Make Your Bed - One Small Thing to Succeed in 8th Grade by Katie Thompson

Instructions

kthompson80 — 2025-06-19 21:15:52 UTC

Think about the lessons from Admiral McRaven’s “Make Your Bed” graduation speech.
Create a post that connects one of the speech’s lessons to a piece of advice that will help students succeed in 8th grade (and/or specifically 8th grade on our team!)
In your post:
- Choose a specific lesson from the speech
- Think of a piece of advice that will connect with that lesson from the speech for success in 8th grade. What is one small thing that students can do to help them throughout the year?
- Use the piece of advice as your title, then explain how this piece of advice will help students succeed (3-4 sentences).
- Add an image that represents your advice.

Example: Say hello first.

kthompson80 — 2025-06-19 21:28:11 UTC

It might seem small, but being the one to smile or say “hi” first can make someone else feel seen, included, and valued. You never know how much a simple greeting could mean to someone who’s having a hard day. It also helps build your confidence and shows others that you’re open and kind. Starting with a hello can lead to unexpected friendships and a more positive school community.

Never stop trying.

2025-06-20 13:08:33 UTC

At some point, everyone reaches some time in eighth grade where they think to themselves,"what's the point,". These are the people who will often give up. Never do that. Giving up in the last three or four months of school, wont just effect the rest of that year, it can impact the rest of your academic career. When people decide to stop trying. It sets a precedent that even though they might not realize it, is in their head. People will begin to think that giving up is more and more of an option every day. Giving up is the most self destructive thing you can do. You are robbing yourself of that feeling of accomplishment. Don't do that to yourself. Lock in and push harder every day of the year and you will go far.

The bell

2025-06-20 13:09:47 UTC

If there's a lot of homework on the gold team then don't give up. Ask teachers for help or use your time wisely. "The bell" helps with keep going untill your done, just like how the teachers say when you have gotten recommended for honor or CP. It doesn't mean the years over, don't give up on the year. If you give up you might be seen as a failure in some people eyes

You affect others more than you think.

06002481 — 2025-06-20 13:10:32 UTC

You see, many people think that they'll meet some people, and then those people will disappear, and they will forget about you. Sure, that could be true, but you shouldn't make it be. If you want others to remember you, a great place to start would be hope. If you show that you are hopeful, that will inspire others into being hopeful as well, allowing them to overcome hard times. In my opinion, if you want to succeed in 8th grade, find people that can encourage you, and as a team, you should be able to overcome any problem that's thrown at you.

Be Inclusive

2025-06-20 13:11:11 UTC

Being inclusive and inviting others into conversations and moments can create a major impact. Doing a simple gesture or saying a small comment in order to invite people can make them feel included and welcome. It allows others to feel loved, included, seen, and valued. It can make you a kinder, more open, and friendly person, and can also help with your people skills. Including others can lead to meeting amazing new people, interesting conversations, and unexpected relationships in our daily lives.

Complaining Doesn't Help

04002160 — 2025-06-20 13:11:14 UTC

I know a lot of people's first instinct when it comes to being in an unfavorable situation is to complain. To constantly talk about the bad, to always air your grievances. However, especially on Gold Team, the work, the grind does not go away. You must always stay focused and never give up, and no matter ho much you want to say how your situation isn't as good as everyone else's, just know that it won't change anything and no one cares. It's a waste of time, a waste of energy that could be spent doing something positive instead. Don't spend your life focusing on the bad. Spend it focusing on how the bad can make you better. As the Marines say in response to their work and sacrifice, "Full Benefit."

Have fun!

2025-06-20 13:11:42 UTC

Eight grade can seem scary to some, but if you constantly worry then you'll forget to have fun. This year is one of the most fun so far, so you cannot forget to try to have fun, even when school is stressful. Being happy is more important than acing every test, and will be more rewarding long term. At the end of the year, you will not remember the project you spent countless hours on and got a great grade, you will remember the field trips, and the fun classes, and the time you spent after school with your friends instead of worrying about school non-stop. So never forget to take a break and do something you enjoy, even when school is difficult.

Take risks

2025-06-20 13:11:59 UTC

It is important to take risks academically and socially. By taking risks in classes it can help enhance your understanding of topics and help you become more confident. Likewise, by taking risks and starting conversations with people could create new relationships and boost your confidence. Overall, taking risks can be scary at first but, if you try it can help you become more successful in life.

Always ask questions

2025-06-20 13:12:03 UTC

To have a conversation you need to ask questions, but it may seem hard to ask questions when you first meet someone. But that little question you ask someone could make them feel seen like just a how are you? could brighten someones mood. In high school when new people are joining ask them a question and you never know, that question you asked could lead to a friendship that could last forever.

