Middle schoolers taught me that everyone is one bad day away from acting twelve again. They taught me to explain without condescending, to repeat without sighing, to celebrate small wins like they were Nobel prizes.
They also taught me that fairness is remembered longer than fun. The year I forgot to call on someone shy, she told me in May. I still feel that in my stomach. Now I watch quiet guests at my table the same way.
They loved when I brought food on review days. Adults love that too, though they pretend they are above it. Nobody is above a brownie at the right moment.
If you interact with humans, you interact with middle school energy. Pack snacks and patience.