- What is the hardest part about the transition to high school?
The many choices that students have in regards to their college choices. Many courses are based on the previous year’s coursework and if a student wasn't aware that they needed a specific class before moving on to another class; it can really set them behind in high school thus slowing down their dreams of a certain college. I also feel that students in 8th grade are young to be having to make decisions that are 4 years away, however if I do not get the information in their hands before they leave middle, they might not get the information later.
I feel like this response characterizes the experience many of my classmates have had with high school counselors, where they get lost in the shuffle of the many students. I really appreciate that counselors like Ms. Vera are taking the initiative to start giving students information early, so that they are better informed and prepared.
2. How can this be facilitated in a better way?
Having more counselors in the middle school. Another idea could be that high school counselor could meet more often with 8th graders and give them information and guidance. Especially to students who are in the middle or cusp of being propelled forward.
This idea really speaks volumes to me, because I see how stretched thin Ms. Vera is, especially because she has two distinct, highly specialized schools to juggle. I definitely think more facetime with counselors would benefit each student, and having more counselors would be a good way to achieve this.
3. What is the best thing for students to do to prepare for high school?
Time management and problem solving, accountability for their actions/decisions.
This information isn’t necessarily surprising, but definitely worth repeating. This answer rings true to me, and I think it’s key.
4. What do you like to do to prepare students for high school?
Based on students interests and abilities, I would like to be able to meet with students individually and/or in small groups (grouped by ability/interests) and give them tools/resources that could guide their decision making process.
I think that this idea is also really insightful, and I believe that this would be a great opportunity for students if implemented. It also coincides with some of the research I’ve conducted, so I would love to see this implemented in schools.
5. What balance of classes do you recommend for freshmen?
Every student has their own balance, and they need to think about what they want to handle and what they can handle. For example, a high achieving student might be able to balance two AP classes, but for some students the transition itself is enough of a challenge without rigorous classes. Remember that high school is not an end-all, therefore strive and be challenged but do not take on too much. Stressing yourself will get you nowhere do not compare yourselves to others, do what is good for you.
This advice is fantastic. I honestly think every student needs to see this, and read it five times. It took me so long to realize this; it would help so many kids to enter school with this mentality.
6. How could the system improve?
I really believe that the number of students per counselor is too high in Georgia. ASCA model ratio is 250 to 1. Most schools do not meet this, in Hall County we certainly do not meet this criteria. Many times counselors are pulled for other duties not allowing them to do their job. Most counselors became counselors to help students/ teachers/ parents but usually they are not able to do this due to time, high student ratios, and/or non-counseling duties assigned to them.
Over the course of my internship, I’ve realized the huge responsibilities counselors take on. They juggle so much, and are stretched thin with far too little resources. This is a recurring theme in the interview, and I would be interested to see the difference in the success of students coming from a properly staffed school.
7. What’s the biggest difference between a freshman and an eighth grader?
There isn’t a huge difference, the main one being that one is in high school and one is in middle school. However, as far as maturity levels go, they are about the same, yet the freshman has much more responsibility.
This is something I’ve heard several times, and many freshman are truly like 8th graders in a new building. I think that more emphasis needs to be put on preparing students to be high schoolers rather than staying in a middle school mentality.
8. What should every freshman know before high school?
That they will hit the ground running day one of freshman year. Life is a series of events based on many of the choices we make. Most of our “friends” in high school will not be our friends for life and it is okay to be your own person and follow your goals. High School time will fly by, therefore make the most of it because you cannot relive it. Try that club, try that sport, be a friend and do the right thing, even when no one is looking because that forms your character for the future. The right thing is always the right thing. Believe in yourself and accept your mistakes because many of them make you better. You will go to college if you choose to. You might not be the top student but that is okay. There will be obstacles but you can overcome them with the right tenacity. Trust your parents are doing the best they can and they are human (they too went through high school). Your teachers are not your enemies.
I love this advice. I agree with it, and I also think it should be required reading for freshmen. Students need to know that it is “okay” to not be the best, but to be who you want to be.
9. What is the biggest determiner of success in high school?
Networking with friends, being prepared for the unexpected, getting to know your teachers and reaching out for help when you need it. Not being too proud or too “popular” to forget those less fortunate to you. Those “nerds”, or “slow learners” can be more successful than you or just be your neighbor but you may need their help one day.
Again, I think students should be told this constantly. Humility truly is one of the keys to success in life, not only high school.
10. How quickly can the adjustment to high school be made?
Depends on the student and their willingness to adapt to change (good or bad). Life moves on without us and if we are not willing to be pliable we will break. That is a good skill to have in life. We are not living on one-man islands, the more support you have from parents, adults (teachers/coaches/mentors) and peers -the quicker you will adapt and the more you will enjoy your high school experience. It is a choice and a mindset and perspective that allows you to make this journey be your best. There will always be mean girls and bullies, learn to spot them and go the other way. There will always be that teacher that is not so fun, too strict, too mean, it is not your job to judge. Make the most of that class with that teacher, be kinder than they deserve...you may be the change that teacher needed. If they do not change, you will feel satisfied that you didn't add to their pain.
I agree with all of this, and my research also supports the answer. Every individual student has different learning needs and speeds, so it is totally justifiable that different speeds are needed to adjust.