Determination is crucial.

2025-06-20 13:12:11 UTC

When your going through hardships, when you feel as if your about to give up, that its just to tough to keep on moving, don't give up. Its not worth it. More often than not success is on the other side of hardship. To be determined is to never give up, even when all odds are stacked against you. Though determination is sprung from a choice. The choice to succeed, to thrive, and to accomplish.

Nothing will ever be perfect

06002282 — 2025-06-20 13:12:22 UTC

In life, nobody will ever be perfect. There is no ideal individual who will be perfect in every way. One piece of advice is that even if you seem or something seems perfect, there is always a way to improve it. You can keep working on a thing to try to make it perfect, but there is always something to keep working on, so try to work on it. This piece of advice will help future students understand that the work they do or themselves will never be perfect. As well as reminding them that everyone is different and that they are perfect in every way.

Work hard

1313154 — 2025-06-20 13:12:40 UTC

Working hard can really help you be more successful in school and in life. If you just put in an extra 30 minutes of studying before a quiz or test, it can improve your grade by a lot. It doesn't matter whether or not you think you are smart, grades and results in school are a measure of how much work you put in, not intelligence. Hard workers can accomplish anything they want if they put their mind to it because of their determination and drive to succeed.

Write your name first

2025-06-20 13:13:15 UTC

When you have an assignment due and you maybe don't want to do it, start by writing your name. This will get you in the mindset to start doing the actual work next. This is because once you have started, it is way easier to continue on that thing and then you will be finished before you know it. This extends beyond just writing your name, do the easy part of work first so that the hard part comes easy.

Always Be Inclusive

2025-06-20 13:48:56 UTC

It may seem silly, but being inclusive to others can brighten their day. They may be having a hard time, or are struggling with finding friends, either way, being inclusive will go further than you know. It helps them build confidence and self esteem, which can help them in the future. Additionally, not only does inclusiveness help others, but it also helps you as well. This is because by making others feel better, and helping them, you can also build your own self esteem, and see yourself as a better person by thinking of others. The overall message is that you should always be inclusive to others because it can brighten their day, as well as yours.

giving kindness

2025-06-20 13:59:43 UTC

When you see someone It is always best to give people the kindness they deserve. whether it is the giving people a gift or giving to people who can't afford to get the things the they need. Help out. Be the person they need be the inspiration that the world needs. You can change the way others view others and make the world that is needed in is growing world that we see. You can't just help yourself. be selfless. everyone is in the same place. everyone needs help and you can be that help. Be the change that this world needs and bring kindness to the place where we live.

"The circus"

2025-06-20 14:00:38 UTC

In 8th grade, or any grade for that matter, homework, projects, classwork, it can all feel overwhelming. if you fall behind of homework, you have more to make up, and your more likely to miss more. but when you miss something and face the consequences for it, you learn that you cant do what you were before if you want to catch up. Eventually, you need to put in more effort, more time, because its your responsibility to help yourself up, and if you rely on other people to pay for your mistakes, your never learn the valuable lesson that your mistakes are yours, and if you throw them on some other time, or someone else, you'll never grow, because without challenge, no one will stand up to face it.

You have to have a good boat crew

2025-06-20 14:00:38 UTC

You cant change the world by yourself. You most definitely cant have success in 8th grade without help either. On the gold team you do many group projects together. This means working together to finish the work, that doesn't mean letting yourself or others do all the work. You cant change anything by yourself. You need support from other to succeed. So, work hard. You dont want to be the only person in the group not doing any work. You need to have a good boat crew, meaning help each other out. More can be accomplished when more being are trying.

Sharks surround us

2025-06-20 14:00:40 UTC

To succeed in 8th grade, you must be ready for any challenge. There will always be an obstacle to overcome, whether it's finals, midterms, projects, or essays. Never back down when things are hard. Never give up when something is difficult. It only gets harder from here. 8th grade can be hard, but it is all worth it because of how prepared you will be in high school.

Always take risks

2025-06-20 14:00:43 UTC

In life its important to take risks. By taking these risks you will start to see change. More opportunities, personal growth, and a stronger sense of self love will come your way. This relates to my one word success. In order to be successful, you need to take risks. You need to show others why you stand out, and why you deserve what comes your way. Overall taking risks may seem scary, but in life these risks will lead to success.

Uniform Inspections

2025-06-20 14:00:52 UTC

Well, your in 8th grade now, closing out this chapter in your life. In 8th grade, teachers will expect a lot from you. If you don't get the grade you want or if you don't get the praise you deserve, don't stop trying. Admrial William McRaven talks about uniform inspections. He says no matter how hard you try, inspectors will always find something wrong with your uniform. The hard part isn't just getting wet and living the rest of your day uncomfortably, its getting up the next week and trying again with greater effort and hope.

balance your school and your social life.

