Roseville Junior High
I started 7th grade at Roseville Junior High. It was an imposing two-story building that scared me stiff. The building was the old Brablec High, so it was huge.
The students in the school also scared me. They were street-wise, tough kids who knew way more than I did.
I have absolutely no memories writing here. I just remember being scared and made fun of. This was not a place where students learned. It was a place where there were at least two fights a day, mean girls, and boys telling my stories about "Juvie."
We moved the summer after my 7th grade because of the colorful stories I brought home to my parents.
The students in the school also scared me. They were street-wise, tough kids who knew way more than I did.
I have absolutely no memories writing here. I just remember being scared and made fun of. This was not a place where students learned. It was a place where there were at least two fights a day, mean girls, and boys telling my stories about "Juvie."
We moved the summer after my 7th grade because of the colorful stories I brought home to my parents.
Jeanette Junior High
We moved to Sterling Heights that summer and I started Jeannette Junior High in the fall. Although I was an "A" student at RJH, I quickly found out I had to work hard to get those grades at Jeannette. Eighth grade I struggled academically and socially. I did not fit in. I was too nice, didn't wear the right clothes, and had a sub par academic foundation.
Again, I do not remember many writing assignments at Jeannette. I remember grammar drill worksheets. I also remember diagramming sentences. Horrible!
Again, I do not remember many writing assignments at Jeannette. I remember grammar drill worksheets. I also remember diagramming sentences. Horrible!
The Only Writing Assignment I Remember
The only writing assignment I remember in Junior High is a 9th grade story called "The Knight's Tale." I remember being recognized in front of the class for this story. As I read it now, I think it is very interesting and easy to read (except for the ancient printing quality). One of the things I love as I look back at the story is there are no marks on the paper except for the grade: an "A."
I think as a Junior High kid, this vote of confidence from my teacher helped me to see myself as a "good writer." This is about the same time I decided I was "bad" at math. This simple act of encouragement from a teacher can set a student on a path of trying or a path of giving up. While I decided to not try in math (what's the point? I suck at it!) and pursue high level English.
I think the teacher I had in 9th grade was wiser than most. I remembered she was a young teacher who allowed us to do things other teachers did not, like eat in the classroom. She also allowed us to use our imaginations and did not discourage our process with her red pen. I think it is because of her I decided to sign up for 10th grade Honors English. This first choice resulted in taking A.P English which fostered my love of English and further honed my writing skills.
Writing in Junior High Wordle
Below is a Wordle I made about writing in Junior High. Simply click on picture to enlarge.
