Embracing Change: The Bittersweet End of Seventh Grade and the Adventures Ahead

As seventh grade comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on how far I’ve come over the last two years. As a sixth grade student, I was nervous, excited and felt out of place, stepping into middle school for the first time. Back then, everything felt like a complete mystery: new teachers, new classes, new people. Now, standing on the edge of eighth grade, things feel different. 

This year for me was more than just another school year; it was a year filled with unforgettable memories. I’ve accomplished things I never thought I would. From making new friends and strengthening old friendships to pushing myself in classes that felt impossible at first, to discovering new talents I didn’t even know I had—this year has been packed.

I learned to speak up more, take risks, and trust myself a little more than before. And there were moments that felt overwhelming and hard, but they were a part of the story too. 

One of the biggest things I realized this year is that change isn’t something to fear—it’s something that brings new opportunities and chances. The things that once felt scary—like after school activities, performances, or even making new friends—ended up giving me some of my favorite memories. 

I learned to handle stress better, to stay confident when things didn’t go as planned, and to be proud of the small wins, not just the big ones. Now looking back, it’s going to be sad to close this year’s book. The teachers, the classes, the people I saw every day- they’ll all be different next year. 

I have this beautiful quote that says “Every ending slips gently into the hands of a beginning, quiet and unseen. We grow in the spaces between moments—in laughter and fear, in doubt and daring, in all the silent ways time shapes us. And though parting with the familiar aches, the next chapter stirs softly, heavy with dreams not yet born.” I love this quote because I think the quote completely captures the emotions of moving to the next school year. It’s bittersweet, but I know that there are tons of adventures, lessons and memories waiting to be made in the future, and I hope all of you get to experience that as well.