2025-06-20 14:00:56 UTC

On the gold team, it is important to study for all the test and quizzes that will be over the course of the year. But something that is at least just as important is to do things outside of School that are not school related. This can be to hangout with your friends, or play you favorite sport. It is really important to balance your school life with your social life in order to have a good 8th grade year.

Surround yourself with good people

2025-06-20 14:01:32 UTC

The lesson “surround yourself with good people” connects to life because the people you choose to spend time with have a big impact on who you become. Positive, trustworthy friends can encourage you to stay focused, make smart choices, and handle tough situations in a healthy way. They bring out the best in you and support your goals. On the other hand, being around negative or unkind people can lead to stress, bad habits, or poor decisions. Surrounding yourself with good people helps you grow, feel more confident, and be generally happier.

Don't give up

2025-06-20 14:01:34 UTC

when you are struggling in school, Don't give up. When hard times come, that is when you show how much you can handle and deal with. You can't always be a perfect student and sometimes you won't have perfect grades. You have to accept that you won't be perfect but you can't give up. If you give up, there wasn't any point in trying in the first place. If you push through, you will feel proud that you didn't give up and have accomplished the difficulties that you are facing.

Find a Good Boat Crew

2025-06-20 14:01:35 UTC

Gold seems to be very intimidating and an overload of work. Because of this, students may tend to close up and are unable to seek help when they need it. But success doesn't just come from your own efforts - sure, they may be the base, but to build a sturdy building, you need the support outside resources. It's okay to ask for help and rely on others from time to time, no one will fault you for it.

Study hard

2025-06-20 14:01:36 UTC

If you do not do good on a test or a project then you may have to study way more or work way harder on the next one. Try to study earlier, and study for longer. Try new study techniques that work for you. While this may seem annoying and tedious it will make you better in the end. If you are working hard and your peers aren't then that will show when the scores for the next assignment come out.

Having a good crew

gracynwalsh — 2025-06-20 14:01:55 UTC

I found, throughout my experience in 8th grade and all of middle school, that having friends and people that love and appreciate and support you is extremely important. These people lift you up and support you if you begin to fall. They help you when you need it and reach out if they need it. "Having a good boat crew" helps improve yourself, and also generally have a great time!

be happy

2025-06-20 14:02:04 UTC

every single thing you do has a goal- to either be happy or avoid being sad. its why people want money, go to school, buy video games, and play with pets. if you make the most out of your life and be happy, then overall you can look back at how great things were. for everything, try to notice the fun and happiness of it. why not? don't like playing a board game? try to have fun with it. don't like your history research? have fun with it. do this, and your life will get better.

be the best version of yourself

2025-06-20 14:02:38 UTC

Being yourself is always important. Rather than trying to fit into everyone's standards and expectations, be yourself. When you first start in 8th grade your connections and relations are so important. Always be yourself, if you're trying to deny who you are just for someone to "accept" you, then this year can be very hard. People need to accept you for who you are, not who they want you to be, they need to achknowledge you. So, when you come to class on the first day of school, be yourself, this can lead to so many opportunities and friendships, you will value more than you think.

Do the right thing

06002167 — 2025-06-20 14:38:25 UTC

Doing the right thing and stepping up to be a leader can go a long way. This connects to "the mud flat" when the people have to stay in the mud until dawn unless 5 people quit. One person started singing causing everyone else to gain strength. On the gold team be a leader, help your friends with work, and do the work. If you are being a good kid then others will follow. By doing the right thing by studying for a test, working hard in class and in projects, you will be successful.

Failure makes you stronger

2025-06-20 14:44:42 UTC

There will be a moment on the gold team where you fail, no matter if it's forgetting a homework assignment or failing a quiz or a test. In the moments where you fail, think about what happened, reflect and grow from failure. Failure might feel tough and it's never easy, but if you reflect and grow from your mistakes you will grow stronger than you ever have before. Once you start seeing your mistakes you will become a new person, so go out there and make mistakes!

Never stop pushing.

2025-06-20 14:48:52 UTC

If you never stop pushing and working hard on the Gold team you will succeed. You can make it through life if you don't work hard in 8th grade but you won't be on a good path going into high school. Giving up or not putting in the work is not going to help you. If you work hard on gold this year then you will have a much easier time in high school. On the Gold team I would recommend working very hard and doing way more work than you think you would have to do.

