Pros and Cons of Elementary, Middle, and High School: Personal Experiences and Reflections

Elementary School: Fun and Boring at the Same Time

Elementary school was a mix of fun and tediousness, starting off with the excitement of being at the early stages of the educational journey. The first year or two were filled with fun and playtime. However, by the time second grade rolled around, the fun times were long gone, replaced with a more monotonous and less enjoyable period. The academic pressure increased, with frequent expectations to excel and win awards. To pass successfully, many students found themselves resorting to cheating and seeking help, aiming to graduate and progress with a difficult and sometimes unfair path.

Childhood Anger and Normalcy: Elementary School

My childhood in elementary school was marked by youthful anger and a series of insecurities. I had a few friends on my street and at school who genuinely liked me. Bully incidents were handled by my second-grade teacher, ensuring a relatively safe environment. Despite the anger and instability, I had loyal friends who stood by me through most of this period, making my childhood memories a blend of anger and normalcy. I often found myself in trouble due to angry outbursts, but my friends, though sometimes mistreated, remained supportive.

Shyness and Insecurity: Middle School

Entering middle school, I felt my friendships shift and grow apart, leading to feelings of loneliness. I experienced more discipline at home, which only exacerbated my anger and pushed it into shyness. I quickly found new friends in 6th grade, but my friend group was a mix of connections. By 7th grade, we grew apart, and my friend group was in disarray. My insecurities and social anxiety increased, leading to further loneliness and untrusting behavior. Many of the "friends" from that period were more fake than real, and by 8th grade, all my "friends" had left me.

Isolation and Depression: High School

Starting high school alone, I experienced depression for the first time. My anxiety and social issues worsened, and a lack of trust from middle school "friendships" made me even more isolated. The first day in high school nearly caused a panic attack, and for the next four years, I spent every lunch in the library, skipping breakfast and lunch. Despite my best efforts to make friends, I found the recurring theme of not wanting to be friends, even though these people liked me. This pattern continued throughout high school, and I never fully recovered from the sense of loneliness and anxiety.

A Moment of Belonging: A High School Class

My senior year was a breakthrough, joining a program where I finally felt a sense of belonging. This class with nine other people was the first place in high school where I felt part of something. My confidence soared during this period, and my grades improved drastically. These classmates became like a family to me, making it easier to go to school each day. However, in 2020, our program was discontinued due to the pandemic, and we lost touch over time. This class remains a cherished memory during a period marked by constant anxiety and isolation.

Reflections and Moving On

My experiences in school shaped my character and mental health. High school, in particular, was marked by deep loneliness and struggles with social anxiety. While the memories may be painful, the positive impact of that class cannot be understated. In my second year of college, I still face similar issues, but my ability to form lasting friendships has diminished. This period was a testing ground for my resilience, and the bonds formed in that class were invaluable during a time of uncertainty.