Inspiring leaders, even before high school.

My name is Lily, although you can call me Max. I love nature, books, music, and anything I can do with my friends. I’m a huge boba tea fan so if you need any recommendations, I’m your gal. One thing I wish I knew in middle school was that nothing last forever. It’s a bittersweet feeling but in the end it really would’ve helped. For example, not doing good on a test will not determine your whole future. If you have friends, you don’t like but can’t leave, it won’t last forever, and I guarantee that you will meet people who will bring you so much joy, you will soon forget about anyone in the past. The best advice I can give is to try and put yourself out there. Whether that is clubs or with friends, but the connections you make will help make the transition easier than taking it on yourself. To help with managing time, always review for at least 10-15 minutes a day for a test, it might not feel like anything in the moment but it’s a complete game changer when you finally get to the actual test. Also writing down a to-do list helps a lot. If it was anything like how my mind works, your brain is going to try and focus on everything you need to do which can get overwhelming. Making a to-do list, whether it was on my phone or writing it down really helps your stress levels.

I am Esther Jacques, a senior at Miami Norland Senior High School and a dual-enrollment student at Miami Dade College. I am passionate about technology and law, aspiring to become both a cybersecurity expert and a patent attorney. I enjoy participating in mentoring and leadership programs, and I have a strong love for math, reading, and learning new languages. I am always eager to explore new experiences and expand my knowledge. One thing I wish I knew in middle school is that it's okay not to rush, especially when it comes to taking advanced classes or trying to finish everything early. Growth doesn't have a deadline. It's important to challenge yourself, but it's just as important to enjoy the journey and actually understand what you're learning. Sometimes slowing down helps you move forward with more confidence and purpose. The advice I would give to middle school students and parents as they get ready for high school is to focus on balance and growth. High school can be exciting but also challenging, so it's important to stay organized, ask for help when needed, and not compare your life to others. For students, remember that grades, but so does your mental health and self-discovery, so try new things, join clubs, and find what truly interests you. For parents, support and encourage your child's efforts, not just their results. High school is not just about getting into college; it's also about learning who you are and building the foundation you need for your future. When it comes to making friends, always stay true to yourself. Be authentic and don't try to change who you are just to fit in. Real friendships form when you're being genuine. For managing time, try to stay organized by listing your tasks from the most urgent or important to the least. And when it comes to dealing with stress, take things one step at a time. Remember, it's okay if everything doesn't go perfectly the first time.

My name is Angelo Khattar, and I go to a small school in West Tennessee. I aspire to become a doctor one day and achieve many accomplishments along the way. I wish I had known to start researching scholarships, schools, jobs, and other opportunities early. My advice for middle school students and parents getting ready for high school is this: don’t be afraid to have fun. School is important, but don’t let it take away from your high school experience.

I’m Dakota Gordon, a highly motivated 17-year-old from Georgia. I am currently a Dual Enrollment student at Clayton State University and an active member of the National English Honor Society and NSHSS. I’ve been a member since freshman year and recently became part of the NSHSS Ambassador Program. I wish I had known that your transcript starts counting on day one of 9th grade. In middle school, I thought high school was a clean slate, but colleges look at the cumulative picture. Starting high school with the mindset of building a strong academic record right away — not waiting until junior year — is critical. While I still maintained excellent grades in freshman year, I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have, considering that freshman year is your foundation. The biggest piece of advice I’d give to middle school students and their parents is to stop viewing academics and extracurriculars as separate tasks. Instead, find activities that genuinely interest you and look for ways to gain leadership roles within them. Colleges value quality, sustained involvement — like my seven years in orchestra, which led me to become a section leader and earn a leadership plaque, or my experience in the Pager Program — over simply collecting participation certificates. Focus on depth, not quantity. Middle school was a lot for me, too. It was heavy. I went through many challenges with friendships, the inevitable middle school drama, and my own mental health, so I know how hard and overwhelming that time can be. My first tip for getting through it is to find your outlet for stress. When I feel overwhelmed, hitting the track for a throw or focusing on my cello helps me channel that energy and reset my mind. For making friends, try to connect with people over shared interests — like joining a team, a club, or the orchestra. These groups create natural bonds and built-in support systems, which also help you avoid some of the drama. Finally, when it comes to managing time and handling academic pressure, you absolutely must use a planner or digital calendar. Don’t just schedule homework — schedule your “recovery time,” too. Knowing you have time set aside to rest, like a break after practice or during dinner, makes the entire week feel less stressful and much more manageable. You can get through this — and it prepares you for so much more ahead.

