This past Friday, our 8th grade students graduated from middle school and will be moving on to high school next year. We asked four graduating 8th graders to reflect on their time at Stella Middle Charter Academy and answer some questions. Here are some of their amazing answers.
Q: What person at our school has made the biggest impact on your life during your time at Stella. Why?
A1: “When I was at Stella, Principal Garris made the biggest impact on my life. When I first started to attend Stella in fifth grade, Principal Garris greeted me with a smile . . . and he was always kind and generous to me. Principal Garris always helped me and others at times of need.”
A2: “Dr. Amari: She taught me so many things that are happening around the world that I never even noticed or realized were happening. She helped me be closer to my younger siblings because I would always tell them the amazing things I learned in class.”
A3: All of my teachers have made the biggest impact on my life during my time at Stella because most teachers started out like we did and were able to make it to college and become someone in life. This shows me that if they made it, I can make it, too.
Q: What advice do you have for incoming 5th graders, or what is something you wish you would have known as a 5th grader coming in to Stella?
A1: “I would tell the incoming 5th graders to never give up. The work may seem hard, but in reality, it is just your thoughts that make the work seem difficult . . . Anything is possible if you pay attention during class and do your work.”
A2: “One thing I wished I would have known as an incoming fifth grader is that I could go for help whenever, like during lunch, bathroom break, after school, or via email.”
A3: “They should be aware that different doors will open for them along the way, but it all depends on the decisions they make along the way.”
A4: “Some advice I have for incoming 5th graders is that if you believe in yourself and say you can do it, you can do anything you wish. Never tell yourself you cannot do something.”
Q: What are you looking forward to most about high school?
A1: “I am looking forward to meeting new friends, as well as being with my former friends from last year. I also am excited to meet the new teachers who will be teaching different and exciting subjects, such as biology and geometry.”
A2: “One thing I am looking forward to is the excitement and the adventure; although high school might be challenging, I am sure I can accomplish all the obstacles.”