The "Circus"

2025-06-20 14:49:39 UTC

The more you fail and work, the more you will grow and succeed. In the speech he said how when people would fail they would have to do 2 hours of extra work called "the circus" . He said the the people who failed the most and ended up in the circus the most ended up being the strongest people. This is because if you fail and fail and fail, you will learn what you did wrong and when you work and work and work, you will become better and stronger like he had said. So whenever you fail, take it as a time to learn about what you did wrong and grow, not a time to feel bad for yourself.

In the darkest moment, don't give up.

2025-06-20 14:49:42 UTC

In the darkest moment, don't give up. This piece of advice connects to gold team but also life. On this team, if you have a ton of homework, have to study for tests, and work on projects, life can seem hard and dark. When these times come, and they will, don't give up and do the minimum just to get through. Always give your best no matter how light or dark Gold team is. Gold team builds a work ethic and a great mindset. Don't do the base level just so Gold team is easier for you. The hard parts make the team worth it. In life, when you face hardships, you can't back down. Life will sometimes seem dark, and bleak. You have to keep working through it, and don't give up. Remember that at the end of a dark tunnel, there is light.

the bell

2025-06-20 14:49:49 UTC

"if you want to change the world you can't quite"

This powerful quote means that just because there is something challenging and you want to give up then you won't be changing anything. An example for this quote is if you feel like there is something that shouldn't be happening in the country or outside of the countr and you want to protest then do it. after a bit you may get sick of it but if you quite and don't care about it anymore than your not changing anything

Give it your best in your hardest times.

2025-06-20 14:50:24 UTC

At some point, you will struggle. Maybe not in 8th grade, maybe not in high school. But at some point, you will struggle. You will feel like there is no hope, like you cannot escape your current situation. At a time like that, you must give it your all. You have to study more, study smarter, and work harder than ever before. If you do not, then how can you expect to escape your challenges? But, when you give life all you have at your hardest time, you have a chance to escape. And when you do, you will come out stronger than before.

Make Time For You

2025-06-20 14:50:41 UTC

There can be a really big work load at times during 8th grade, especially on the Gold Team. However, you shouldn't spend all of your time at home doing school work and studying. As important as that is, make sure that you are making time for you and your personal well being. Go to your sports practices, find hobbies that you enjoy, and find time in your day for them! As important as getting your homework done is, pleaseeeee make sure that you make time for you and your own health.

Face the challenges

2025-06-20 14:50:48 UTC

No matter how hard the challenge you are facing, do not quit. The worst thing to do is to be a quitter. You are facing challenges that you are fortunate enough to face whereas some people aren't even gifted the same opportunity to work through the problem. Work hard and keep going for the people who can't. Once you reach success, it will be worth it. You create your future.

You can't always be perfect

2025-06-20 14:50:56 UTC

It's impossible, or at least extremely improbable to get 100% on every project, test, and assignment in eighth grade. You can't always prepare for every single topic and fact that may appear on a test, but you can still try your best. It's important that you understand that it's okay if you fail every once in a while, so long as you always try your best. We all have our bad days, and sometimes every one fails all at once. The important thing is that you make sure that you are always doing the best you can, no matter how difficult the challenges ahead of you seem. You shouldn't be hard on yourself and you should understand that it's okay if you don't always ace every quiz and assesment, as that's completely normal. No one is completely perfect, and that's okay.

The Bell

2025-06-20 14:51:00 UTC

Often in life, escape from life's difficulties can seem so rewarding—comforting at times. In 8th grade, school often beats you down. Whether it be a bad grade or that one annoying classmate, school can be hard to come to everyday. Giving up seems easy: letting your grades drop because you just "don't care anymore." I'm here to tell you perseverance is crucial for life: school or not.

The Mud Flats

2025-06-20 14:51:05 UTC

Throughout 8th Grade if you put in the time and effort being successful will come easy. But it starts with you believing in yourself, creating a feeling of hope that helps get through 8th grade. Some ways to create hope is by looking at the skills you are already confident in. Which can give you confidence because you know when you have to use that skill it will come easy to you.

Munchkin Boat Crew

2025-06-20 14:51:11 UTC

Some people are born with advantages, and others are born with disadvantages. People who are born with disadvantages often disappoint themselves, prejudging their performance. They often get judged by the others, too. However, if they think differently, and try much harder than others, at the end, they will be much better than them. This lesson teaches us that if you work hard, you will be better than most of the people no matter the circumstances.

