Dear Middle-School Me,
How's it going? I guess I don't really need to ask that question. I know how you're doing, and you aren't doing well. I'm sorry to hear that, but I promise, it's gonna get so much better.
Remember that time you dyed your hair blue, and all your friends laughed at you? Well, as it turns out, you were ahead of your time. Nowadays, everybody and their mother has colored hair, including me. That's right, we're still kinda cool. Oh -- and while I'm on the topic of hair, stop brushing yours out. Embrace the curl! It's so fun, and it's not always puffy, I swear.
Remember that girl who is kinda your friend, but also kinda terrible? Forget her. You will meet so many more wonderful, kind people, whose friendship you will never doubt. And as for the rest of your friends, don't feel so bad about being happy you're going to different high schools. Again, so many wonderful people you have yet to meet.
Remember that time you looked at mom and her siblings, and how much they love each other, and wondered why your siblings weren't like that? Never fear! Apparently, being nice to your siblings is something that comes with age. It's extra hard being so much younger than your siblings, but that gets easier too. Turns out, once you hit 18, you're pretty much an adult in their eyes. They will teach you so much about the real world, and about college, and just about being a real human in the real world. They're much kinder than when you were young. Take advantage of the advice they offer.
Remember how you used to fantasize about living in the same place forever and raising your children right where your mom raised you? And how moving to another state totally screwed that up for you? Well, forget it. The world is so much wider than one small town. And while yes, that place will always hold a very special place in your heart, there is an entire country left for you to explore, not to mention the rest of the world. Don't tie yourself before you turn 14.
Remember how excited you were to get glasses, right up until the moment you got them? And then braces on top of all that? Well, quit feeling so self-conscious. You will, one day, get the braces removed, and later you'll even get contacts. But that shouldn't matter, because you are beautiful, even with all the hardware. I wish I had felt that more securely when I was your age.
Middle-School Me, you are a gem. And I know that all you want is to skip ahead to college so you can finally start having fun, but take a moment and appreciate what you've got around you now. You won't always live with your parents, and that is so much harder than you think it will be. Don't skip the parties. You can always stay in bed next week. Also, do your homework.
But I think the most important piece of advice I can give you is to always be yourself. Life will be so much less stressful once you embrace your bizarre little self. I'm in college now, at a wonderful school with incredible people, and I would not be here if I hadn't learned to come out of my comfort zone and explore. So, Middle School me, have fun. Be weird. Smile. You are loved, and that will never change.
Love,
College Me.
