Oh, Middle School Middle School! (by William)

It was the first day of middle school.  My mom held my hand and whispered to me, "Good luck."  As I sauntered up to the gate, I waved back at her.  Then I whipped around and headed for my first class of the day.  The staircase was very crowded.  It was full of kids rushing up and down the stairs.  What seemed like a year to pass, I finally reached the second floor.  I took a deep breath.  From then on, my new life in middle school began.

It has been two and a half months into my 6th grade year, and I have already encountered many challenges and dilemmas.  For example, when my choir LACC invited me to perform in LA Opera's production, Hansel and Gretel, I was very excited.  Based on my experience in A Trip to the Moon,  I loved being a performer onstage.  Unfortunately, the opera requires a lot of dedication.  I would have to miss a minimum of 6 days of school, and the rehearsals also would conflict with my other activities such as swim practices.  After thinking for a day or so, I finally decided to decline the invitation because I don't want to miss any school days, nor to have a hard time catching up to the classwork and homework.  I need to set important things as priorities, and spend time and energy on those first.

I also have noticed a huge difference between middle and elementary schools.  There are lots of homework and projects in the middle school, and I must budget my time to get things done more efficiently.

However, middle school is very energizing.  I have been adapting into the new school--I have made some new friends, and I like my classes and teachers a lot.

My school has an awesome library filled with books, board games, computers, and even a pet "exhibition."  There is a tortoise named Poppy, and a green parakeet named Zucchini.  There used to be another parakeet named Poseidon, but he died recently.  Luckily, the school bought a yellow parakeet to be Zucchini's company.

I also love school because all my teachers are nice.

• Mrs. Rogan, my Science teacher, helps the class reduce stress by teaching us the finger tapping technique.
• Miss Simonian, my History teacher, is creative.  Many years ago when she was a World History TA, she was asked to draw an animal.  She drew a creature with a head, body, and four legs and named it Stumpy.  She still draws Stumpies while teaching and I love drawing Stumpies in my projects.
• Mr. Brown, my honors Math teacher, is extremely funny, and my chin can be "laughed out" at times.
• Mrs. Diggs, my advanced Orchestra teacher is very kind to us.
• Mrs. Ryu, my honors English teacher, is very detail-oriented and grades our essays very carefully.  Any missing commas or misplaced apostrophes will be spotted by her vigilant, eagle eyes.
• Mr. Yarbrough, my PE coach, loves socializing.
• Mr. Hilger, my SOAR teacher, looks like a handsome movie star.

Ah, Middle School, Middle School!  Whether I like it or not, childhood is waving goodbye.  So l've decided to enjoy my years in middle school.


P.S. The yellow parakeet is now named Sunshine.