Keep On Fighting

2025-06-20 14:51:16 UTC

8th Grade is one of the hardest grades for all. There is more work than 7th and 6th combined, and it's a massive transition year to go to the highschool. But to get there, you have to learn many valuable lessons and understand that life isn't simple and easy. 8th Grade is like an open ocean, there are shallow waters, but the farther in you go, the deeper it gets, with more effort needed to continue. So instead of returning to the perfect and inviting beach and not getting anything done and staying lazy, fight for what you believe in and never, ever back down to what seems almost impossible.

Maximilien K.C.

Resilience

2025-06-20 14:51:33 UTC

8th grade can be very challenging. There is much more work than in 7th, especially on the Gold team. The standards are higher and the need for managing your time increases. The one piece of advice that I want to give you is to never give up. Be resilient. Over this year, I have learned that being resilient isn't just barely surviving challenges, it is always doing your best, even when it is hard to. When you feel like you will never understand something or that you won't be able to finish your work, don't give up, try your best to accomplish whatever it is that you need to. Your best is all that you can do.

Circus

2025-06-20 14:51:44 UTC

In the speech, Admiral William McRaven talked about a circus. A place where trainees went if they were late for extra training. Most trainees were afraid of the circus, to mess up. But those who went there often soon got stranger and better. The message I got from the circus was not being afraid of failure, it's common and to succeed you will need to fail. My advice for you is to keep going. If you get a bad grade even though you tried hard, it's okay! It happens. It will be hard to accept it at first but failure is very common and it shouldn't be seen as overall bad. Just keep pushing forward and eventually you will succeed and achieve goals you wanted to reach for, so don't give up, failure is just another step in your journey to success.

You won't be perfect, but your failure will improve you.

2025-06-20 14:51:55 UTC

Throughout the year, you'll go through failure. Even if you try as hard as you can, you'll definitely have at least one bad grade, or one bad day, or something else bad that will happen to you. Remember that. Remember that you can be great, but not perfect. Also remember that this failure will improve you. Bad things help you do better next time. A bad test grade will push you to work harder and study more for the next. You'll only be stronger from your failure. Don't worry about being perfect, and know that you will improve from failure.

"The mud flats"

2025-06-20 14:52:03 UTC

In 8th grade, you will go through multiple challenges. There will be options on how to overcome them, and always choose to be the difference, to be the one that stands out. In the worst moments, in the moments with no hope, give hope to others. As Admiral WIlliam McRaven said, "One person can change the world by giving others hope."

Stand Your Ground.

2025-06-20 14:52:17 UTC

This can be as small as remaining firm in your answer to a question a teacher asks despite peer pressure, or it can be as big as standing up for yourself and your beliefs when others attack you. Either way, standing your ground and remaking firm in your opinion, answer, view, or anything else thrown at you will help you learn and grow. It can help you learn a new perspective - even if you decide that said perspective isn't something you're ever going to consider taking.

Don't think you can't do it

2025-06-20 14:52:39 UTC

There are going to be many assignments and tests in the grade 8. And sometimes, you might think you are going to fail or you don't work a lot, when you face difficult work. Because you think you are not going to make it. And you would give up the work and don't study as much as you need. However, it would be much easier and have more chance to be more success. So don't think you can do it.

You Have to Have a Good Boat Crew

2025-06-20 16:04:34 UTC

School this year was extremely difficult for me and many others. The Gold team obtains the most academically challenging teachers, and by far the most homework. But, through the countless and seemingly endless assignments I was given, me and my friends got closer than ever. From the late night face-times, to the crying or jumping after getting a grade, my friends are the people who stuck by me. Even though my friends weren't physically there with me, there presence is what mattered most.

Challenges Make You Stronger

2025-06-20 16:20:59 UTC

Sometimes, 8th grade will have challenges that you have never encountered before. You might feel stressed with schoolwork, have difficulty balancing school with other activities, and navigating friendships. These challenges sometimes might result in a loss of motivation, or a feeling that you do not want to work through these difficulties. However, make sure to always give your best effort through each and every obstacle in your life, and that you encounter in 8th grade. You will find that you have improved as a student and a person, and working hard through every hardship will pay off to make you stronger than ever before.

Take pride in your accomplishments

2025-06-20 17:41:58 UTC

Every accomplishment you do should be celebrated, no matter how big, or how small, each accomplishment is a milestone in your life. Like making your bed, yes it might feel insignificant to you, but take pride that you accomplished something today. It might be small but you still did it. The satisfaction of completing one small thing can lead to bigger things, like a domino effect. It doesn't matter what accomplishment you did, big or small, take pride into your work.

Sharks Surround Us

2025-06-20 18:18:30 UTC

In 8th grade there are many obstacles that you will encounter. But, as it referred to in the speech in order to surpass these obstacles you must face them head first. As the year progresses their will be more and more obstacles that you will need to face such as finals. But, if you face them on head first then those obstacles will become smaller and smaller until they are no longer there. There will always be obstacles, but the outcome of those obstacles depend on how you deal with those problems. Whether you face them on head first or not.

