Easing the transition from middle school to high school

By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor

 

The transition from middle school to high school is often fraught with challenges and anxiety.

To help ease that transition, the Soroptimists of Rim of the World invited four high school students to the Every Girl Counts program at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School on March 19.

“I wish I had had the opportunity to do this when I was in middle school,” senior Shelby Gross told the girls. “I didn’t have the kindest group of friends.” She noted that, because of restrictions during Covid, her middle school experience was very “disconnected.

“I wanted a fresh start for myself in high school. My goal was to make new friends, try new things.”

Shelby told the girls her parents had encouraged her to try sports and join clubs. She played tennis and through that sport found a new group of friends.

“I encourage you to go into high school with a plan, a goal for yourselves. Ask yourself what you want out of high school.”

And Shelby said that “branching out, trying new things is very beneficial.” She added that community service is very important.

Because she moved to the mountain at the end of sixth grade, senior Jorden Hall said, and then experienced Covid, she didn’t go through the middle school phase. “I decided to branch out when I got to high school. I didn’t have friends. If you’re not happy with where you are now, start over.

“Everyone comes together in high school,” Jorden told the girls. “You have a new group of people and experiences. In classes you will have people you have never talked to before. Take the chance to get to know people you haven’t known before.”

The various clubs she has belonged to, Jorden said, “helped me branch out to fellow students and people community. You need people like these wonderful Soroptimist women in your lives.”

Junior Kaylie Serrato noted she had been very shy in elementary school and middle school. Then she was stuck at home during Covid. “When I got to high school, I was in classes with people I didn’t really know. I made friends, joined tennis and got close to my teammates.

“Branch out, meet new people – there are lots of opportunities in high school. Join clubs, do sports if you want to. Have fun, meet people. I encourage you to be kind to everyone. You have no idea what they’re going through. Don’t be too scared on the first day of school.”

Kaylie stressed how awesome community service is. She told the girls she helps an elderly woman and has the best time with her.

Senior Hailey Vargas admitted she had a really bad time in middle school. “It was hard to be alone, different from everyone else.” But then she realized she wasn’t the only one. “It’s OK to want to do different things. In my junior year I realized I needed to stop caring so much. Yes, I’m different – but who cares?

“No one is looking at you because they’re so worried you’re looking at them. I like being a little different.”

Hailey shared that she started volunteering at the Mountain Skies observatory. “It’s the coolest thing ever. I love space, science.” She bonded with Dr. Lorann Parker. “She helped me come out of my shell. She’s a woman in a male-dominated field. I want to be her.”

Soroptimist Lupe McDonald, who coordinates the Every Girl Counts program, told the girls that “this is the moment you realize you’re not alone. A lot of us are going through the same thing.” She shared that, as a child, she was petrified of being different.

“I wouldn’t say hello to someone because I was afraid they wouldn’t say hello back.” She ended up joining theater, which changed her life. “It made me relax. Our entire lives we are learning how to make everything work, feel better, more true to ourselves.”

McDonald took questions from the girls for the high school panel.

“School can be stressful. What are some tips to keep yourself on a healthy mental and physical path?”

“Plan out every day,” Jorden suggested. You have to be on top of all you have going on.”

Shelby recommended finding a balance for yourself. “You have to discover what you enjoy doing that calms you down. I give myself leisure time to watch TV, read a book, hang out with my family. You’ll find what works for you.”

“I stay on top of school work so it doesn’t pile on,” said Kaylie. “Spread it out – give yourself a break. I take out my stress on the tennis court.”

Hailey said she tried doing a planner but it didn’t work for her. “I am my own friend. I’ll play a game by myself. Little wins make you feel good.”

An update on a hero

At their meeting in January, Soroptimist Cathy Kay had told the girls about 14-year-old Avery Colvert who started a program after the Los Angeles-area wildfires to collect clothing and cosmetics for girls. She wanted her friends to feel whole again, Kay said.

She updated the girls on Avery and her program, Altadena Girls, which went viral.

TIME magazine created the 100 Women of the Year project, shining a spotlight on influential women who were often overshadowed. Avery was the youngest recipient of the TIME100 Impact award.

The pop-up location from which she was distributing the clothing and personal care items will soon have a permanent home on Old Town Pasadena, providing mental health services, homework rooms, dance classes and a space where young women can connect.

“Avery, your leadership proves you can make an impact at whatever age,” Storm Reid said as she presented Avery with her award.

As Avery accepted the award, she said, “To go from feeling scared, depressed and hopeless to feeling empowered, supported and hopeful about the future in such a short amount of time goes to show the incredible power of kindness and community.”

“Is there something you might want to do?” Kay asked the girls. “Avery didn’t just think of something – she took action.”