The time has come for summer to (unfortunately) end and pretty soon we will be heading back to school. Everyone will be wearing their new clothes and carrying fresh school supplies and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be sporting a new tan. I am not that lucky.

I have always been pale and I am pretty sure I always will be. I swear, no matter how long I bask out in the sun or how much self-tanner I apply, I still end up whiter than a piece of paper.

I probably wouldn’t mind being this pale if my childhood hadn’t been plagued with relentless name-calling and the constant mistake of being called albino. I am not even over-exaggerating either. I’ve literally been called every name in the book – from “Snow White” to “Casper” to being compared to Saran Wrap, I’ve got it all.

Even after all my childhood friends and peers accepted my unfortunate paleness, the desire to get some type of tan line has not gone away. So thank you society for placing yet another nearly impossible-to-attain beauty standard!

In addition to the lack of self-confidence attached to my blinding skin tone, I miss out on a ton of activities with my friends and family. Seriously, while my friends are making memories that will last a lifetime in the pool, I am probably on the side reapplying suntan lotion for the umpteenth time to ensure I only get a sunburn instead of sun poisoning.

I think my friends actually get sick enjoyment out of my unfortunate situation. After returning from vacation they love to use my arm as a tan comparison and sometimes they even fight over who gets to stand next to me in pictures - because I make anyone that stands near me look tanner.

On the bright side, at least some of the older generations compliment my “radiant”, “porcelain” skin, aka I am blinding them and they probably want to shield their eyes. They just don’t understand the struggle in this selfie-obsessed generation – if I stand in too much sunlight my facial features will literally disappear and I will look like Lord Voldemort.

I am sure there are some benefits to being this pale. I just can't seem to think of a single one.

So as we return back to the school and you have been blessed with bronze skin, please do not stand near me, tell me I look sickly, or tell me I need more sun. I am just pale.