Hello. I am Ayla Karadogan, a rising senior in Menlo-Atherton high school. I started this journey a few years ago, and I vividly remember how confusing and overwhelming it was to transition from La Entrada middle school to the big overwhelming world of M-A.

When I first walked through the doors of M-A, I was hit with a whirlwind of new experiences. There were so many things to figure out: finding my classes, more demanding academic expectations, managing my workload, making new friends, and balancing extracurricular activities. It felt like there was so much to learn in such a short amount of time, and it wasn't always easy.

However, with time and perseverance, I found my footing and started to thrive. I started my own club, Mosaic, dedicated to the mixed cultural experience, where students from diverse backgrounds could come together, share their stories, and celebrate their unique heritages and intersectionality. This club not has not only brought people together but also enriched our school community.

In addition, I am the president of the Menlo Park Youth Advisory Committee, where I work with local leaders to address issues affecting young people in our community and advocate for positive change. This role has given me invaluable leadership experience and a deeper understanding of civic engagement.

I’m also involved in varsity track. Being a part of these sports teams has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Balancing athletics with academics has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. As a top student, I've learned effective time management and organizational skills that have helped me excel both in and out of the classroom.

These experiences have shaped who I am today and have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to help others. Now that I'm a senior, I want to share what I've learned and help 8th graders like you make a smooth and confident transition to high school.

At Mid to High, we’re dedicated to making your transition to high school as smooth as possible. We’re here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and offer resources tailored to your unique needs. I know how challenging this time can be, but with the right support, you can thrive in high school and beyond. Let's take this journey together!