Ram Reflections: Middle School Advice from an Eighth Grader

Middle School is such a unique time of discovery and development at MICDS. To help paint the picture of what the fifth through eighth-grade experience is like for our Rams, we asked previous eighth-graders to reflect on their past four years in Middle School. Below, read about their transitions to Middle School, their reflections on how they’ve grown, and about the advice they would give an incoming MICDS Middle Schooler.

Middle School Reflections & Advice for New MICDS Middle Schoolers

Morgan Macam ‘26, came to MICDS in first grade and is also involved as the Stage Manager of the 7th & 8th-grade play Story Theatre.

  • How she describes the transition to Middle School:
    “One thing I love the most about the MICDS Middle School is how they progressively get you ready for the next year. They help the transition into Middle School go as smoothly as possible, and they make every other transition after that the same way. Middle School constantly increases workloads, helps you develop skills you will use all throughout high school, and helps prepare your social skills for your future. Another thing I love about the Middle School is the peer-to-peer activities club from the high school that helps seventh and eighth graders with the transition from middle to high school. I think that this program is very beneficial to Middle School students as it is led by mostly high schoolers who use their knowledge of their past Middle School experiences and apply it to the current Middle Schoolers.»
  • How she’s changed as a person since entering Middle School:
    “I have definitely grown a lot. When I first started fifth grade, I felt like I was on top of the world. [I had] way more freedom, while, at the same time, way more responsibilities. I think that I have learned a lot not only in academics, but also in how to communicate with teachers, how to deal with friends and problems, how to handle your freedom with responsibility, and most importantly, how to manage my time.”
  • Her advice for new Middle School students:
    “To an incoming Middle Schooler in the fall, I would tell them that it may start out rough—you may get lost around Middle School, and the workload might seem like a lot compared to what you’re used to, but it does get better. You start to learn that the workload really isn’t that much, the essays get a lot less scary, and you will learn to just enjoy yourself. I would tell them to just have fun but also remember your responsibilities. … Trust me, the four years in Middle School will fly by. When you do get to be an eighth grader, know that you are the ones being role models for the fifth graders you once were so always remember to do the right thing.”

 

Eleanor Cheers ‘26 came to MICDS in sixth grade and is also involved in volleyball, basketball, soccer, the Board Games Club, Open Art, Cooking Club, and the 7th & 8th-grade play.

  • How she’s changed as a person since entering Middle School:
    “Going from sixth grade to eighth, I’ve gained a lot of confidence and I’m able to speak my mind without feeling judged.”
  • Her advice for new Middle School students:
    “I would tell them to not be nervous when coming into MICDS because it is an awesome community. I would also tell them that they shouldn’t be scared about asking questions and for help because that’s what teachers are there for. What I love most about the MICDS Middle School is how supportive the teachers are.»
  • How MICDS has prepared her for Upper School:
    “The school gives us plenty of chances to ask questions to current Upper School students as well as teachers. Current students gave us advice about what worked for them and what didn’t. We’ve also learned about the classes and activities that we can do there. As I dove deeper into Middle School, the work did get harder, but it was manageable. Middle School has helped me balance friendships, homework, and extracurriculars.»

 

Hannah Wang ‘26 came to MICDS in third grade and is also involved in tennis.

  • How she’s changed as a person since entering Middle School:
    “I have been able to manage my workload more efficiently. I’ve been able to organize my work so that I can finish my schoolwork efficiently and still have time to do things that I enjoy.”
  • Her advice for new Middle School students:
    “A piece of advice that I would give to a new Middle Schooler is to not stress out. Even though Middle School does have more expectations than Lower School, it’s important to not stress out and work until burning out completely before high school. I think it’s also important to start developing a work schedule and method that works for you.”

 

Gabe Weaver ’26, came to MICDS in Junior Kindergarten (JK) and is also involved in lacrosse, basketball, football, and track & field.

  • How he describes the transition to Middle School:
    “The transition to Middle School was a lot of work, especially when you have to deal with all the freedom you get. Once you start moving up in grades, it will feel like a piece of cake.”
  • How he’s changed as a person since entering Middle School:
    “I’ve changed lots. I’ve matured greatly and figured out how to handle the freedom you get. Responsibility is something I’ve grown in and for people to trust me makes me feel good.”
  • His advice for new Middle School students:
    “Grades don’t have to be the end-all or be-all. Good grades are one goal you are striving to achieve. You don’t have to be the smartest; you just have to have shown growth and your teacher will appreciate you.”

 

George Murray ‘26 came to MICDS in fifth grade and is also involved in volleyball.

  • How she’s changed as a person since entering Middle School:
    “I’ve grown as a person, for one, academically. Fifth-grade me would be horrified if she knew how many times a week I was writing double-column notes and thesis paragraphs, but that comes naturally with educational growth. The most substantial way I’ve grown though is mentally. The MICDS community, while supporting you academically, also does a great job of supporting you mentally. The clubs you can be a part of, and the friends you can meet are arguably the most special things about the MICDS Middle School.”
  • Her advice for new Middle School students:
    “The advice I would give a new Middle Schooler, while cliché, is to meet with their teachers—during flex, recess, before or after school. If there’s something you’re struggling with, talk to your teachers. Ask questions! Your teachers are there to help you and want to see you succeed!»
  • How MICDS has prepared her for Upper School:
    «From the moment I started here at MICDS, they’ve been preparing me for Upper School. Whether it’s consciously or subconsciously, I’ve been learning things that will eventually help me in the Upper School. Along with this, they’ve also done many campus tours and peer-to-peer meetings, which help take away some of the anxieties about the move. Talking to Upper School students about what high school here looks like has been super helpful and will be very much appreciated in the future.»

 

Yujia Jin ‘26 came to MICDS in fifth grade and is also involved in the 7th & 8th-grade Anime Club.

  • What she loves about MICDS:
    “I like how nice the teachers are, and I love H block because I can get my work done.”
  • How she’s changed as a person since entering Middle School:
    “I was pretty shy at first because I didn’t really have a lot of friends, but now I’m more open and I’m starting to fit in a little more.”
  • Her advice for new Middle School students:
    “Don’t be afraid to talk to someone, ask questions if you don’t understand, and be nice to everyone around you.”
  • How MICDS has prepared her for Upper School:
    “Middle School helped me figure out how to get along with students and teachers, and it helped me understand how important it is to seek help when you need it.”

From these Middle School Rams to the next, we can’t wait to see what you’ll love and learn during these important years. Go Rams!