I hate that you had to go through all the things that you went through in school and that you had to deal with all those jerks, but I'm also proud of you for sharing your story. I think this video will help so many people who are going through the same things that you went through. I'M SO PROUD OF YOU FRIEND.
It's been so amazing to support you and to see you grow! I'm so happy for all your success and for the person you are today, because it makes me glad that all these young girls have someone like you to look up to. We all go through horrible crap at school, but seeing that you have blossomed to this beautiful young woman gives others the confidence that they will to. Love you, and I'm so happy I took the chance to message you that one day. Such a great video, now I really want to read that book!
oh my god, christine, by the end of the video, i was crying. this video is so touching, and it's a little bit hard to believe that you're not as outgoing as you are in your videos, but at the same time, it's also kind of comforting. popularity is a constant struggle, and i guess the best way to handle it is just be yourself. i just wanted to say that you're such an inspiration to so many of us on youtube. you're the best
Christine I have so much respect for you as a person already because you've inspired me a crazy amount but this had made me gain so much more for you as well. I love that you're not afraid to share your story and it continues to inspire so many, showing us that popularity doesn't matter in middle school for you to be successful in life. I had that terribly awkward "Dora haircut" for most of my life and that made me really self-conscious around others. To make matters worse, going into 4th grade year (still had the haircut) I moved to a new school system, from Catholic to public where the ideals are really different and I felt so awkward around everyone. I later went through a phase of "I'm so cool OMG" in 6th and 7th after my hair grew out(hair makes quite a difference in confidence, I've noticed). I'm going into 9th grade now and I've finally found friends who I hope stick around for the rest of my life. I now know that the idea of "popularity" is something I shouldn't care about as long as I'm around my friends and doing what I love. Okay, long paragraph over. Love this video Christine! Thank you for it and your kind and inspiring words:)
I LOVE that we both had terrible experiences with "The Rachel." WORST HAIRCUT OF MY LIFE OMG// I think we've talked about my weird relationship with "popularity" when I was in middle school. How I was friends with that type of crowd but they always made fun of me for EVERYTHING. Like I got to be in their stupid club, but I had to pay a price or something. AND I TOTALLY GET THE BOOBS THING GOD. What is with people with boobs? I was relentlessly teased for that, the fact that I was taller than everyone and somehow "manly," and the fact that I was the literal last person in my grade to shave their legs (which I didn't even want to do if we're being real). I feel like those of us who had these experiences with this crap turned out to be cooler people anyway, so even though its a cliche, we came out on top. WOO GO US YEAH POWER TO THE BOOBLESS
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! This video really opened my eyes and made me realize I'm not alone in having social issues. I've been bullied, I'm not brave or confident, and I hope to change all of that! It's really nice to see someone like you, who is amazing and fun to watch and outgoing, and know that you were once like me! It really changes the way I look at you (in a good way). I look at people like you, Jesse, Raeleen, and Ariel and think "wow these people are amazing and perfect" and I wish I was more confident as you guys, and then I watch a video like this and it enables me to relate to you. It makes me realize that you are human too, and I love being able to connect to people like you in that way! Just like you I am hoping that my BookTube channel will help me gain confidence both on camera in real life. I love your videos and and every single time I post a new video on my channel I can see myself growing and becoming more enthusiastic and outgoing and I love seeing that change. Keep making videos, Christine, because in both big and small ways you're changing lives :D Have a great day and keep on reading!
This video was perfect. So much is defined by being popular still in school and sometimes it's hard when you're the school "nerd" or "geek" but Instagram and booktube have really helped me be me and not a fake version of myself
It really surprises me that school in the US can really be like that; with the social pyramid and the jocks, the cheerleaders and all that stuff we see on tv and movies. In my country its not like that at all. I'm not going to lie and say that there are no bullying and mean people, but definetely not at this scale. In my school there was no such thing as popularity; we were all equal despite our differences. I love your videos Christine. You put a smile on my face with every single one of them. Greetings from Argentina! :)
MAN this was such a great video Christine. I had so many problems with bullying and stuff in middle school and high school so this resonated with me so so much. And when you started tearing up I started tearing up oh my freaking gosh. This was just such a wonderful video yeah yeah yeah.
I was the opposite with the chest thing. I got boobs before all the other girls and people were really mean about it, they called me a slut or said that I stuffed my bra. I think sometimes bullies will pick on people for any reason at all.
Ppl r mean about everything. You got through it tho, words hurt, but remember they don't mean anything. A boy in my math class calls me lesbian because I like hanging out with guys and I hug my friends that r girls:(
yeah...I got boobs in 3rd grade and even had the teacher tell me I had to wear a bra, and it was so embarrassing. The boys made fun of me all the time - and there was this one girl who was so excited because she wore a bra too and she wanted to have bra discussions and I was like....can we not....?
