The final bell echoes through the halls, marking not just the end of middle school, but the start of a new chapter. Ahead lies high school, a world filled with fresh challenges, exciting opportunities, and the promise of personal growth. For many students, this transition stirs a mix of anticipation and apprehension, as they prepare to navigate the complexities of their next educational journey. 

For freshman Bashir Mohamed, the shift from middle to high school came with a mix of excitement and challenge.  

“Navigating the hallways was rough at first,” Mohamed said, remembering the chaos of different grades having the same passing period.  

Unlike at Antioch Middle School, where schedules kept seventh graders and eighth graders apart, Mohamed now finds himself going through crowds of students from grades 9-12. Despite his initial difficulty, he appreciates the number of resources available at Oak Park and finds comfort in the friendly atmosphere that defied his expectations.  

“I was surprised at how supportive everyone is,” Mohamed said.  

While Mohamed struggled to navigate the halls and dismissed the myths about high school life, another freshman, Hussnain Khan, started high school with a different perspective. Since he has older siblings who attended, it eased his nerves.  

“It was not that difficult because I had older siblings that went to this school, and I also took classes here,” Khan said.  

Being familiar with the environment made it easier for him to get used to, yet he still went through some challenges when starting. 

While Mohamed and Khan had their own paths starting high school, another freshman, Aspen Dixon, found excitement in the opportunities. Unlike her peers, Dixon said she feels middle school prepared her well for high school. 

“I was surprised by the different varieties of classes,” she said.  

Dixon appreciated the chance to explore the diverse number of subjects that can cater to her interests, something she thought was lacking at Antioch. This variety kept her engaged and gave her a sense of freedom to discover new passions.  

“There’s something for everyone here,” she said. 

Her perspective added another layer to the story, showcasing how the same transition can be experienced in different ways, depending on the person. 

Their advice to future freshmen?  

Approach this new chapter with courage and curiosity, high school can be a canvas ready for each student to paint their own unique story.