In the darkest moment

2025-06-20 18:18:37 UTC

In any point in one's life, there are lows. Any circumstance can birth a moment when the darkness feels oppressive and the light at the end of a tunnel has winked out. In those moments, humanity thrives. Art is created, inner strength found, life-changing decisions made. And when you come out the other side, when you slowly see the light approaching again, you are better. I don't think you always have to be calm. That can stifle the wilder sides of creation. However, keep yourself at heart, control it, and forge a better person. The darkness will retreat.

Never back down from doing more

2025-06-20 18:19:33 UTC

At some point in your life, everyone will have a bad time. A navy seal once said that if you did something wrong, you would have to go to the "Circus", this means that you would have to do 2 hours of additional calisthenics. This made everyone sad and everyone hated it but he realized that the ones who had this everyday, they got stronger. In 8th grade, you will always have to do more stuff and never back down from them. You will get better at things and appreciate yourself later that you did do the extra things.

One good friend

2025-06-20 18:19:34 UTC

It can be hard to make it through school and life without someone there supporting you. Sometimes, it may seem like you are struggling with assignments alone. You may be thinking that you are the only one confused. But, if you have one good friend by your side you can make it through everything and anything. That one good friend can assure you that you aren't alone, and that one good friend can make sure that you aren't confused anymore. That one good friend will help you navigate through through 8th grade and you guys will make lifelong memories that you'll wish to relive. As long as you have one person in your life who you can trust and be with, you can get through 8th grade perfectly fine and you can get through the obstacles.

Dive in head first

2025-06-20 18:19:39 UTC

Whenever you are in a tough situation whether it's a lot of homework or a big test that's coming up, you cannot procrastinate it or go in slowly you just gotta dive in. Diving in might increase stress and other bad emotions but then it will keep you in the zone. This will help you succeed throughout the year with just getting all your work done than having time to relax again before your next big dive :).

Don't let the bullies stop you, sharks will always surround you.

2025-06-20 18:19:48 UTC

Whenever you feel like someone, anyone, or maybe everyone is going against your, or taking advantage of you, always stand you ground and never let them take advantage of you. Ive had some moments like this, especially in gold. Sometimes, I might ask a question that some of the teachers might not like, I might need clarification, or I might need something else, but my point is that these teachers are here to help you, so when they arent helpiing me, it might feel a little bit wrong. So when you need help, and the teachers who should teach you, arent helping, then never give up. Dont let anyone take advantage of you, weather your age, or your ethnicity, weather who you are as a person, dont let anyone take advantage of you.

The 'Circus'

08001316 — 2025-06-20 18:20:07 UTC

Some time during school you will fall. While it may be failing a test or a losing a friendship, it will probably happen. It doesn't matter if it happens, but I does matter how you react. To better yourself, stand up. Failure is a part of life. However, the way you adapt and grow is more important. So pick yourself up. Work and strive to be the person who others can look up to. That is what truly matters. It shows preservers and a good sense of attitude. One thing doesn't define you, that is only if you lower your standard. Stay strong, and stay tall. This will allow you to be your best self.

Don't base your self worth on what others appear to have

2025-06-20 18:20:34 UTC

Eighth grade will be hard. And often, there will be people you think of as smart or not smart. But appearances and first impressions are often incorrect, and assumptions might only make you feel like you're not as good as someone else you see. You never really know how much you are capable of, and it is so important to have confidence in yourself and your actions. Because if you don't, you won't have the confidence to keep doing amazing things. So make sure to work hard, and do your best, despite what other people might be saying. After all, nothing matters but your will to succeed.

Hard Work never fails.

2025-06-20 18:20:42 UTC

Sure, occasionally you can get lucky. In life, luck is always present if you are not willing to work hard towards your goal. The thing is, luck is not nearly as important or as effective as hard work and desire to achieve your goals. Yes, eighth grade has lots of homework and does not necessarily "matter", but slacking off makes habits, and bad habits are never good. Next time, instead of passing up your homework to scroll on your phone, do your homework, and enjoy yourself without having unfinished responsibilities.