With a 4.0 GPA, I’m a motivated high school student passionate about psychology and understanding human behavior. I’m working toward a future where I can use this passion to make a positive impact. In the summer of 2024, I volunteered at the APSU SOS Food Pantry, helping with food preparation, inventory, and garden maintenance. Later that year, I volunteered with United Way and Toys for Tots, assisting with packaging and distributing gifts to children in need. I also serve as a Youth Worship Leader, guiding music on piano and vocals for weekly gatherings. At school, I’m the Equipment Manager for the Athens High School Choir, Treasurer for the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and active in FCA. NSHSS represents an opportunity to grow alongside driven, service-minded peers while expanding my leadership and academic potential in pursuit of a career in psychology. I wish I’d known that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Middle school is a time to explore new interests, make mistakes, and learn from them. You don’t need to have your future planned yet—just stay curious and keep trying new things. To students: focus on building good habits early—stay organized, manage your time, and ask for help when you need it. To parents: offer support without pressure. Encourage your child’s interests and remind them that effort matters more than perfection. Be yourself when meeting new people—real friendships come from honesty and shared interests. For time management, break big tasks into smaller steps and celebrate your progress. When stress builds up, take a moment to breathe, step outside, or talk to someone who understands. Balance matters more than doing everything at once.

Hi! My name is Erica Adejoro, and I’m a high school junior with a strong interest in science and healthcare. I’m involved in Beta Club and the French Honor Society, where I serve as Historian, and I love opportunities that allow me to learn, lead, and create. I’m passionate about understanding how culture and health connect, especially in areas like nutrition and wellness. Outside of school, I enjoy creating content that promotes confidence, self-love, and embracing natural beauty. My goal is to pursue dentistry through a combined undergraduate and dental program so I can help people feel proud of their smiles while giving back to my community. I wish I had known that confidence doesn’t come from being perfect—it comes from showing up for yourself. I used to overthink everything, but once I learned to trust my growth and not rush the process, life felt a lot lighter. High school is your time to explore and grow. Don’t be afraid to try new clubs, subjects, or experiences—you might discover something that truly inspires you. For parents, allow your child to learn independence; mistakes are part of growing up and help build confidence for the future. Be yourself and stay open to meeting people with different interests—authentic friendships form naturally that way. Use a planner or phone reminders to keep up with assignments, and don’t forget to take breaks. When you feel stressed, talk to someone you trust and remind yourself that you’re learning, not racing.

Hello, my name is Hayden DeRosia, and I’m a senior at Andale High School. I’m a cheerleader and a part of my school’s SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions). I love to read and do math. I wish I had known to have as much fun as possible in high school and not to take it for granted — it really does go by so fast. My advice for middle school students and parents getting ready for high school is to slow down, enjoy every moment, and get involved as much as you can. When it comes to making friends, managing time, or dealing with stress, talk to people who enjoy the same things you do, create a schedule to stay organized, and remember to take deep breaths and make time for yourself whenever you need it.

My name is Kenzie Rodriguez, and I have lived in Gray, GA, for four years. I go to Jones County High School and am involved in many activities around the school and community. Some of those include Marching Band as Drum Major, Junior Leadership Jones, and Speech and Debate. In my free time, I enjoy sewing, knitting, and doing nails for friends and family. I’m very excited to be accepted as an ambassador for NSHSS! One thing I wish I knew in middle school is that you don’t have to take life too seriously right now. Grades are important, of course, but if you make school your entire life and become completely consumed by academics, you won’t have the opportunity to just be a kid. Being a goal-oriented student is a good thing, but it can also stop you from living in the moment. Slow down in middle school and have fun — you’ll have plenty of time to achieve your goals in high school. My go-to for managing stress is having an activity you enjoy that helps take your mind off whatever’s bothering you. For me, it’s coloring. When life gets to be too much, I color a page in my book, then go back and address the problem with fresh eyes!

Hello, I'm Caylee Arp. I enjoy training my own horses, showing dairy goats, drawing, woodworking, leatherwork, photography, and reading. I mainly participate in 4-H, where I serve as a Jr. Leader and President for Barrels & Buckles, Secretary for the Linn County 4-H Horse Leaders, Junior Superintendent for Horses, and a 4-H Ambassador. I also love going to English country dances with my friends! One thing I wish I had known in middle school is to be careful about who I choose to have in my circle. The people around you greatly influence your growth and development in life. Your circle can shape your habits—whether they are positive or negative—and can lead you to engage in or enjoy certain activities. As middle school students prepare to transition to high school, it's essential for them and their parents to keep a few key points in mind. Students should choose their friends wisely, surrounding themselves with positive influences who encourage personal growth. Getting involved in clubs and extracurricular activities can help them meet new people and develop skills. Staying organized is crucial, as high school often comes with increased demands, and asking for help from teachers or peers is a sign of strength, not weakness. Setting personal and academic goals can provide direction and motivation. For parents, fostering independence in their children and maintaining open lines of communication can create a supportive environment, while discussing academic expectations helps establish the importance of responsibility. Encouraging a balanced lifestyle—where there's time for schoolwork, activities, and relaxation—supports mental health. Ultimately, high school is a time of exploration and growth, and both students and parents should embrace the journey ahead. Making friends in middle school starts with being open and approachable. Join clubs or activities that interest you to meet like-minded peers. To manage your time effectively, create a structured schedule that balances homework, extracurriculars, and relaxation, and use a planner to keep track of assignments and deadlines. When dealing with stress, incorporate physical activity into your routine, practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, and don’t hesitate to talk to friends or trusted adults about your feelings. By applying these strategies, you can create a positive and enjoyable middle school experience.

