I vaguely remember what it was like to finish up my eighth-grade year of school, that swirl of excitement coming over every time someone asked me how old I was and being able to answer "a freshman."

It was a big bridge to cross. The possibilities were endless.

As I grabbed my gear from my studio near Robinson, Illinois to head to Nuttall Middle School's eighth-grade graduation dance last week, I wasn't sure what to expect.

In my mind, "freshman" still brings to mind that feeling of sudden maturity. In reality, today's freshmen look incredibly young in comparison to me, a long-ago graduate of that term.

As I entered Quail Creek Country Club, the room burst into light and sound as the DJ cranked the latest songs, most of which I had never heard of.

A few freshmen were gathered on the floor dancing, some snacked, some talked at their tables, some grabbed their phones to capture their last eighth grade dance moments.

Then, a good song came on and the dance floor became a magnet.

Everyone hit the floor and showed off "their moves."

Then another song came on - they stayed.

High heels were flung into a corner and the dancing continued into the night.

They aren't eighth-graders anymore. They are more - they are freshmen:)

Congrats to you all!