moments, adventures, concepts, and people you’ve encountered in middle school. And, Sometimes it’s best to focus on the present, and not the past or future. Take every opportunity that comes your way, and put it towards your success. Use your time at Pelham Middle School to reflect upon the positive changes the community has made on your life, and acknowledge that Pelham Middle School aims to help you achieve a life of fulfillment and success.