Dearest sister,
As you have no doubt noticed, I possess a great deal of wisdom and knowledge of the type that only an older sibling can have. Sure, our parents could give you advice, but it would be dated and probably smell like the 1970’s. Nope, for middle school advice I’m afraid I’m your best bet. (Scary, huh? If your hair isn’t standing on end right now then I haven’t done my job.)
Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I actually want to help you. Middle school can be tough, and no one should have to go through it without a military background and a SWAT team standing by. I mean, sure, I did, but you know that scar on my cheek? That wasn’t there before 7th grade. Also, I can’t visit Bangladesh now, but perhaps that is a story for another time.
So! To the advice. Firstly, I want to make it clear that no matter what horrible worst case scenarios you’ve imagined, the other kids will not hate you. They won’t whisper behind your back about how your face is stupid if you just mind your own business. That being said, don’t give the other kids a reason to think your face is stupid. Middle schoolers can be a gossipy bunch when provoked.
However, you should still feel free to stand out. Just do it in the right ways. At a time when most people are just trying to fit in, it can be tempting to sink into the background. While I can not in good conscience advocate doing crazy things, such as dressing up as the solar system (save that for high school), there is no reason to repress your wit or intellect. Just don’t be obnoxious about it. (Not that you’ve ever been one to not speak your mind…)
Finally, please try not to panic. I know this seems like the end of the world now, but believe me when I tell you that, though this next couple years may be a strange and on occasion uncomfortable time (awkward, boys are seeming less and less awful by the day, and OH MY GOSH you have to use deodorant now OH THE HORROR), you’ll get through unscathed. Just keep this in mind: if middle school killed people, the human race would have died out by now.
Good luck!!!
See Mary Blog 