My name is Madisyn, and I’m a passionate drill team dancer who thrives on creativity, discipline, and teamwork. Dance has taught me dedication, precision, and how powerful self-expression can be through movement. Outside of performing, I write poetry in my free time as another way to capture emotions and experiences that words can bring to life. Academically, I’ve always strived for excellence, pushing myself to achieve strong grades and set high standards in everything I do. I’m also very socially active and love building connections with people from different backgrounds. Working with others inspires me — whether it’s collaborating on a project, helping teammates, or leading by example, I value what each person brings to the table. Altogether, I aim to continue growing as both a performer and a person who uplifts and inspires those around me. I wish I had known that it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet. Back then, I put a lot of pressure on myself to always be perfect — in school, in activities, and around others. I’ve learned that growth comes from trying new things, making mistakes, and learning along the way. I wish I had understood that confidence doesn’t come from being flawless, but from believing in your effort and staying true to who you are. Every experience, even the challenging ones, helps shape you into the person you’re meant to become. My advice to middle school students and parents preparing for high school is to focus on balance and growth. For students, don’t be afraid to get involved — join clubs, sports, or activities that genuinely interest you. High school is where you start discovering who you are, and every experience helps shape that. Stay on top of your grades early, but remember that mental health and friendships matter too. For parents, trust your child to explore and make their own decisions while still offering guidance and support. High school can be challenging, but it’s also full of opportunities to learn, lead, and build confidence. Encourage curiosity, celebrate effort, and remind them that progress matters more than perfection. Making friends, managing time, and dealing with stress in middle school can feel challenging, but it’s all about balance and being true to yourself. Be open and kind to everyone — joining clubs, sports, or activities you enjoy is one of the best ways to meet people who share your interests. When it comes to managing time, stay organized with a planner or your phone, and try not to leave things until the last minute; setting small goals can make big tasks feel easier. For stress, find healthy outlets that help you relax, like journaling, dancing, listening to music, or talking to someone you trust. Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to take breaks — balance matters just as much as effort.

I am a hard-working student, a martial artist, and an aspiring fashion designer. One thing I wish I knew in middle school was how hard it would be to get ready for college. Everyone always made it seem so easy, like it would be just like the Disney movies I watched growing up back home in Jamaica. Advice I would give to students or parents getting ready for high school is not to expect everything to be perfect. Nothing will ever be perfect, and you’re going to fall — but what matters is how you get back up and if you can stand tall again. For making friends, just be yourself; nobody can ask for anything better. If you’re doing sports or have a lot on your plate, make a timetable and split your time evenly — study for an hour or two, then practice for another hour. You want to make sure you divide your time so you don’t get overwhelmed. And if you’re feeling stressed, it’s always okay to take a step back, take a breath, and regroup.

Hi, my name is Mackenzie Craig. I am a senior at Clermont Northeastern and plan to further my education to become a pediatric oncologist. I can't wait to see where this journey and partnership with NSHSS will lead me! One thing I wish I knew in middle school is that a lot of the relationships you have then don't always follow through to high school; everyone is changing and growing at different paces, and sometimes you just need to let certain people go. One piece of advice I would give to a middle school student entering high school is to give yourself grace. A lot of high-achieving students see a B as a horrible grade, but it really isn't—especially during your freshman year. High school is a whole different ball game, and it takes a minute to learn how to play. You’ll probably have to re-learn how to study or how to balance homework and playing sports. It will be hard in the beginning, but it gets easier. Middle school can be very stressful. One way I managed stress was by always making sure I completed my assignments during class or used any free time during the day to finish them. By doing as much as you can during school, you’ll have more time to text or hang out with friends afterward.

Hi! I'm Laine. I turned 18 in September, and I love volunteering with animals, children, and students. I wish I had known in middle school that being liked isn’t the most important thing—being true to yourself and making the right decisions matters so much more than pleasing people you’ll only know for a few years. High school really isn’t as scary as it seems; it’s a little tougher and definitely bigger, but as long as you find a group of people who share your values and hopes, you’ll do great. My best advice for making friends, managing time, and dealing with stress is to be yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but people can always tell when someone isn’t being genuine. Connect with people who share your interests, values, dreams, and aspirations, and everything else will fall into place.

