Student Perspective: Transitioning from Nova to Athena

Recently, Angela Anskis, Middle School Dean of Students, sat down with two current Sora High School students who attended Sora Middle School to discuss the transition from the Nova to Athena campus and the many fun opportunities that this brings. Nova campus Middle School students have so many exciting experiences to look forward to as they continue their Sora journey.

Below is a transcript of Angela’s chat with Sophia and Arthur from the Athena campus in Sora High School!

Angela: Hey guys! It’s so nice to reconnect with you both and see you thriving on the Athena campus. So, how is it going at the High School so far? Sophia, do you want to start this one off?

Sophia: It’s fun at the High School. It definitely is a lot more work than the Middle School. I wouldn’t expect, when you start a new cycle, for people to have a whole 2 pages or 3 pages to finish. But it’s fun making new connections. 

Angela: Sophia, that is awesome. I’m hearing that High School is a bit more rigorous, right? But it seems like the connections that you’re making are really good. So have you met a lot of friends and people that you have really connected with?

Sophia: Well in the High School, some of the people that I know from Kaipod are sometimes in my classes, but I think it’s really funny that they’re in the same classes that I’m in.

Angela: Because you’re also in person with them at the Kaipod. I know that you just love the Kaipod, Sophia, so I’m sure it’s great to just meet up with people there, and even have classes with them. That’s so awesome. And my friend Arthur, tell me all about your experience so far and you know, how is life at Athena?

Arthur: Honestly, for me, there wasn’t that much of a difference from Middle School to High School. Like sure, there’s more work. But the fact that project-based learning is something you’re already practicing in Middle School. So you already have this practice that is transferring to High School. And then, there’s a lot of new students because it’s grown so much this year as well. So that was fun. I got to meet a bunch of new people. And I still know people from the Middle School that got to move to High School with me.

Angela: Oh my goodness, Arthur. I love to hear that. I did notice that in your cohort there’s the same kids that we had classes with just 2 years ago. So I love to hear that you feel like the Middle School prepared you in practicing project-based learning skills to tackle High School. I think that is an awesome thing and I love to hear that you are both transitioning into High School. Well Sophia is just transitioning into it, and I’m sure there will be bumps getting used to it, but it seems like you are figuring that out more and more every single day, and I bet Arthur can tell you at 100%, practice makes perfect with our expeditions and projects. Do you agree? 

Arthur: Yeah, totally.

Angela: I love that. Okay, so with our High Schoolers, one of the things that students love most is how many student life opportunities there are. You know, government, clubs, all these different things. So I was wondering if you could both maybe share some of the activities that you’ve gotten involved with. 

Arthur: Yeah, I mean I’m really into things like games, board games, all that kind of stuff. And so I noticed that there weren’t really any clubs for anything like that. So I’m actually the President of the Game Club in High School, so I made that.

Angela: That’s great. So you are really interested in games and you noticed that there was not a club. Was it easy to propose this new club that you wanted? 

Arthur: Yeah, totally. It’s really easy to make a new club. The hardest part is finding other people. And there’s channels for that so it’s pretty easy.

Angela: I love that. Yeah we really hope that our channels here can connect students with common interests. I know that we have a lot of those specialty interest groups on Heartbeat. So Arthur, I just love hearing that you saw a need and were able to pretty easily get your club up and going. Love to hear it. What are some things that you’ve gotten involved in, Sophia?

Sophia: So I’ve recently gotten involved with ASL Club. That’s exciting. I really have been enjoying ASL and I think it’s a really fun process to do and learn so you can communicate with other people.

Angela: I love to hear that. It has been on my bucket list for like 2 years now to learn ASL and I started with the alphabet and I’m not very far, but I just think it’s so great that the High School offers all of these different opportunities because I actually remember several Middle School students coming to me and being like “can’t we learn ASL?” They wanted it for our language options. It’s cool to see you guys taking that and transforming it into clubs at the High School. Sophia, keep up with the ASL. It’s so great to learn. Babies even use it to communicate. Some people teach their babies sign language now and I think that’s really cool so I love to hear that. To hear from both of you. 

For the next question, as we know, High School is going to be pretty different from our Middle School experience. So what have you noticed? What is unique about the High School at Sora so far? 