Wow, she's 15?! That's awesome! I was sucked into the book pretty much from the start from your description. But to find out that she's still so young and already published, definitely checking it out. I was bullied from 3rd grade to pretty much the end of high school, and MAN did it blow. It's nice to see someone who went through what I went through, make a name for themselves. Keep it up Christine! You're a big inspiration to many :)
Wow, I was so touched and moved by this video, there are actual tears in my eyes. I can relate to so much of this and I feel like you expressed everything really beautifully. I got this book from Penguin at PTA live and it's just kind of been sitting on my shelf because I haven't had the motivation to read it, but you've definitely given me that motivation - I'll have to pick it up ASAP. Thanks so much for your inspiring presence on RUclips, you should know you have such a positive influence on your viewers - myself included! xx
Christine, this was such an amazing video. I really want to read this book now! I'm so so sorry that you had to go through all of that, but you are such a wonderful person and those people all missed out in having an amazing friend! Im so so proud of what youre doing and I know you'll go far. I can relate to a lot of what you said.... When I was in middle school I ended up being in "the cool crowd" during school.. but then I was always left out after class ended. It's like most of those popular girls would just talk to me and use me for my homework and stuff.. but they never wanted to hang out after. Like there was a big group of around 7 or 8 or us and usually the other 7 would get invited for slumber parties and bday parties but I wouldn't. . It took me a long time to realize I didn't have to put with it... Like you said it's way too hard to keep up with tons and tons of "best" friends... I eventually met two girls that I spent just about all my time with in 8th grade and I was so happy just spending time with them and never really missed those other girls...
This is why I truly love you Christine, other than books and the songs and the other things we have in common, I can completely relate to the anxiety, and I'm still struggling with mine, but you inspire me so much!
I almost teared up at the end, I FEEL YOU. Middle school was the worst for me! This was such a great video and you deserve every bit of "popularity" you get on booktube!
Christine you have truly been an inspiration to me. By watching your videos I have learnt that I shouldn't give a crap about what I act like and for the most part I don't. I really can't thank you enough for helping me break out of my shell and become the real me, cheesey but oh well!
Christine! Thank you for this video! I agree with everything you said. I was always extremely unpopular in school, always labeled 'the quiet girl', which I didn't realize until after high school, was legit social anxiety. Confidence is a huge thing, and I am slowly starting to get better, too. You are seriously such an inspiration to me. When I first saw your videos, I always loved how outgoing and fearless you are. It's nice to know that you also are dealing with social anxiety and stuff, but you're also not afraid to be yourself!
Christine this is a perfect example of why people here on booktube love you, you're such a positive person, and Im so glad you uploaded this video. Thanks for sharing your stories :) You're the best :D!
a) started this video, paused two minutes in, located a free epub version of the book b) finished reading the book c) unpaused the video, finished watching it d) one of my favourite videos. and books. it's kind of really incredible. e) how is maya real i mean come on who's life is so structured f) also recently became obsessed with "popular song" by mika which is based off "popular" from wicked (the tune is) so this was a nice connection i guess since you kept singing that little tune from the beginning g) this comment is getting long h) tl;dr great video. great book.
Julia L I've seen soul eater it's one of the first anime I watched when I was 13 and till today still is one of my favourites however I didn't like the new soul eater released last year it tarnished the epicness of the original soul eater
anime fanatic Soul Eater Not? I've heard of it, wasn't intrested. My first anime was Death Note sometime last year. I think I like Soul Eater and I met the girl under the fully blossomed cherry blossom tree and my fate has begun to change (that's the english translation for your lie in april.)
Julia L wow so I guess your quite new to anime? :) I remember watching death note when it came out :) has be one of my favourites along with a million others lol. Yeh soul eater not is quite bad I could tell from episode 1 it had fan service and eye candy in mind, pretty disappointing because it was much anticipated :/. Also the other animes you mentioned I've never heard of them! Are they new releases? It must be good if you enjoyed it very much like soul eater and death note :) are those 2 other anime you mentioned worth watching? Because I happen to be running low on animes to watch and wouldn't mind watching if it's good :)
I love this video. I struggle with social anxiety as well. It was nice to hear someone else talk about it. I also agree with the fact that I don't think you need a bunch of best friends its about the quality of the friends you have and the quality of your friendship. Absolutely amazing video!
I just finished my freshman year of highschool , and ever since 6th grade I've been the awkward nerdy girl. At my school sports are what make you "popular" and I suck, so that doesn't help either. But anyway, I really look up to you and your one of my favorite youtubers, so hearing that you were akward and nerdy in highschool too, and you became this amazing RUclips who gets sponsored by publishers, and meets authors, and all these other amazing things and opportunities was really inspirational to me. Thank you for making this video.
Oh my goodness Christine, thank you so much for sharing your stories! I just graduated middle school this morning, and that alone was stressful. I've always tried to follow around very outgoing people, hoping that if the can say hi first, I may be able to wedge myself into a conversation. There has always been so much built up anxiety around socializing, and that people wouldn't like me if I act like myself, so I've always pulled myself out of the equation. Knowing that someone as sweet and amazing as you has gone through similar things really gives me that little ounce of confidence that I may be able to do something cool too!
3:41 I can literally exactly relate to this whole part. I'm in 8th, 4'9, flat chested and flat faced, insecure, introverted random shadow... -- And my 5th-7th grade story was I found this great awesome rebelious new girl named Serenity who was shorter than me, which was extremely surprising because I've always been the shortest in class, who came in the middle of 5th grade and we were both reading THG which was what brought us to become friends and is also why THG is so close to my heart. But every time I am being myself, I see the look on everybody's faces that reads, "Ew she's weird. Walk away from her" everywhere. I've always been shorter than all my friends so by 7th, Serenity's way taller than me, and dyes her hair blonde, wears 8' heels, obsesses over Starbucks, and just basically changed her whole entire personality. One lunch we were talking about Popularity and I kept saying it was stupid and she loved it because she was the most popular in the class and everybody, girls and guys, worshiped her. She said I was the "Eh" She was "Popular" and my other better Nerdy friends, were "Nooo" and I just lashed out inside. Basically she ditched me for some other girl who eventually got me suspended and lead my mom to pull me out of the only school I've ever gone to since Kindergarden... And I'm left friendless.. If you or anyone took your time to read this, thank you so much.
