As college students, we tend to forget how well we had it made in our pre-teen years. Other than the uncomfortable health classes and the awkward and, possibly regrettable, lifestyles, we had an amazing selection of television shows. Unfortunately, times have changed and now we hardly recognize any of the people we see on Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, or any other channel you may have come home to after a hard day’s work in seventh grade. Nonetheless, these stars made us love their shows and helped us bond with our homerooms, so they deserve a little recognition.      

1. Drake And Josh 

Who can forget this dynamic duo? As a hit series on Nickelodeon, this show highlighted the hilarious antics and expressions that made these stepbrothers so memorable. Drake Bell (actual name: Jared Drake Bell), who played Drake Parker, is still acting, but has since focused more on his music. His newest album is called, Ready Steady Go! and is in stores and on iTunes. He is 28 years old. Josh Peck, still focuses on acting and is also a comedian and a director. Miss his one-liners? (“I ain’t callin' you a truther”) Have no fear! Look up some of his videos online or on Vine and you won’t be disappointed. He’s 27.     

2. Lizzie McGuire 

Cue the intro with the red dodge balls. Lizzie McGuire showed us how to navigate through middle school, deal with bullies like Kate Sanders, and become a fake international pop star while on an eighth grade class trip to Rome. Hilary Duff plays Lizzie, and is laying low after pursuing an acting and singing career long after the show ended. She is 27 and has recently agreed to the idea of a cast reunion.

Remember Miranda and Gordo? Lalaine Vergara-Paras, best known as Lalaine, is also 27, and will soon release an album. Gordo a.k.a. Adam Lamberg, age 30, did not pursue an acting career; instead, she studied geography at University of California, Berkeley. Let’s not forget Lizzie’s little brother Matt, arguably one of the most entertaining characters in the show. His real name is Jake Matthews; he is 24 and has appeared in several other shows like Criminal Minds, ER, and CSI: Miami.     

3. That’s So Raven 

Oh, snap! Raven Baxter, played by Raven Symone, had the ability not only to see the future, but also to turn sticky situations into comedic masterpieces. In 2005 and 2007, the series was nominated for Emmy awards for Outstanding Children’s Programming. Symone, 28, went on to pursue an acting, singing, and producing career. Anneliese van der Pol, now 30, played Raven’s hilarious best friend Chelsea. She appeared on Broadway in 2007 as Belle in Beauty And The Beast. Orlando Brown acted as Eddie, Raven’s other partner in crime, and has since released one studio album called Trade It All. He is 26 years old.  

These are just a few of the series that helped us get through the years of bermuda shorts, layered camis, trying to get a spot in the back of the bus, and getting up the nerve to ask our crushes to slow dance. Those years were tough, but these actors and actresses helped show us how to enjoy them. And for that, we should be eternally grateful.