Be the light in every dark situation

2025-06-20 18:20:43 UTC

In life, you will endure many different experiences, some good, and some bad. The good ones are the ones that people often remember. They're the ones that people reflect on and are grateful for when they succeed. However, those bad situations that you don't want to think about are just as important. They challenge you to your core and help you reach your potential. If you don't like being trapped in these dark situations, be the light that helps people move past obstacles. Don't just sit back and watch everyone crumble bit by bit, be that optimistic force that gets in their face and smiles at them until they break into laughter.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

2025-06-20 18:20:53 UTC

At times, 8th grade can feel overwhelming. You might have multiple projects, tests, and assignments due on the same day, and sometimes, you might feel like you just can't find a balance. But, a very important thing to keep in mind is that it's okay to make mistakes. Many times, we all ty to be our very best, or to be "perfect," but a really big thing you need to always remember is that no matter how hard you try, you might still get a question wrong on a test, or get a point off on a project that you spent all night working on, but that's completely okay. You just have to always remember that your mistakes will lead to your improvement, even if you don't see it right away. Another thing to keep in mind is to never give up, even if it seems like your efforts aren't changing anything, because at some point, the work you put in will help you, whether it is now, or in the future.

Never Judge a Book by it's Cover

2025-06-20 18:20:54 UTC

This is one of the most cliche lessons ever. But, it does not take away from how important it is. I relate this lesson to the "Munchkin Boat Crew." Even when you are walking in the hallways and see someone that you think might be stuck up or rude you have to get to know the person before judging them. In eighth grade you have to remember to be yourself and not to be afraid of people judging you for it. Everyone else is one way or another thinking about what other people think and it's important to realize that no one cares that much about what you're wearing or what your hair looks like. You also have to remember that even when people doubt you, usually the underdog wins.

Your day will come

2025-06-20 18:24:35 UTC

One day, in everyone's life, you will feel crushed. Defeated, ready to give up; It doesn't matter why they might feel that way, but one day they will. Maybe with others. But I have learned not only from this speech, but from the books that we have read this year that you are never, ever truly defeated until you lose hope. It may seem simple, an easy task, but giving up is just as easy. So, when you hit rock bottom, there is a choice to make. You could stop, give up. If you have been tossed around and beaten, abused, and used, you could stop, submit and give up. But if you hold on to any sign or sliver of a chance that you could make it out, and keep going- if as the speech said if you maintain hope, there is far greater of a chance for you to make it out and succeed. All you need to do is fight, keep trying and don't stop. Once apon a time, when Ireland was oppressed by Britain, someone said "Tiocfaidh ár lá" our day will come. And if you hold on to hope, as they did, so will yours.

Cheating out of things will get you nowhere

2025-06-20 19:08:21 UTC

If you want to use AI to help with your homework, go for it. But what's going to happen in class the next day when the teacher asks you about it, or on the next test you have? Doing your work is one of the most important things you can do in 8th grade- trust me. If you cheat your way out of everything, you will never ever get anywhere in life. Yeah, you might pass the class, but you'll never understand the things you need to for your life.

life is full of challenges!

2025-06-20 19:08:49 UTC

As we continue through life we will run into complications. Whether it's family problems, friendship issues, mental health, we will all encounter then eventually throughout ur life. Even though you might encounter difficulties that doesn't mean you should give up! Stuff happens in life and its important to keep going. We will fail in life but we should still keep going and not give up.

Always stay positive

2025-06-20 19:09:08 UTC

In 8th grade, you will face many challenges throughout the whole year, and you will often feel low and negative. Being negative will only make things worse for you; being negative will bring you down, causing you to give up, and it will even bring others down with you. However, if you stay positive, you will be encouraged to work harder, and will lift the people around you up, along with you. Always be positive.

Never give up

2025-06-20 19:09:13 UTC

Even though you might be struggling, it is important that you are able to push through challenges. There are times in the year when you are going to want to quit, but you have to be able to persist and not give up so easily. Generally, people tend to want to quit near the end of the year, when you are running out of motivation and hope. But giving up at this time disregards all the work you have put in the whole year. You have to be able to keep pushing and keep giving your full effort, even on the last few weeks or days of school.

Don't Procrastinate

2025-06-20 19:10:02 UTC

On Gold, it is going to be really easy to just hold off on homework or quit. It seems harmless - just hold off on one small assignment. Well, I'm here to tell you that procrastinating does more damage than you think - I know that from experience. Even the small things, if you do them right, can give you the courage to take bigger actions. Holding off on one small assignment quickly avalanches into a mindset of laziness and feeling behind. So put effort into the little things and don't procrastionate: it might help you get the bigger things done and feel better about yourself!

Come to school with a smile

06002601 — 2025-06-20 19:10:38 UTC

Even though you might think having a smile is a small thing and that no one really pays attention, you're wrong. A smile can be contagious and will spread like wildfire throughout the school. A smile will help improve your attitude. A small task like smiling is important for the rest of your day. If you don't smile, you won't be happy; this mood will affect you and others for the rest of the day. If you manage to not do a simple task like smiling in the morning, then other tasks will seem impossible, such as going to work or even walking to school. Sometimes these steps could be the most important as its going to effect the rest of your day and other peoples day too.