This is definitely one of my favourite videos you have EVER done. I really related to this, especially the table thing. It's really reassuring to know that someone else has felt this way as well!
Christine I am SO LATE TO THIS GAME! I had never been able to watch this video all the way through because everything hit me on such a personal level. I was made fun of for hitting puberty too fast (first one with boobs and taller than everyone else and deeper voice) and as a senior I ended up being made fun of for being short. I feel for you so much on what you went through in high school. 8th grade was by far the hardest year on a friendship level. but that went all throughout high school. I send you so much love and you deserve to be where you are!
You and your videos always inspire me so much, especially this one. I also kind of have confidence problems, but I'm sure I'll be better now. Thanks for being who you are and for everything else
This video is perfect! I don't know if you've seen whats been happening on booktube lately, but lots of people are kind of bashing people who have success with their videos. You are my favorite booktuber ever Christine and you make me want to endlessly read. Keep em coming! :)
You're the best Christine! you were the one who actually got me to start watching booktube. I was looking up a summary for City of Lost Souls in January because I wanted to be reminded about what had happened, and your review came up. No one around me really loves books, so a lot of the time I feel out of place. But now if I ever feel like that, I just have to watch your video's, or peruse project, or katytastic, or anyone else's and remember that I am not alone. Thank you so much for making videos!
You are truly amazing!! Thanks for reminding me that everyone is just human and that most of us feel the same way.. You just make me wanna go out in the world and hug all the people!!
I'm homeschooled, so I've never experienced that. I'm starting college this fall and I'm introvertive and shy, and I'm really nervous, but I love what you said in this video. You're so awesome, Christine! I want to meet you one day! It's too bad I'm not going to Vidcon!!
Christine, you are my role model. You've made me a more outgoing and confident person. Middle school is harsh, and you got me through. Instead of feeling embarrassed anymore I learned to just laugh at my embarrassing moments, and be more happy. Thank you so much Christine, you are such an inspiration.
I have never ever ever been confident, I'm still not, for example, the other day in college (uk college) I was sat outside my tutor room waiting to go on reading a book, and I felt I was being judged, people would stare I was they walked past. The only time I have ever really spoken to strangers is when I was in Waterstones at one point this book shop and these two girls were talking about Sherlock and as a fangirl I wanted to talk to them about it and we did. I just usually stay in my room a lot, I don't hang out with my friends a lot and I'm usually always on my own.
and also, in school I was bullied, I was considered the 'freak' or the ugly girl of the school. All the guys were arse holes, if they ended up partnered with me, they would laugh and protest to the teacher. The girls, well half of them were bitches to me, they all called me ugly, tried to intimidate me. In college now, there's no real bullying that goes on, nobody really says anything but in a lot of classes, I'm just by myself and sort of keep myself to myself.
Courtenay Gray I know what you mean. That's how my whole high school experience was. Though honestly I have learned to not let that get to me because I've found out that I have done far better things then the people who bullied me in high school. Then when I had no friends I took comfort in making RUclips videos and reading books. Through that I learned I liked to make videos.
I just really love you for this video and my appreciation for you has really shot up rn!!!! That period of my life literally sucked for me too. It got progressively better as the years passed and now i'm a first year in university and it's definately better than how I was at school but I can relate to you so much! When I was about 15 I was competitive, introverted and just so ugly because of puberty! And there was this particular year when people called me stuff and I was so not confident and I never stood up for myself and like you said, i never wanted to be popular i just wanted to be respected or at least to be left alone. But now i'm really working on the confidence thing because I reallise so many things that I didn't konw in the past and I totally agree with you on everything you just said and you're such a role model for me. Thanks ;)
you are such a big inspiration to me... i am about to go to high school, and all through middle school i was the "invisible" one, shy and hurt easily, and you have seriously pushed me to open up a lot more... thank you
You know, all of your videos are amazing but I felt like this one is really special. Doesn't matter if you were born in the US, in Europe or in Turkey (like me), all of us experienced the same thing. Middle School and High school times are the times in our lives when everyone is building their own personality. But young people around us are not still open to different /things souls that times. People are too young to accept and appreciate these little differences. Everyone is different which is a beautiful thing. Especially reading taught me that. It taught me that everyone has their own story waiting to be explored. That's why I never got the popularity clearly when I was still at high school. Every soul's story is precious and everyone should have their opportunity to be heard. I believe everyone will eventually get it. I wish it would be much sooner. This video's going to make people think about that. So, THANK YOU Christine. :)
This video was beautiful and I loved hearing you talk about your experiences because I've been through so much sucky stuff at school too, ILY CHRISTINE
Thank you for being you, Christine. I couldn't even comment on this video until today, because I'm so shy... I didn't know what to write and I was afraid of writing the wrong thing. I saw this video the day that it came out, but ... I just want to say I look up to you a lot.
this video couldn't have come at a more perfect time for me! I've always struggled with self-confidence, I've ways had a hard time approaching people. it terrifies me, to think of having to go up to someone. this video is going to help a lot. thanks, Christine!! your amazing!
THANK YOU for this video, I really want to get more brave and confident this summer and branch out and try new things and this video is really inspiring, thank you for sharing your story with us =D You're absolutely amazing and I love you a lot !
This is such an important video. Thank you for sharing your experiences and being living proof that things can get better. I wasn't comfortable with myself until I was 22 so I'm still learning how to embody that confidence. I really appreciate your upbeat energy and love for yourself.