Arthur: I’m still in my second year, but I know one thing that is new compared to the Middle School is the After Sora opportunities. There are more opportunities in High School, but I think it’s more in the later years so I’m not that implicated in that yet.

Angela: Yes, that is definitely a program that we take a lot of pride in here at Sora and it absolutely sets our Middle School experience apart from our High School experience. We love that at Sora we promote not just college, but just finding your dream after you graduate, whether that’s going to tech school, creating art, going to college. There’s so many different options. So yeah, one hundred percent, that is unique. And I know you’re a sophomore now, right Arthur?

Arthur: Yeah.

Angela: So it’s going to be a little bit of time maybe before you have to start thinking about life after Sora but is it good to know that those resources are there for you when the time comes?

Arthur: Yes, totally.

Angela: Love that. And Sophia, what have you noticed about the High School so far. What would you say is the most unique thing?

Sophia: I like how the High School teaches you about real life, like situations that you’ll be doing in actual work for a career if you want to do it. You have to present different projects and I think that’s really cool that you’ve incorporated it. And I love how in the High School and in the Middle School that they still love your creativity and encourage it, which is something I really like. I don’t think there’s a big difference between High School and Middle School, just age to me.

Angela: Okay, that is a very interesting observation. You find that the programs are very similar, just that there is a difference in your own age?

Sophia: Yeah.

Angela. Oh wow, yeah that is interesting. And I think also, as you move along your High School career, you’ll find new things, learn new things, and have new opportunities. As you know, we’re always expanding our activities and opportunities for our students. Now, I have another question for you guys. You transitioned campuses from a small Middle School to a much larger High School with grades 9 to 12. So what has it been like making new friends in this much larger campus or how has it been maintaining previous friendships from last year.

Sophia: Yeah, I feel like a lot of people want to have a friendship with you and they are very accepting. And they come with open arms and want to hang out with you. They don’t judge you for being you. And I just think that’s the best thing. I had friends in Middle School but they weren’t my best friends and I would say that I still have those connections but they’re not as strong as they used to be.

Angela: So you have kind of expanded your wings a bit and you still kept those friendships. But it seems like you’ve met even more awesome people, is that right?

Sophia: Yes.

Angela: So sweet! It warms my heart that you have found that the High School community is just so accepting and wants everyone to feel like they have a place to call home. I think that’s something really special and unique about Sora. Thank you so much, Sophia. Arthur, what about you?

Arthur: From when I was in Middle School, one big thing that changed to now was the checkpoints and stand ups. There were just so few people that we just ended up making one huge checkpoint standup with like 20 or 30 people. And so we didn’t really have House meetings. That kind of creates bonds with other people and that’s definitely one way I’ve been able to make friends through my House meetings. You are going to spend time with these people so you might as well be friends and it’s a really great way because there’s a bunch of people I would not usually be friends with because we don’t necessarily like the same things but also that’s the great part about it. Then, of course, clubs are also a great way to connect with people who like the same things as you do.

Angela: That’s amazing. I think that’s so interesting because we have actually changed that at the Middle School. Now that we have a larger population too, we do the Standup and Checkpoint every single day, and I will say, your house members, that’s your family, right? I mean I have seen so many amazing friendships blossom and the students always say “I don’t know if I would have necessarily been tight with that person” before but getting to spend an hour every single day they got to get to know each other and it has opened paths to meet new people. And that is a big difference between last year and this year, so I’m happy to hear that Checkpoint and Standups are highlights. 

So for our next question, High School typically requires a little bit more autonomy, motivation, and independence from students, right? The ask is a little bit more. You have to be more independent. You have to be personally motivated. So how have you adjusted to those expectations in High School coming from Middle School?

Arthur: I honestly didn’t see much of a difference. One thing from Middle School, I kind of felt like there wasn’t as much in play, so there was less stress. The High School originally was kind of like, now it matters, you know? And honestly, now, I really don’t think about it that much. I’m kind of just having fun doing my projects and I think that’s one thing I struggled with at the start. 

Angela: I like what you said there Arthur, and it goes back to the idea that Project-Based Learning takes time. At first, you might not necessarily enjoy yourself while doing it. You might pick a topic for a project that maybe you’re not super passionate about but I feel like once you get into High School in general, you’re more able to focus and in turn, do what you love and have more fun. So I think that’s great. Sophia, how have you adjusted to the expectations of high school?

