Kate - 8th Grade

I remember 8th grade being such a unique and transforming year. The feeling that the end is near, but to believe that end is a new beginning, is hard to fathom. It's a huge step moving from middle school to high school. There is the physical transition to a new school and all of the emotions that follow. Friends moving to different schools. Feeling sad to move in a different direction. Excited for the new relationships this journey will bring. Learning more about subjects you never thought you'd care about and learning so much about yourself along the way. It's a beautiful and emotional time. These young people, our daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, grandchildren...they will all go through it. My children may not be at this age yet, but it is coming all too quickly.

​I remember thinking no one could understand. Being an adult now, I know that I really can't understand. Things are very different for every generation. Sure, some of the struggles will always be the same but I know it was sometimes hard for me and some days may be the same for them. Growing up and knowing it. It's a wonderfully fun and incredibly scary thing. I may not always understand, but I can listen. My hope for every young person is that they know they are smart, kind and brave. I hope that we give them the tools and confidence that they will use to succeed. They may be fearless or fearful, but they are the future. They are our future. I truly believe that they will be better, for they have to be. They are ours.