Thanks for this video. High school (and school in general) is hard for many, including myself. Knowing that someone I look up to struggled and was willing to explain their troubles to help me and others is so inspiring. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.
social anxiety. gOD. ever since i was in middle school i've had it. i'm nineteen now and it's gotten so out of hand that i feel like it's this cycle now and there's no way to just get it to go away. but as for school issues, this one time in math during my junior year, this cute looking guy starts talking to me and i'm sitting there all like "oh my god oh my god this human is communicating with me and he has an amazing face should i touch it or nah" and then when i start to think i might actually have a chance, this guy asks for the math work that i so happened to be the only one who finished. and all i could think was "OH MY GOD I'VE BEEN DECEIVED" so i hand it to him, 'cos i mean, i couldn't say nO. so he takes it and then, without asking me if it's ok just hands it around the class. so, yeah. the only times i ever felt popular in school was when i was being used for something. i have a good memory so i was copied off of in history. i like equations and the subject in general so i was copied off of in math. i like to read and write so i was copied off of in english. if i go off about middle school i'll be here for days though. but wow. it's really refreshing to see that i'm not the only one who goes through these things. thanks for sharing this, christine. it really gave me the boost i needed. x
THIS VIDEO IS SO IMPORTANT! I had a horrible time in middle school and unfortunately I'm not having a great high school experience either *sigh * I guess it happens! but I totally get you on WANTING to be more confident, and wanting to be the person who goes up to strangers to strike up a conversation but it's just so hard! It also sucks when it seems to be only you having a tough time D:
I really appreciate that you put this up and talked about being outgoing and meeting new people and what it means to be popular. I myself don't like talking to new people, I can't go up to someone and just say hi, unless I am with a friend. When I am around some girls in my class I'm almost always quiet and keep to myself and they tell me to join in and be myself. But them I act like myself and they start giving me strange looks, and I just give up and go back to being quiet and awkward. I am always paranoid that everybody around me think that I am the most annoying person on the planet and they just want to get away from me. So because of this I have just become an awkward person who finds it hard to be themselves in public. It is so frustrating and I feel less confident. Thank you so much for discussing this topic, I really appreciate it. By the way I love all your videos!
this video actually moved me to tears. like I have such a hard time getting through school. I criticize myself too much, which has made me very insecure, and it really makes it difficult for me to ever be comfortable with who I am. So christine, I just want to say that I admire you so much, and you inspire me to become more confident and outgoing. I'm very proud of you christine.
There is this popular girl and in fifth grade she "befriended" me. She would tell me how to do my hair in certain styles so this boy I liked would think I was "sexy". I was 11 at the time. Turns out she was making a fool out of me, talking behind my back and making fun of my so called weird interests every chance she got. I found out from my best friend and I didn't believe my friend. Eventually I understood and it is my biggest regret letting her change me, I wasn't true to myself. I'm fourteen now and she is one of the worst people I have ever met. Jokes on her though because I dated the boy who liked me for me and my best friend and I are still super close. Popularity all stems from greed or jealously or both. Keep your head up and stay strong everyone💕
This was amazing. It altered my life. Middle school sucked for me too. Bullying sucks. I'm 22 and some of those insecurities still nag at me. Thank you for being an inspiration.
Person: why do you only have like, 5 friends? Me: quality not quantity. I'll be honest. Im best friends with all the popular girls. But to be honest, I'd rather spend time with my other friends. See the popular girls sit at one table. Any grade before this year (6th grade) I'd sit with them. But then I realized; "hey, they don't treat me as great as these other friends do." So I sit with my real friends. These friends don't care about how you look or what you wear or about what other people think. And I need that in my friendship. To be honest, the popular girls and I have known eachother from as early as 4th grade (by that I mean that's when I knew all of them) and some since kindergarten. I'm invited to some things, and some not. But now I'm drifting away, and I don't care. Actually, a girl that I knew in kindergarten and is a well liked popular girl, she makes fun of me for watching book tubers, Which sucks. And lastly, for the yearbooks, we have to answer 3 questions: Hobbies? Future Careers? Looking Forward to in Middle School? My answer for the last one was making new friends.
I'm IN middle school going into eighth grade and you just made me feel amazing about myself. I only found you today through a friend of mine and I wish I could have been there for those times when your viewers made you feel "popular" and special, but you're awesome! Thank you.
I'm pretty sure everything you said just described my life/experience throughout school. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that but thank you for sharing! It's nice to know I'm not alone in feeling a certain way or not being as confident as I would like. This was such an amazing video!
I was such an ugly duckling in my middle school and HS years.Starting out my 6th grade year, I was tall and skinny (lanky),I had a D size chest, and very bad acne. I was super shy.(I still am, but I'm working on it.) I didn't start wearing makeup until I was 19 and out of my mother's house. She didn't allow us to wear it; nor were we allowed to date.Boys were off limits basically.Not that I had an ice cube's chance in hell of attracting one.My long hair was natural at a time when almost every black girl relaxed their hair, and I was poor- so I couldn't afford the popular clothing styles.But I was super smart and athletic. And although I didn't have many friends. I generally got along well with everyone. I was a "nerd" who could play sports and a "jock"who made an excellent study buddy. And the funny part is that there was a white girl in 6th grade who was, like, my twin.Big boobs, lanky, acne, wild curly hair.We even had the same name-Carrie!We were bffs all through MS.We played the same sports,and slept over at each others house.My world crumbled when her family moved state the summer before freshman year. Of course I was picked on by a few people, and had you talked to me then I would have said my life sucked. It remained that way all the way until I finished HS. But it was what it was.I survived the self inflicted negativity and the negativity of others.And I hold no grudges because I believe that even the kids in the popular group had their fair share of problems trying please everyone in order to be popular.
