Dear middle school me,
Hey you! I know this is a hard and awkward time for you. So here are a few pieces of advice I'd like to give you:
First of all, two rules to live by throughout your three years in middle school:
One, now that you have your own locker, Don't. Give. Your. Combination. To. Anyone. Trust me, you don't want those intense binders to go missing right before your history test! Be smart for both of us, please!
And, always have extra pens hidden somewhere because when someone asks to "borrow" a pen, you will not be getting it back.
Secondly, boys are stupid. I know you think it's important to have a guy like you but I promise you're gonna be so amazing and those middle school boys are not anywhere near being worth your time. Don't get too caught up with the boys. Having a little crush though is okay...I won't tell Dad.
Also, not only do boys suck but so do girls. They might be even worse than boys. They're going to say and do things that might hurt you just so they can climb to the top of the social ladder. Don't let it get to you. Being popular isn't what it's cracked up to be. Girls just want to seem cool to everyone else but you dance to the beat of your own drum, so you keep doing you and don't let anyone push you around.
Now, I know you're going through a lot. I know you feel like your world is caving in and you can't do anything. Just don't ever lose that spark in your eye. I know it seems impossible and unbearable. Just know, those around you care about you and they know this is hard for you. They're going to do everything they can to make you feel like you're loved and special.
Always go for the ice cream. You're young you can do that! Don't be afraid of what other people think! You're awesome and ice cream is awesome so I don't see the problem!
And lastly, just know that who we are now, is so proud of you. One day, you're going to sit in your room and think about these times and you're going to smile and maybe cry a little but mostly, you're going to be so proud of yourself. You're going to look back and say, "I made it." You're going to become this amazingly confident and beautiful young adult. A young adult who is a tiny bit scared to be a real adult but just like everything else, you will get through it. If you do find yourself wanting to be a little kid again, even just for a little while, reruns (with the original Steve) of "Blue's Clues" are on at 7 a.m.
Love always,
20-year-old me