Go into this year head-first.

2025-06-20 19:11:10 UTC

At first, this year starts out the same as every other school year. But, before you know it, the work load will start to pick up (within the 2nd week you will have a solid pile), and you will have no idea what to do. You need to prioritize work in school, and not be affected by what the other teams are getting for homework, either. Sure, you will have more than a lot of your friends, but it will pay off in the end. It always does. You need to dive straight into school this year, instead of being hesitant and waiting around for the assignments to build up.

You have to have a good crew

2025-06-20 19:11:12 UTC

Though the gold team may be challenging, there are so many people around you that can help. You already have your teachers that are more than happy to help, but there are also your classmates. Throughout the year, there are going to be a lot of times where you work with somebody else. Always be willing to work with someone, be part of the reason that they have a good crew. Be inclusive, and you'll quickly be able to meet new people and make so many new friends. Working and helping others really pays off, especially when you need help and those same people are willing to help you. Even if it may not seem like it, there are so many good people to be friends with. If you really believe there aren't, be that good person.

Never give up

12245_28 — 2025-06-20 19:11:25 UTC

There will be a time in the 8th grade when you just want to quit because it is too hard. Well, don't. You should keep going until the end of the year, and you will feel so much better about yourself. When it gets hard, you should take a deep breath and think about how good you feel after you put in all the hard work. Overall, giving up isn't the way to go; you should keep going until the end. NEVER GIVE UP:)

Work Hard to Succeed

06002596 — 2025-06-20 19:11:30 UTC

If you want to succeed, you have to work hard. Being successful doesn't mean being lucky, smarter, and stronger. Being successful means dedicating the time and effort necessary to accomplish something. You may look at others and say, "I wish I were like them". That won't get you anywhere. Instead, ask yourself, "How can I be like them?" If you want to get into a good class in high school, work hard. Wishing won't do anything, hard work and determination will. Do you want an A+? Do you want to succeed? Then work hard to improve yourself. Success isn't free, so don't expect it to come to you. You have to work for it.

The Bell

2025-06-20 19:12:01 UTC

To succeed in 8th grade, you should never "Ring the Bell" or give up. There will be challenges with tests, homework, and essays throughout the year, but you should always try your hardest, even if you don't do well to start. Coming in, it will be challenging; you might not know how to start or complete the homework, but you should never give up. This also applies to any teams you want to make. You may not make it one year, but if you work hard and don't give up, you can make it the next year. So never give up, because if you do, you will never regret not going further. However, if you keep going and achieve your goals, you will never regret not quitting.

Sharks surround you.

2025-06-20 19:12:12 UTC

Through out your 8th grade experience, especially on the Gold team, you will be faced with various "sharks" during the year. Though I cannot say you will face them head-on, they are most certainly there, and will most likely live on far past your middle school years. These "sharks" can take form in many different people or experiences through you journey on the gold team. Maybe a shark is that one test you failed, or that one person that can make you feel less of who you truly are, and though these are unfortunate, they are inevitable in your life. It is said that when you are faced with a shark in open waters, the most important thing you can do is stand your ground and not show fear. when sharks are near you, you cannot simpily swim away, much like how you cannot escape your problems in life. If worst comes to worst, you may have to face this shark head on, which to many, will be the scariest part of your 8th grade experience. The best thing you do when faced is punch the shark by the snout and let it swim away.

do the right thing

2025-06-20 19:12:29 UTC

a lot of the time you will be tempted to just do the easy thing, or to go the fast way, but a lot of the time that wont be the right thing to do for your future self. If your working on a project and you just want to get it over with, you'll want to do it fast. when you do that your work isn't as good, complete or well done as it could've been and your grades not going to be as good as it would've been if you had just taken the time to do it, and taken the time to do the right thing. it may feel like a daunting task right then, but once you get the possible reward of a good grade, it makes it worth it. This applys to outside of school too. Say your sibling or friend wants you to go to some thing that their preforming in but you dont want to because you want to sit on your phone. It may not feel like the right thing at the moment, but in the future you will be happier knowing you supported them

Stay Strong

2025-06-20 20:21:17 UTC

On the Gold team, it is very important to stay strong. This could be finishing the project late at night. It's important to stay calm and collected when things get hard and stressful. Another way you could stay strong is just by making good decisions. Sometimes, deciding to do a little more work on history and a little less on English, for example, is the right choice for your physical and mental well-being.