Dear middle school Meghan,
Hey, it's me, your 19 year old self. Right now you're at an... interesting age, to say the least, complete with green eyeshadow from Claire's, eyeliner so thick you look like you have two black eyes, "truth is" statuses on facebook, and Hollister t-shirts. Boy, do I have so much advice to give you. I want to tell you to stop posting 100 facebook statuses a day and to learn how to wear makeup but for now I'll stick with the things that will actually come in handy in the future (aside from sparing you so much embarrassment).
I want you to breathe. Things will get better. I know the backstabbing, drama, and bullying is intense and the thought of going to school makes you sick. Your older sisters have told you numerous times that kids get nicer after middle school and the drama will lessen. I know it seems hard to believe as your already self-conscious self is being insulted on the daily, but it's true.
Just like you, your classmates are desperate to fit in and be "popular" during the ages of 11-14. Peer pressure is intense and kids don't have their moral compass completely developed. This can lead kids to not be the nicest at this age. The drama and mean people will not instantly disappear after middle school, but it will lessen and you will learn to not let it bring you down. For now, I want you to hold your head high, remember that you are an amazing and competent individual, and cherish the true friends you have.
I also want you to start appreciating your parents. I know you find it annoying how mad they get when your teachers don't give the best report at parent-teacher conferences, but they are champs for putting up with you during these stages. They drive you to school and back solely because you hate the bus so much. They deal with your crazy mood swings and dry your tears. They give you money to go shopping with your friends even though you don't always do chores to make it up. And to make it even better, you're never grounded (even though on many occasions you deserve to have your Facebook and phone taken away).
And finally, I want you to enjoy these years. They suck at times, but you're so young and oh so innocent. You will make so many memories with your friends that will continue to make you laugh today, You still live at home with your dog and a big, comfy bed and you can spend your weekends at the mall with your friends instead of working or catching up on homework. Please cherish being young while it lasts- don't try to grow up so fast.
Sincerely,
A (slightly) more mature and less innocent Meghan