This video touched my heart. I have had a rough time through school and I'm slowly gaining confidence now I have just finished. Thank you for sharing your experience as it shows me what a bright future I could have and that I am not alone. Thank you x
You're so cute. I just love you. I was awkward in middle school up until 8th grade. I still wish sometimes I could go back re-do things....like makeup, clothes, how I acted. I had the opposite problem...My boobs were big and I felt like a freak because of it. Just goes to show you how insecure everyone is. Middle school=Hell. Ha. but everyone has awkward phases. lol. This video was beautiful and honest and I loved it. Thanks, Christine.
I love this video SO much! I just finished middle school this spring. I'm a "nerd" and I just learned to love that about myself. People made fun of me for always having my nose in a book or always studying, but I just decided that those are the things I love an if people can't except me for those, that was ok. They didn't have to be my friends. Through this, I found my true friends, who were like me. I totally agree with you that confidence is the key! Thanks again for making this video! You are such an inspiration!
Okay so in middle school I knew this one girl, met her around mid way through 6th grade and we would walk home together. And she was one of the people that cared more about popularity and I didn't so much, so 7th grade comes around and we have the same 6th period together, so we walk home together again. As we would walk home she would like to gossip about like everyone and I would pretty much just tune her out the whole time. Well one time my other friend that I am closer to now walked with us and I always got to my house first so they walked on. The next day my friend that had walked with us that day told me that the original girl had gossiped about me and I was like whatever I don't really care because me and the original girl I didn't really count as close. I still walked with her though because I don't really know, maybe because I am nice. Well now let's go to eighth grade (we don't walk together this year) and we are in the same math class again (algebra 1 honors) and we had dear (pretty much free time for 30 minutes) during this class so everyday during dear she would go up to me and tell me to stop reading and I would respond like I don't see why I would want too. And sometimes she would take my book (Harry Potter) from my hands... I think she even ripped a page and she was like why does it even matter. She was just so stupid, like besides from telling my that reading was stupid everyday she would tell me how I need to wear make up so that I can get a boyfriend and be popular and you know I had told her many times that I don't really care for dating or for being popular at all, I was just fine. And then she would ask how many people did I hang out with during the summer, making it seem like I had no friends (which I did, and probably a lot more loyal friends). I think that the whole funny part of this is that 1. when other people were in the conversation about how I should try harder or something they would stick up for me and not her and 2. she failed out of that algebra class about a quarter of the way through the year so I didn't have to deal with her anymore. Sorry for ranting, stupid people just annoy me.
I don't see why everyone has to listen and look at other people and feel intimidated. I went (kind of still go) to an all boys school and I went in everyday not giving a crap what people said despite my sexuality and the fact I wear makeup. I'm a fabulous bitch and I know that! I had like 6 close friends, after a year old 3 of them became close close friends that I could trust, but I was kind of popular at not being popular. Everyone knew who I was, I didn't know who they were. It's what I get for having the surname of "Crump" and being the only gay person in the school.
I'm in middle school right now and this video made me feel really good. I'm not the prettiest girl but I do think everyone in my grade should watch this. We need this. Thank you.
You are amazing. I'm proud of you, really. Discover your channel is the most happiest memory of my last two years. When I'm sad, I always watch your videos, and out of nowhere I find myself laugh and smile, and I'm like "Yeah, this is a bad period of my life, but I can always smile and I can always be happy". I hate that you had to go through so many bad things at school, I really hate that. Going to terrible crap at school is always... so bad, you feel like shit, you feel sad and many other things, but you are amazing and strong. Just like a flower, you have blossomed in this amazing, unique, girl. Love you... and can I say that I'm proud of you? Because I am. (I must say many many "sorry", 'cause my english is not perfect) Lots of love and hugs.
Hey Christine, I no you will never really have a chance to read this but I just wanna get my story across, about 5 months ago I posted a book review on my channel of the first vampire academy book. The next day I went to school and everyone made fun of me for even reading the book, it was really upsetting being ganged up on like that and told I'm weird or strange for reading a book, Yours Abby,
You're not weird or a freak for reading that book my friend and I LOVE it! And if reading makes me or anyone else weird I don't ever want to be normal.
Abby Tervit I fell like BookTube is a huge community that both talks about books but also takes care of each other. Everyone is super nice and supportive and wonderful and I am so happy to be apart of it. Regular RUclips is so split up between what their videos are about and they don't really create something like this. BookTube is probably the best thing on the Internet and I love it and everyone in it. It's like I have an endless amount of friends that understand me better than most of my real friends do. Thank You!
Aw, Christine, I teared up at the end, when you talked how been on RUclips has help you. I completely agree when you talked about people having many friends and how can they possibly split themselves to be with all their friends. How is that even possible?! I might give that book a try. Keep on being awesome Christine!
i got teary watching this video..i think popularity doesn't matter as long as u have friends who love's who u truly are.. thank u Christine for sharing your experiment Xx
I relate to this video on so many levels. Thank you for making this video. It really made me think about my journey in life and how far I've come in terms of confidence and social anxiety. I knew you were my favorite youtuber for a reason.
this is the first of your videos i have watched and you seriously inspired so many people who at some point felt the same way to stay true to themselves and embrace their uniqueness.You're an honest and genuine person, i hope you continue grow in your confidence.