Sophia: In Middle School, there was a lot of helping each other out and people were always wanting to help you. And the High School still wants that, but they want to encourage it to be more on you and that’s great to learn independence. In Middle School, in general, they don’t focus as much on independence and I think maturity comes with that in High School. So I feel like the High Schoolers can accept that and do what they have to do. 

Angela: I think you have a really good point. In Middle School, there’s absolutely so much support. If anyone is falling behind, or if you need help, our Middle School Experts might reach out and say hey, I noticed that you’re struggling here, let’s meet. But what you’re saying totally makes sense. At the High School, there’s a more independent approach. Your Experts still want the same things - for you to thrive and be successful, but you are more responsible for making that happen yourself. If you need help, you might need to reach out to the Expert and ask to meet during office hours. There’s ownership and autonomy, being able to decide for yourself what you want. And I like that you highlighted that the High School Experts want the same thing but there is a level of maturity and independence that comes with that. 

So I’m sure it’s hard to leave the Middle School and the faculty there, but I know the High School faculty are some of the coolest people in the world. So can you tell me about some of your learning Experts on the High School campus, maybe a super favorite Expert whose teaching style you love. What do you think?

Arthur: I love my Math Expert, Zack. He has a very cool way of explaining that makes you want to learn. I also like my House Expert, Heber. He’s new at Sora so it was fun to get to know him. He’s taking a break so now we’re meeting a new House Expert, Megan.  

Angela: That’s exciting! I know Megan is excited to start working with you all while Heber is out. I’m glad you really found that you connect with the way Zack teaches math. Arthur, were you always a big math person before or did it kind of take the right teacher?

Arthur: I love math!

Angela: I want everyone to feel that way about math. That’s awesome. Sophia, do you want to tell me about your favorite learning Experts?

Sophia: I really like Marina, and I like Cat a lot. They can communicate really well and when you need help, they will help you through it on a Zoom. They’re super open to wanting to help you and that’s really good. With Marina, she teaches humanities, and I really enjoy history and I feel like she encouraged me to learn more about History. 

Angela: Oh my goodness, Sophia, that warms my heart to hear. I actually had a really good feeling that you and Marina were totally going to kick it off. It seems like Marina has helped you expand your historical interest a bit more. I know she teaches some classes that are fashion based too. I know you love fashion and makeup, so that might be something for you to look into too. That’s so special that you have found these connections with your Experts. 

I only have one more question for you today. As our current eighth graders start to think about their transition to High School next fall, what advice would you give for incoming ninth grade?

Arthur: The tasks for me are very helpful to be able to measure my time and I know when I was joining High School, and also in Middle School, what I was struggling with was doing my tasks on the deadline, which is not a good idea. So my advice would be to look at the tasks in advance and not the day they are due.

Angela: That is very solid advice. Sophia, what advice would you give incoming ninth graders?

Sophia: I would encourage them to just be themselves and never be afraid to ask questions because I know that in this generation a lot of people are socially awkward. And definitely be sure to do your tasks on time. What I did in Middle School, I would go a week or so ahead and always keep at least a day ahead to not be stressed about the upcoming tasks and stay level headed and keep a good pace by being ahead.

Angela: Super solid advice, especially when it comes to academics. And I’m going to add one question because I always hear from eighth graders that they are just so nervous about making new friends in High School. So I know we sort of touched on this a little before, but would you have advice for students who are maybe especially nervous about the social aspect of High School?

Arthur: Join clubs. Talk in meetings. Don’t be the one with the camera off because people love talking but not if you’re not there. You can communicate in the chat if you prefer but if you participate then others will want to as well and include you in activities. 

Sophia: Yeah, kind of like how Arthur said, be present, talk, don’t just be showing the top of your phone and be looking at it because that will not encourage people to talk. I would also say that your friends from Middle School are going to join you in High School so you can always talk to them, especially if they are in your class.

Angela: Exactly, excellent! That’s also super solid advice and I love this theme of being present and putting yourself out there. It feels like the High School is such a judgment free zone similar to the Middle School. So it seems like people just want to be themselves and you guys want to encourage others to be themselves and that’s such a beautiful thing. Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to talk with me!