We recently interviewed a few adults aged 18 to 25 about their middle school experiences. Their names have been changed to protect their privacy.
Part 1 of this blog post can be viewed here.
Maya: Staying Grounded, Building Network
One of the biggest challenges I faced in middle school was navigating all of the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up. Puberty, changes in appearance, and the ups and downs of emotions felt overwhelming at times, especially when it seemed like everyone was going through those experiences differently. It was a confusing period where I was still trying to figure out who I was and how I fit in.
Looking back, I’m not sure I always handled those challenges particularly well, and I’m not sure there’s a single clear answer to how I got through them. A lot of it was simply learning as I went and realizing that growth is often uncomfortable. What helped most was having good friends who kept me grounded, supported me through difficult moments, and reminded me that I wasn’t going through those experiences alone.
My loyal peers were probably my biggest source of support during middle school. We were all experiencing many of the same physical and emotional changes at the same time, which made it easier to relate to one another and feel less alone. Looking back, those shared experiences helped build friendships that have lasted to this day, and now we can laugh together about many of the things that felt so overwhelming at the time.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of staying grounded and leaning on the people around you. I would encourage anyone entering middle school to talk openly with friends, family members, or mentors about the changes and challenges they are experiencing, because those conversations can make the uncertainty and anxiety feel much more manageable. I would also remind them that they do not have to be perfect academically or socially, but that the habits they develop can lay the foundation for success in high school and beyond.
Bryan: Balancing Sports, Academics, and Friendships
One challenge I faced in middle school was learning how to balance my education with my growing interest in sports, especially wrestling.
I handled those challenges by learning to prioritize. With my family’s support, I figured out what needed my attention first. For example, if I had a test to study for or a project due, I made sure to complete that before spending extra time on wrestling practice or training. I also felt comfortable talking with my coach if I had a problem or needed guidance.
Middle school taught me the importance of choosing the right people to surround myself with. My advice to someone entering middle school would be to make new friends, but also make sure your friend group supports the person you want to become. Try to surround yourself with people who are motivated, hardworking, and positive. Being around people who challenge you can help push you to become a better version of yourself.
Eli: Finding the Courage to Pursue Your Interests
One of the biggest challenges I faced in middle school was that technology was mostly seen as a distraction rather than something that could become a hobby, a skill, or even a career. I was not really introduced to computers early in life, so my interest in them came later. Looking back, I wish technology had been treated more as something worth exploring rather than as something students should avoid. Another challenge was growing up in a boarding school. Since I was away from my parents, they were not always there to advocate for me or help me through things. A lot of the time, I had to figure things out on my own and learn how to speak up for myself. It sometimes felt like I did not have a strong support system around me.
I handled those challenges by spending as much time as I could around computers whenever I got the chance. Even with limited access, I tried to make the most of it because I knew I was interested in learning more. I also slowly learned how to advocate for myself. That meant speaking up when I needed help, asking questions, and finding people who had similar interests. Finding friends or groups with similar tastes made a big difference because it helped me feel less alone. I learned that sometimes you have to be the first person to take your own interests seriously before anyone else does.
Since I grew up in a boarding school, I did not always feel I had adults I could fully count on, as I might have if I had been living at home. My parents cared about me, but they were not physically there to advocate for me day to day. Most of the support I had came from friends. I usually relied on peers more than adults, especially when I needed someone to talk to or relate to.
I learned that it is important to advocate for yourself, especially when you care about something. If you are learning something new or enjoying a harmless hobby, you should not ignore it just because others do not understand it yet. My advice to someone entering middle school would be to follow your inner voice. Pay attention to the things you naturally enjoy and the subjects that make you curious. Do not depend completely on someone else to speak up for you. Support from others is helpful, but you also have to learn to believe in yourself and take your own interests seriously.
Contributed by Saumin Mistry, 10th grade
