“Something has changed within me,” Elphaba says in her popular song, “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway musical Wicked. I could say the same thing. But I’d be lying. More than just one thing has changed within me. In fact, I have changed. Almost everything about me has changed since the beginning of the school year. Shy? I used to be, and, well, sometimes I still am. But now, I can act in front of a auditorium full of people, and not be the slightest bit nervous. Express myself? Speak my mind? I wouldn’t make it through middle school if I didn’t. And I’ve matured, since the beginning of the school year. I feel more, honest. More athletic. I ran the mile this year in seven minutes and nineteen seconds. But I still think I could do a bit better. I would never have dreamed of running the mile that fast last year! In sixth grade, my goal was to run the mile in eight minutes, and I wasn’t too sure if I could do that. But I can, and I did. I have better, social abilities. I can thank my friends, and mom for that. I’m not afraid to say hi to someone I’ve never met before. Not afraid to ask if they want to sit down. I’ve made many friends this year.

I’m proud of myself, and all my other friends, who have changed right along with me. But I have just one more thing to say to you. Middle school, is a place to defy gravity.