Austin+Gillespie+Blog+One

Over the summer I didn't have a job, mainly because most places don't hire 14 year olds (that I know of). Instead of working, I was kept busy hanging out with friends, going to the pool, and I was also involved in the Theatre in the Park. About the last week of summer is when I got most nervous for high school, but I knew everyone else was feeling the same way. I was mainly nervous about moving to a totally new school, new teachers, the amount of homework I thought I would get, and traveling to classes in a much bigger school. I prepared by talking to my sister (who is a junior at Mill Valley) and my other friends. It is very helpful having an older sibling who has been in high school because they can help calm your nerves and tell you anything you need to know. Luckily for me, the three honors courses I'm enrolled in didn't give me any summer assignments. By the time I got done with my first day at Mill Valley, I realized there is nothing to be nervous about. On the first day (and every other day) I drove with my older sister to school. I get there around 7:30 each day, as MV's first block starts at 7:50. For the most part, high school and middle school is very different, in my opinion (but the differences are for the better). You are given many more freedoms. These include the right to chew gum whenever, be on your cell phone before and after school, listen to iPods in classes that the teacher gives you permission to, go straight to your locker as soon as you get to school (instead of waiting to be dismissed from the commons), free seating at lunch, getting to be mixed with people in other grades (for lunch and in your electives), longer passing periods (6 minutes), as well as getting to be involved in many more clubs and activities. Most of the restrictions Mill Vally has is similar to middle school. They are still strict about tardies, late work, you can't use your cell phone during the school day, and must obtain a C average to be involved in sports and activities. But overall, High School is awesome!