After a few years of high school and being comfortable it can be hard to recall what it felt like coming into it all. Next year, around 195 incoming freshmen are coming in, being led by nerves but eagerness for their new beginnings. 

While their feeder schools are miles apart, next year’s incoming freshmen are sharing similar emotions. Eighth graders are currently getting ready to jump into high school.

“It’s a small pond,” Bishop John Carroll 8th grader Natalie B. said referring to middle school. “High school is a whole ocean.”

Natalie B. expressed emotions of both excitement and nervousness about making new friends in the transition, as did Saint John Nepomuk 8th grader Fabian G.

“[I’m excited for] the challenge of school, the friendship, and just the experience itself,” Fabian G. said.

  Along with mixed emotions, they have big plans for the future.

“I’ve always dreamt of getting valedictorian,” Fabian G said.“I’m looking for a good college preparatory school.”

Fabian G. also has hopes of starting a Rubik’s Cube club to compete in competitions. He is not the only middle schooler enthusiastically anticipating high school.

“[I hope to] find myself and see what I want to do,” St. Eugene 8th grader Justin T. said. “I hope to have more advanced classes and do well.”

 As the preparation takes place, reflection also occurs among the 8th graders.

“[Middle school has] taught me that I need to be more social,” Justin T. said. “Having friends will help me later in life.”

Aug. 10 these middle school students will step into high school for the first time, take a deep breath, and pave their own future.

“I can’t wait to go to high school,” Natalie B. said.

Principal David Morton said around 100 middle school students are expected to attend Feeder Leader Feb.23.