Think back to your first day of high school. For some of you, you’re only thinking back to a couple of weeks ago. For others of you, it’s a stretch for your memory. All of you, though, probably remember the transition. You went from big cats in a small jungle to small cats in a big jungle and in high school, your grade level makes all the difference.

Just as every class did before them, the juniors get to feel the effect of finally being upperclassmen—no more being pushed around in the hallways and no more confusion on the first day of school. They have the routes down, they know the drill, and whether they realize it or not, only one year from now, they’ll be the big cats again.

“It feels really awesome to finally be an upperclassman,” junior Torrie Kruse said. “I’m no longer stuck in the awkward sophomore stage.” Kruse enjoys the benefits of having more control over her schedule her junior year. “In the past two years, there were a lot of required courses, but this year I get to take classes I’m actually interested in.”

Just like Kruse, junior Joshua Westbrook loves this school year. “I really enjoy my classes this year and getting to know more people I haven’t really talked to in high school yet.”

Other juniors are also enjoying the change. “My favorite part of junior year is parking in the main lot,” junior Abby Miller said.

Just think of it this way, juniors: you’re being trained on how to rule the school. The seniors are going to pass the baton to you and you’ll be in charge. “I definitely feel like more students look up to me now and see me as more of a role model,” Kruse said.  “I feel like I have more privileges as an upperclassman.”

Whether you’re enjoying parking in the main lot or looking forward to sitting on the bleachers with the seniors at assemblies, junior year is a whole new experience. You’ve almost made it to the top of the food chain: one year to go.