Christine your such an amazing person and I love your personality! You should never be afraid to talk to people because EVERYTIME I show your videos to my friends they LOVE you!!! Thank you for making these videos!
So glad you made this video Christine, I feel like I can relate to you in the aspect of having extreme social anxiety and being shy. Thanks for letting us know that we are not the only ones who have these struggles:)
IM SO GLAD I STUMBLED BY THIS VIDEO! I love how honest you were in this video and it makes me happy to see you happy!! All I wanted to do after watching this was give you a hug. Thank you for everything you do
My middle school and high school life was really similar to yours, almost everything you said was the same to me. I'm on college now and still working on the confidence thing, it's not going really well but it's way better than it was in high school. I'm glad we are helping you, i love your videos and I can always relate to you and have a laugh. Keep being awesome ;)
I completely feel you Christine, you expressed all these feelings and experiences really well. High school was the difficult one for me. I think I will buy this book. Great video.
Christine your the best!!! I can relate to you so much. I read Popular for summer reading and I LOVED IT. It helped me realize how I can become more confident and brave in awkward situations. Love your videos!
this hit me right in the feelings. i move a lot, so being the new kid it's not easy finding friends, specially if its like a class that has known each other for a longtime. it's always hard making the first move and approaching new people. So Christine I'm so happy you are more confident know. I love you so much, please keep making videos, because they always make me smile and laugh even when i'm sad
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!!! I'm in middle school and I can relate to a lot of the things you said. You have really inspired me to try and be more confident so thank you 😄😊☺️
I'm glad that you made this video. Even though I wasn't popular but wasn't like a loner. I had my group of friends. So I am glad and blessed that I didn't really have all the problems that other people seemed to have.
I relate to you in so many ways it's scary. I was so awkward in middle school and strict and serious and antisocial and I did embarrassing things because I thought that would make more people like me. But now, I actually really like high school because people have cracked me out of my protective shell and I've met people I can be myself around and it's great and I love this video so much, it put a huge smile on my face. Please don't ever stop making videos:)
![[DRAGON BALL LEGENDS REVEALS ＆ STUFF] LEGENDS FESTIVAL 2024 Special Edition Part 2](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/af0phKxitX8/mqdefault.jpg)
I hate that you had to go through all the things that you went through in school and that you had to deal with all those jerks, but I'm also proud of you for sharing your story. I think this video will help so many people who are going through the same things that you went through. I'M SO PROUD OF YOU FRIEND.
THANK YOU JESSE
+polandbananasBOOKS Hey! I just posted another comment on this video and it's just like "hey, that's happening to me right now"
It's been so amazing to support you and to see you grow! I'm so happy for all your success and for the person you are today, because it makes me glad that all these young girls have someone like you to look up to. We all go through horrible crap at school, but seeing that you have blossomed to this beautiful young woman gives others the confidence that they will to. Love you, and I'm so happy I took the chance to message you that one day. Such a great video, now I really want to read that book!
I'M SO HAPPY YOU MESSAGED ME THAT DAY!! *aggressive hug*
shes right! I look up to you and this video gave me confidence!
oh my god, christine, by the end of the video, i was crying. this video is so touching, and it's a little bit hard to believe that you're not as outgoing as you are in your videos, but at the same time, it's also kind of comforting. popularity is a constant struggle, and i guess the best way to handle it is just be yourself. i just wanted to say that you're such an inspiration to so many of us on youtube. you're the best
thank you so much
Christine I have so much respect for you as a person already because you've inspired me a crazy amount but this had made me gain so much more for you as well.
I love that you're not afraid to share your story and it continues to inspire so many, showing us that popularity doesn't matter in middle school for you to be successful in life.
I had that terribly awkward "Dora haircut" for most of my life and that made me really self-conscious around others. To make matters worse, going into 4th grade year (still had the haircut) I moved to a new school system, from Catholic to public where the ideals are really different and I felt so awkward around everyone. I later went through a phase of "I'm so cool OMG" in 6th and 7th after my hair grew out(hair makes quite a difference in confidence, I've noticed).
I'm going into 9th grade now and I've finally found friends who I hope stick around for the rest of my life. I now know that the idea of "popularity" is something I shouldn't care about as long as I'm around my friends and doing what I love.
Okay, long paragraph over. Love this video Christine! Thank you for it and your kind and inspiring words:)
I LOVE that we both had terrible experiences with "The Rachel." WORST HAIRCUT OF MY LIFE OMG//
I think we've talked about my weird relationship with "popularity" when I was in middle school. How I was friends with that type of crowd but they always made fun of me for EVERYTHING. Like I got to be in their stupid club, but I had to pay a price or something. AND I TOTALLY GET THE BOOBS THING GOD. What is with people with boobs? I was relentlessly teased for that, the fact that I was taller than everyone and somehow "manly," and the fact that I was the literal last person in my grade to shave their legs (which I didn't even want to do if we're being real).
I feel like those of us who had these experiences with this crap turned out to be cooler people anyway, so even though its a cliche, we came out on top. WOO GO US YEAH POWER TO THE BOOBLESS
BOOBLESS4LYFE
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! This video really opened my eyes and made me realize I'm not alone in having social issues. I've been bullied, I'm not brave or confident, and I hope to change all of that! It's really nice to see someone like you, who is amazing and fun to watch and outgoing, and know that you were once like me! It really changes the way I look at you (in a good way). I look at people like you, Jesse, Raeleen, and Ariel and think "wow these people are amazing and perfect" and I wish I was more confident as you guys, and then I watch a video like this and it enables me to relate to you. It makes me realize that you are human too, and I love being able to connect to people like you in that way!
