When asked what point in your life you would want to relive, I doubt very many of us would choose middle school. It doesn't matter how popular you were... we all had our fair share of embarrassing moments that seemed in that moment like the end of the world. The mentality was "fake it until you make it" and as long as you outwardly seemed like you had your life together, you were doing just fine. This was easier said than done for my 13-year-old self though, who was so scared of being judged for being different that he did not put himself out there.

Ethan, What Were You Doing...Seriously Though?

Being bullied sucks. There is no way to make this sound any better, but what you can do is try not to let these people bother you. I know this is very challenging. I know it may seem like it will never end, that people will never accept you for who you are. Words do hurt, and it is totally acceptable to cry every now and then. However, you have to remember that these are just three years of your entire life. Middle school is only 250 people out of millions and millions. After high school, everyone goes their separate ways and you are given a chance to start all over, to go to a place where no one knows your name and redefine yourself.

What is most important during middle school is just making it out alive and not caring too much about what people thought of you. One day, you are going to become the most confident and outgoing person because of this experience. You are going to be that person to brighten other's days and to make them laugh when they are feeling down. Looks don't matter nearly as much as you think they do. Walking around the hallways with "Hollister" or "Abercrombie" across your shirt is not as stylish or trendy as you may think. Logos are just logos and will go out of style once you get to high school, so no need to invest the money on this type of clothing. You may think that the "Justin Bieber" haircut is cool now, but wait until you see pictures of yourself from middle school. You are going to be left wondering why you did not listen to your mom and have shorter hair sooner. Braces are worth the investment despite the annoyance. Sure, avoiding popcorn at the movies may be inconvenient, but when you finally have that perfect smile that is not going to matter. Acne is just acne. It happens to the best of us, so try not to stress every time a pimple pops up.

Here are just a few life lessons I wish I was able to learn sooner. Ultimately, though, I wish I realized how insignificant middle school really was in the grand scheme of life. Those awkward moments you think that everyone is going to remember for the rest of their lives are really only things you remember. Those people that you tried so hard to please, you will never see again. Everything really is so temporary, but what should last forever is becoming comfortable with the person you are.

Sincerely,

The You That Finally Has It Figured All Out