I've never met someone that seemed to truly enjoy middle school. Middle school can be awkward, difficult, and confusing for many. It's full of phases and different makeup experimentations. I look back on my middle school years and would totally give that younger version of myself some advice.
Dear my 13-year-old self,
First and foremost, please realize this: You are more than your bad skin and bad haircut. Pimples happen to every one. Yes, they suck and will never get any easier to deal with, but remember that everyone will get them, even if you feel like you're the only one that has them now. Focus less on physical appearance and try and look for ways that you can better yourself from the inside. Also, don't feel the need to waste hours straightening your hair. I know middle school is the time where you want to fit in, but try and embrace the fact you stand out. You'll go on to be voted "Best Hair" of your class and will learn what products works best, but until then rock your curls. Always smile big, regardless if your braces shine with the flash.
It's okay to not be popular. You're learn that it is actually better to not hit your "peak" in middle school or high school. People are cliquey at this age, but that doesn't mean you have to be. You don't have to wear clothes with a large Hollister logo to look cool. Wear what makes you happy. Also, it's okay to not have a smart phone. Unfortunately, smart phones become time consuming. Embrace the time you have before you get addicted to it. Be grateful you don't have social media, even though you're embarrassed that your parents won't let you get one. They're doing you a favor. At this age all social media does is cause drama and shares a bunch of embarassing pictures of yourself that will mortify you later. Trust me-- you'll be grateful you can't go back and look at those pictures of you wearing blue eye shadow and sticky pink lip gloss.
This is told more often than not (because it's so true), but be nice. Those who find pleasure and fulfillment in making fun of others, stay clear- no matter how cool they seem. Being mean is never cool, end of story. Also, always remember to be kind to your mom. I know you'll get irritated and don't always see things eye-to-eye, but be respectful. Your mom is the sweetest person you know and would do anything for you. You'll regret giving unnecessarily sass.
Most importantly, be proud of yourself. You're smarter than you think. Kudos to you for taking classes ranging from computer science to theatre. Enjoy that you have all this time to try whatever you want before things get more serious in high school and college. Continue to read anything you can get your hands on. Bask in the fact that you have all this uncertainty. Some days you want to be a lawyer, some days a teacher, and others you will want to go to Juilliard- that's perfectly fine. Continue trying everything, because eventually you'll find your calling.
Keep your chin up, puberty doesn't last forever. In the words of Dr. Suess, "Kid, you'll move mountains."
With Love,
An older and wiser version of yourself