Just like you I am hoping that my BookTube channel will help me gain confidence both on camera in real life. I love your videos and and every single time I post a new video on my channel I can see myself growing and becoming more enthusiastic and outgoing and I love seeing that change.
Keep making videos, Christine, because in both big and small ways you're changing lives :D
Have a great day and keep on reading!
*aggressively hugs you* i'm so happy that youtube is helping you too and thank you for this comment
christine should never feel insecure. she is the loveliest person i know and is beautiful, although that doesn't matter if you have her heart
does anyone else just automatically like a polandbananas video before it even starts.
I love you so much Christine and I think that you should never feel bad about yourself because I love you and your videos!!! I LOVE YOU CHRISTINE!!!!
That was genuinely moving, thanks for opening up like that.
This video was perfect. So much is defined by being popular still in school and sometimes it's hard when you're the school "nerd" or "geek" but Instagram and booktube have really helped me be me and not a fake version of myself
Nerds are cool now. Booktube is evidence :)
Same especially tumblr helped
It really surprises me that school in the US can really be like that; with the social pyramid and the jocks, the cheerleaders and all that stuff we see on tv and movies. In my country its not like that at all. I'm not going to lie and say that there are no bullying and mean people, but definetely not at this scale. In my school there was no such thing as popularity; we were all equal despite our differences.
I love your videos Christine. You put a smile on my face with every single one of them. Greetings from Argentina! :)
Same here in Britain
Time to move to one of those places haha
Same in Egypt.
lbailey 6157 I'm sorry to here that :( - what part of Britain are you from?
this video was so inspiring christine. you're such a role model for all your viewers!
MAN this was such a great video Christine. I had so many problems with bullying and stuff in middle school and high school so this resonated with me so so much.
And when you started tearing up I started tearing up oh my freaking gosh. This was just such a wonderful video yeah yeah yeah.
I was the opposite with the chest thing. I got boobs before all the other girls and people were really mean about it, they called me a slut or said that I stuffed my bra. I think sometimes bullies will pick on people for any reason at all.
Same
Ppl r mean about everything. You got through it tho, words hurt, but remember they don't mean anything. A boy in my math class calls me lesbian because I like hanging out with guys and I hug my friends that r girls:(
I agree there's no way to please bullies
I know exactly how you feel! Every since fifth grade I've been told I stuff my boobs.
yeah...I got boobs in 3rd grade and even had the teacher tell me I had to wear a bra, and it was so embarrassing. The boys made fun of me all the time - and there was this one girl who was so excited because she wore a bra too and she wanted to have bra discussions and I was like....can we not....?
Wow, she's 15?! That's awesome! I was sucked into the book pretty much from the start from your description. But to find out that she's still so young and already published, definitely checking it out. I was bullied from 3rd grade to pretty much the end of high school, and MAN did it blow. It's nice to see someone who went through what I went through, make a name for themselves. Keep it up Christine! You're a big inspiration to many :)
Wow, I was so touched and moved by this video, there are actual tears in my eyes. I can relate to so much of this and I feel like you expressed everything really beautifully. I got this book from Penguin at PTA live and it's just kind of been sitting on my shelf because I haven't had the motivation to read it, but you've definitely given me that motivation - I'll have to pick it up ASAP. Thanks so much for your inspiring presence on RUclips, you should know you have such a positive influence on your viewers - myself included! xx
But Christine is such as sweetheart. This video was the sweetest thing
Christine, this was such an amazing video. I really want to read this book now!
I'm so so sorry that you had to go through all of that, but you are such a wonderful person and those people all missed out in having an amazing friend! Im so so proud of what youre doing and I know you'll go far.
I can relate to a lot of what you said....
When I was in middle school I ended up being in "the cool crowd" during school.. but then I was always left out after class ended. It's like most of those popular girls would just talk to me and use me for my homework and stuff.. but they never wanted to hang out after. Like there was a big group of around 7 or 8 or us and usually the other 7 would get invited for slumber parties and bday parties but I wouldn't. . It took me a long time to realize I didn't have to put with it...
Like you said it's way too hard to keep up with tons and tons of "best" friends... I eventually met two girls that I spent just about all my time with in 8th grade and I was so happy just spending time with them and never really missed those other girls...
This is why I truly love you Christine, other than books and the songs and the other things we have in common, I can completely relate to the anxiety, and I'm still struggling with mine, but you inspire me so much!
I just have to get this book ...
I almost teared up at the end, I FEEL YOU. Middle school was the worst for me! This was such a great video and you deserve every bit of "popularity" you get on booktube!
Christine you have truly been an inspiration to me. By watching your videos I have learnt that I shouldn't give a crap about what I act like and for the most part I don't. I really can't thank you enough for helping me break out of my shell and become the real me, cheesey but oh well!
Christine! Thank you for this video! I agree with everything you said. I was always extremely unpopular in school, always labeled 'the quiet girl', which I didn't realize until after high school, was legit social anxiety. Confidence is a huge thing, and I am slowly starting to get better, too. You are seriously such an inspiration to me. When I first saw your videos, I always loved how outgoing and fearless you are. It's nice to know that you also are dealing with social anxiety and stuff, but you're also not afraid to be yourself!
I'm so grateful for our little infinity.
