8th Grade students chime in on their thoughts…

Consider the quote, “Why is it that the words we write for ourselves are always so much better than the words we write for others?”

Among other things, this can mean that the work or hobbies we create for ourselves, just because we are interested in something, is generally better than anything that is forced on us by other people.

Explain how this is like your life. What endeavors have you found personally interesting?

In relation, do you believe that life works out, or do you believe that life never works out according to plans?

8th Grade students chime in on their thoughts…

Consider the quote, “People are most afraid of what they don’t understand. And when we don’t understand, we turn to our assumptions.”

How does this statement coincide with social health and intolerance: stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination?

What example from history or current events does it make you think of?

8th Grade students chime in on their thoughts…

Why do you suppose we're quick to aim for happiness all the time?

Is joy a place? Meaning, is happiness a location in life, obtained after specific choices or behavior?

Are emotions a journey, a destination, or a little of both?

8th Grade students chime in on their thoughts…

Why is it important to allow sadness in our lives?

What might happen if we ignore the tough times & push unhappy feelings aside?

Why is it important to feel a range of emotions?

What was life like as a freshman in high school?
At first it's strange, but then you realize everyone was once in your shoes. When you get to the point of being an upperclassman, and look down at underclassmen, you realize there was nothing to be afraid of. In fact most of my friends now are seniors. If anyone is worried about making new friends like I was, I can recommend joining a club or a class you are really interested in, and more than likely there will be others like you that share the same interest. I joined a film class and now it's something I enjoy to this day. Best of all, I can do it with my friends that share that same passion.

What are you planning on doing after high school?
After struggling with chronic migraines for a long time I visited Cincinnati Children's Neurology department and met with a clinical psychologist who gave me my sense of hope back after feeling sick for over six months straight. I instantly decided that this was the job for me. I hope to make a difference in the lives of children who are sick or struggling to be healthy like I was during that time.

What are you planning on doing after high school?
Now that I am a second semester freshman nursing major at Millikin University, my goals have slightly changed. I realized that I want to travel to third world countries and help improve their health care, to save lives, and to make a change. As an aspiring nurse, I want to put a smile on every single face of my patients because that would tell me I’m doing something right. I would also like to break the stereotype about being a male in a predominantly female occupation.

What are you planning on doing after high school?
Thanks to my performance throughout high school, I have earned guaranteed admission to the University of Illinois College of Medicine directly after my undergraduate years through a selective program. Fortunately, I still have time to decide whether or not I would like to practice medicine, and I am confident that I will pursue a suitable career either way.

What was life like as a freshman in high school?
There were so many new kids from different middle schools, and walking down the hallways, where I used to know every face, I barley knew any. That was really scary at first, but it was a really great opportunity to just branch out and make friends who I had not known before. Majority of my really good friends today I did not know in middle school, which surprised me. I have learned that some people may look unapproachable, but all you have to do is say a simple hello and you never know where that may lead.

What was life like as a freshman in high school?
Transitioning from middle school to high school not only puts a fair amount of stress on you, but it also forces you to start making smart choices. When I first heard and thought about this “magical” transition, my reaction was rather chill, laid back, and just really ignoring it. It would be only a matter of time before I started to screw up because I made poor choices during and throughout my freshman year.