Our Middle School Experience

by Campbell Arneson and Max Timsah

Asthe beloved Dave Hawley shared with us in an interview, his teaching philosophy “has always been focused on the accumulation of information that may be used as a student grows in their ability to think conceptually.” Anyone who has been a middle schooler or student at some point knows that the idea of learning from mistakes rings true throughout all aspects of life, and it is what school and life are all about. Throughout our middle school years, we have been growing constantly with the help of our teachers and friends. Now in 8th grade, we have time to reflect on what has truly defined our lives so far.

Starting in 5th grade, we were both kids that had yet to grow into our full potential, but by finding our strengths and weaknesses, we have both achieved anything we have put our minds to. Mr. Hawley remembers 7th Grade Max being, “A friend to all, and not being afraid to speak his mind and opinion.” He also said that Max had, “Diverse qualities academically and physically.” He thinks Campbell was, “Brilliantly lovable, friendly, and intelligent, and that she didn’t give herself enough credit for how much value she brought to the table.” Some of Max’s middle school highlights include winning the Spelling Bee, winning 2 Golden Cs, being able to award Mrs. Fiegel with a Golden Apple Award, and joining Track and Cross

Country, surprising himself with how much he enjoys sports. Campbell’s highlights include winning student of the semester, joining volleyball, and excelling in her dance career.

Although we have had our moments individually, our grade has grown immensely. Through all of our teacher interviews, the common denominator about our class was how all teachers thought we were different because of Covid-19. The pandemic hit in spring of our 5th grade year, and Mrs. Fiegel recalls us as missing some social cues as we were not in person and would often show up to class in bed and dressed in pajamas. She said that she had a good laugh whenever we would do something out of the ordinary that was tied to online learning. We were a grade full of almost completely boys, which also affected our social dynamics. Mrs. Smith believes that this could be attributed to how in 6th grade we traveled from class to class in small groups called cohorts. These groups were the only people we really came into contact with, and with an all boy cohort, there were bound to be some different behaviors based on what cohort you were from. Mrs. Black says that our grade was, “Remarkable, because they found a way to be socially cohesive even with so many more boys.” Mr. Hawley says that, “Although the girls were outnumbered 3-to-1, they always held their ground in terms of having a voice in the class, achievement in the class, and respect in the class.” He also believes that our grade is, “Full of energy and fun, which will translate to positive performances in life where as it may not be appreciated at the 7th or 8th grade levels.”

Throughout the middle school years we have gone on many field trips such as Rock Springs, Washington D.C., and our favorite, Dallas. During our 7th grade trip to Dallas, we got to explore a city full of life and rich history as well as gain a taste of independence. We also vividly remember the World War II and Poverty units teaching us about the importance of justice, freedom, and collaboration.

Our middle school years have shaped us to become hard workers that strive for excellence. In talking with our past teachers, we have come to realize how much we have changed and grown since we began in 5th grade. It is crazy to see how much our classmates have grown to be their own, unique selves.

In the end, if we have learned anything, it has been to stay true to yourself and work hard for the goals you have set. When asked how we have changed as people throughout middle school, Mrs. Fiegel said, “You two haven’t changed a bit! Besides being older and more mature, you both have remained true to yourselves and true to your friends. I could not be more proud that I played a small part in your young journey.” We couldn’t be more happy to have finished Middle School together and see how we have thrived and gotten ready to turn the page on the next chapter of our lives.