If someone ever asks you, "What do you want to do with your life?"

And you reply, "I want to work with middle school kids."

You will likely get either one of three reactions...

1. YOU'RE CRAZY!!

Yes, yes you are. But that's ok. Because they are too! Middle school kids are the best because they simultaneously know how to be crazy and how to be serious. They can be singing out loud to Disney songs in the car, windows rolled down, unashamed for the world to hear at one moment, and at the next, be having a really deep discussion about life. They are crazy, but they also can teach you to see things from a perspective that we forgot since we were in middle school ourselves. And the best part is, because you work with them, you have license to be crazy too!

2. You're brave.

Maybe, but honestly? Middle school may seem like the worst time of life but that's because it's the time when the most changes are taking place both mentally and physically in the body. Outside of that, it's the time that is the most influential in the formation of the rest of their lives and it's the time that they need positive influences the most! So why not? Sure, it's rough, and sure they are an emotional roller coaster, but it's also so amazing to watch them grow and mature through those three years, and you get to be a part of it!

3. You're special...

"Only special people work with middle school kids..." Uh... If special is a word for valuable then yes, we are special. Because everyone was once in middle school, and I am sure that there was at least one person in your life that made an impact during your middle school years, whether it was a teacher, a friend, a mentor, a youth leader, or a parent - without those people we wouldn't be who we are today.

So shout out to all the people who work with youth. You are special, and I mean that in the truest sense of the word.