8th Grade Research Paper

“Education is not the preparation for life; education is life itself.” - John Dewey. Every year, as we enter a new grade, new challenges approach us. Eighth grade is no exception., and will be very different from 7th grade. As I enter my eighth grade school year, I will be bombarded with a variety of new experiences and challenges such as buddies, academics, and being prepared for high school. One of the most important tasks that is thrust onto me is buddies.

It is a St. Michael’s tradition that every year the eighth graders receive first grade buddies. This year is no different. Obviously, the first graders are a lot younger than the eighth graders. I have find ways to connect with her and other first graders. This is more difficult, and in the first few weeks of receiving buddies, I unfortunately did not know how to do this, but luckily now I do, and my buddy and I are close. As an eighth grader I have to be responsible, and make sure I take good care of my buddy because when I’m in high school, it might be possible for me to get a job babysitting her. I know my eighth grade buddy babysat me when I was in first and second grade. Not only do I have to be responsible because of my buddy, but also because of the amount of schoolwork I receive.

Every year teaching styles change, and we get

classes we didn’t have last year. This year I have history, math, science, writing, literature, Latin Spanish, and band class. I have new teachers and have to get used to how they teach their classes. For example, our science teacher, Dr. Jenson, is new and teaches very differently than our teacher last year, Mrs. Graffis. I have band class, and have never been part of a band before. Not only are my classes hard, but the homework that accompanies them. As an Eighth grader, I have a new level of test and homework. I have 3 tests or quizzes nearly every week, not to mention about 3 hours of homework every night. Most nights I stay up late finishing my all my work. This just ensures that I can not mess around, or procrastinate on my work, because later I will regret it. It definitely takes a lot of self control not to watch Netflix when I get home from a long school day. Albeit things will not get any easier in high school.
High school may not seem like that big of a decision compared to collage or picking a job, but it’s where I will spend the next 4 years of my life, growing, learning, and making new life long friends. High school is a time in life when everyone grows and matures, so I need to surround myself with the right people at the right school for me. The schools I am interested in, St. Francis and Christian Brothers, both offer great academics. One reason I’m interested in Christian Brothers is because of their engineering program. High School is a great place to meet new friends, because you have more options on the bigger campus. My dad still meets up with his friends from Jesuit high school. Once I decide my high school, my time at St. Michaels will be over, and I will be leaving it for good.
“Though we generally think of the word “end” as a conclusion, we should keep in mind it come from the Greek word anti, which means “before”.

While we might think we are concluding the school year, we are really- much more importantly- setting students, and ourselves, up for what comes next.” -Larry Ferlazzo, In the education week. This eighth grade year will be packed with fun and difficult activities, one of them being a role model for my buddy. I also must be sure I have good time management with my homework, and of course, I must make make the big decision of where I will attend high school. This eighth grade year will set my future and prepare me for

life.