I’m Arabella Glass, a high school senior who participates in three varsity sports and eight clubs. In my free time, I enjoy being outside—hiking, reading, or doing nature photography. One thing I wish I knew in middle school is that there are AP classes and college dual enrollment opportunities. I also wish I knew that I could apply for scholarships as a middle schooler. My advice is to take advantage of all the opportunities your school offers you and make the most of your freshman year. Get involved! Join clubs or sports that interest you—you’ll probably make lots of new friends who share your passions!

My name is Adaliz Ramirez. I am 17 years old, I’m a senior in high school, and I’m a graphic designer and a Christian. One thing I wish I knew in middle school is: don’t hang out with people who bring you down. You’re turning into an adult soon. High school is very different from middle school, and you’ll need to start maturing. Surround yourself with people who are good for you—friends who care about their future and want the best for you too. Share kindness, knowledge, and encouragement with your friends, not just your struggles. Be respectful to your teachers—the way they see you can help you in the long run. Stay organized, do your work, and aim for good grades. Most importantly, focus on growing into the best version of yourself!

Hi, I am Wijdan! I’m a 15-year-old senior who is currently homeschooled. One thing I wish I knew in middle school was probably to not care about what others think. Many students struggle because they don’t reach their friends’ expectations. Rather, students need to focus on their future and make themselves better. High school is something you need to put 100% effort into, as it will lead you to college. It’s better in middle school to focus, get your grades up, and build study habits. Look for friends who accept who you are, not people who want you to change. Try to limit screen time and finish homework early. Don’t focus on appearance; it doesn’t matter.

One thing I wish I knew in middle school is that you don’t actually “grow up,” but rather you “grow old.” What this means is that when you get older, you are not obligated to give up childhood hobbies or habits that make you happy. You only grow up from that if you decide to. Learning this lets you get rid of the fear that your adult life is going to be miserable and that you only have a short time left to be happy in your youth—not to say you should take it for granted.

I’m Finn McGill, a senior at Tanque Verde High School in Tucson, Arizona. I’m honored to be a member and ambassador of NSHSS, and the recipient of the NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarship as well as the NSHSS Nobel Earth Sustainability Scholarship for my research in ornithology. One thing I wish I knew in middle school: deadlines sneak up fast, and time management is a superpower. Don’t wait until the last minute! Make small steps early, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress. Get used to managing your time early. Deadlines come fast, and doing a little each day keeps things from piling up. Try new things, because high school is about more than classes. Parents, let your kids take on more responsibility—even if it’s messy—and be there when they need backup. Celebrate the effort, not just the results. Be friendly and kind. Say hi and talk to new people. Join clubs or sports to meet friends. Take breaks when school feels heavy. Don’t chase perfection—steady effort matters more.

I’m a straight-A student with perfect attendance who also competes in varsity Swim, Gymnastics, and Track & Field. Beyond athletics, I stay active through Student Council, Environmental Club, Tri-M, NHS, Link Crew, and Students Leading Students. Volunteering and giving back to my community is something I truly love, and I’m especially passionate about environmental issues and advocacy. Looking back, I wish I had known more about the opportunities waiting for me in high school, like AP exams and dual-enrollment. If I had understood those options earlier, I could have made the most of my freshman year right from the start. I also wish I realized that you can begin preparing in middle school by exploring opportunities ahead of time. My biggest piece of advice for middle school students and parents is to take freshman year seriously. It’s not a year to slack off—every class matters, and the habits you form early will carry you through. Make the effort to research the opportunities your high school offers, whether academic programs, clubs, or leadership roles, so you can set yourself up for the future you want. Don’t be afraid to try out different teams and organizations based on what truly interests you, not just what your friends are doing. That’s how you’ll expand your circle and meet people who share your passions. Time management is also key. Use any work periods at school to stay on top of assignments and avoid bringing too much home. Staying organized and not procrastinating will make a huge difference in managing your workload. At the same time, don’t forget to take care of yourself. If you ever feel stressed, give yourself permission to pause, practice a little self-care, and reset. High school is full of opportunities—you just have to be ready to grab them and make them your own.

I grew up in Maywood, New Jersey, and moved to Oviedo, Florida, just a week before starting high school. From day one, I’ve worked hard to make a difference, whether by starting new clubs or simply lending a hand wherever I could. If I could go back and tell my middle school self one thing, it would be: don’t be afraid to be yourself. Embrace who you are, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at times. Here’s some advice as you prepare for high school: Social media can seriously impact your mindset, take a look around when your peers are glued to their phones. It’s easy to fall into that trap, but staying present matters more. As for friendships? Appreciate them. Many won’t last forever, but the memories will. Middle school is the time to make them count.