As middle schoolers, students tend to look up to high schoolers and some are even nervous about becoming one. However, once you’re in high school, it’s nowhere near as scary as it might have seemed. There are so many opportunities and new events to attend to. It’s like everyone knows exactly where to go and exactly what they need to do. However, some people said they had no idea what they were walking into going into tenth grade. 

Everyone usually turns their attention to the eighth graders turning into ninth graders. They give them advice and try to help them for their first year in High School. But, what about the freshmen becoming sophomores? Freshmen typically walk into tenth grade almost blind. While Isabel Sonnek said, “I expect next year to be the same as this year”, most students describe their tenth-grade experience to be nothing like what they expected it to be. They say it was much more difficult and not nearly as laid back as ninth grade was. Sophomore, Ryland Marshall says, “There was more work from my classes this year compared to ninth grade.”

Many Freshmen said they expect tenth grade to have the same amount of work as ninth grade; it’ll just be a little harder. However, it doesn’t seem like they know what they should expect. Every year, Sophomores go through mock interviews. While some people think it is impossible to fail it, a myriad of people had to redo their interviews year after year until finally passing. It may not seem like a big deal yet the entire week is spent preparing for the interview and constructing your resume. The work done during tenth grade has been described as more fast-paced, strict, and more important or meaningful than before. 

After asking sophomores what advice they could give freshmen, I realized many mentioned the workload. Sophomore, De’asiah Flint said, “I advise you to pay attention and don’t worry about other things going on because it is so easy to get behind in work.” Marshall, also said,“It is important to pass all your classes.” 

As middle schoolers, some of us tended to procrastinate and get the job done at the last minute and be done with it. However, in high school, many have noticed it is crucial to start the work early and put their best effort into it. Sophomore year has been recognized as a year of progress and growth. It is not something that should be taken lightly or seen in a carefree manner. After preparing for your freshman year, prepare for your sophomore year!