Over 150 students at Florida High have transitioned from middle to high school this year, which comes with a lot of change.

     “I’ve noticed that the teachers are a lot more hands-off,” freshman Evan Waters said.  

     Starting high school can be very nerve-wracking for some students, as it brings new responsibilities that not every student feels prepared for.

     “I’m nervous about going to high school just because I’m going to high school,” freshman Alexandra Griffin said. 

     The environment also feels different, with some noticing a shift in the way people carry themselves.

     “I was feeling very excited, because I was going to be able to be in college classes and boost my GPA,” Waters said.

     Along with the nerves, students recognize that high school opens the door to new opportunities, especially in academics.

     “Kids and teachers are more relaxed,” freshman Clara Truitt said.

     Students also say you need to be more independent once you enter high school.

     “I expected everything to be a lot harder, but really, since you have to do a lot more work on your own, you have to be more independent,” Waters said.

     With classes that challenge students while also giving them more control over their schoolwork, many freshmen appreciate the changes in high school.

     “I am feeling great, because my classes push me, but they don’t make me feel like I can’t do it,” Waters said.