:)
***** Okay.
Christine this is a perfect example of why people here on booktube love you, you're such a positive person, and Im so glad you uploaded this video. Thanks for sharing your stories :) You're the best :D!
a) started this video, paused two minutes in, located a free epub version of the book
b) finished reading the book
c) unpaused the video, finished watching it
d) one of my favourite videos. and books. it's kind of really incredible.
e) how is maya real i mean come on who's life is so structured
f) also recently became obsessed with "popular song" by mika which is based off "popular" from wicked (the tune is) so this was a nice connection i guess since you kept singing that little tune from the beginning
g) this comment is getting long
h) tl;dr great video. great book.
I'm going to follow all steps thanks lol
+anime fanatic Watch Soul Eater
Julia L I've seen soul eater it's one of the first anime I watched when I was 13 and till today still is one of my favourites however I didn't like the new soul eater released last year it tarnished the epicness of the original soul eater
anime fanatic Soul Eater Not? I've heard of it, wasn't intrested. My first anime was Death Note sometime last year. I think I like Soul Eater and I met the girl under the fully blossomed cherry blossom tree and my fate has begun to change (that's the english translation for your lie in april.)
Julia L wow so I guess your quite new to anime? :) I remember watching death note when it came out :) has be one of my favourites along with a million others lol. Yeh soul eater not is quite bad I could tell from episode 1 it had fan service and eye candy in mind, pretty disappointing because it was much anticipated :/. Also the other animes you mentioned I've never heard of them! Are they new releases? It must be good if you enjoyed it very much like soul eater and death note :) are those 2 other anime you mentioned worth watching? Because I happen to be running low on animes to watch and wouldn't mind watching if it's good :)
I love this video. I struggle with social anxiety as well. It was nice to hear someone else talk about it. I also agree with the fact that I don't think you need a bunch of best friends its about the quality of the friends you have and the quality of your friendship. Absolutely amazing video!
I just finished my freshman year of highschool , and ever since 6th grade I've been the awkward nerdy girl. At my school sports are what make you "popular" and I suck, so that doesn't help either. But anyway, I really look up to you and your one of my favorite youtubers, so hearing that you were akward and nerdy in highschool too, and you became this amazing RUclips who gets sponsored by publishers, and meets authors, and all these other amazing things and opportunities was really inspirational to me. Thank you for making this video.
Emily Centa Same. I suck at sports and I'm good at music which is nerdy. Keep shining though
Oh my goodness Christine, thank you so much for sharing your stories! I just graduated middle school this morning, and that alone was stressful. I've always tried to follow around very outgoing people, hoping that if the can say hi first, I may be able to wedge myself into a conversation. There has always been so much built up anxiety around socializing, and that people wouldn't like me if I act like myself, so I've always pulled myself out of the equation. Knowing that someone as sweet and amazing as you has gone through similar things really gives me that little ounce of confidence that I may be able to do something cool too!
3:41 I can literally exactly relate to this whole part. I'm in 8th, 4'9, flat chested and flat faced, insecure, introverted random shadow...
--
And my 5th-7th grade story was I found this great awesome rebelious new girl named Serenity who was shorter than me, which was extremely surprising because I've always been the shortest in class, who came in the middle of 5th grade and we were both reading THG which was what brought us to become friends and is also why THG is so close to my heart. But every time I am being myself, I see the look on everybody's faces that reads, "Ew she's weird. Walk away from her" everywhere.
I've always been shorter than all my friends so by 7th, Serenity's way taller than me, and dyes her hair blonde, wears 8' heels, obsesses over Starbucks, and just basically changed her whole entire personality. One lunch we were talking about Popularity and I kept saying it was stupid and she loved it because she was the most popular in the class and everybody, girls and guys, worshiped her. She said I was the "Eh" She was "Popular" and my other better Nerdy friends, were "Nooo" and I just lashed out inside.
Basically she ditched me for some other girl who eventually got me suspended and lead my mom to pull me out of the only school I've ever gone to since Kindergarden... And I'm left friendless..
If you or anyone took your time to read this, thank you so much.
This is definitely one of my favourite videos you have EVER done. I really related to this, especially the table thing. It's really reassuring to know that someone else has felt this way as well!
Christine I am SO LATE TO THIS GAME! I had never been able to watch this video all the way through because everything hit me on such a personal level. I was made fun of for hitting puberty too fast (first one with boobs and taller than everyone else and deeper voice) and as a senior I ended up being made fun of for being short. I feel for you so much on what you went through in high school. 8th grade was by far the hardest year on a friendship level. but that went all throughout high school. I send you so much love and you deserve to be where you are!
You and your videos always inspire me so much, especially this one. I also kind of have confidence problems, but I'm sure I'll be better now. Thanks for being who you are and for everything else
This video is perfect! I don't know if you've seen whats been happening on booktube lately, but lots of people are kind of bashing people who have success with their videos. You are my favorite booktuber ever Christine and you make me want to endlessly read. Keep em coming! :)
You're the best Christine!
you were the one who actually got me to start watching booktube. I was looking up a summary for City of Lost Souls in January because I wanted to be reminded about what had happened, and your review came up. No one around me really loves books, so a lot of the time I feel out of place. But now if I ever feel like that, I just have to watch your video's, or peruse project, or katytastic, or anyone else's and remember that I am not alone. Thank you so much for making videos!
ALSO this video is so great and SO GLAD we met that first vidcon when neither of us really knew anyone :) GOOD TIMES MY FRIEND, GOOD TIMES
You are truly amazing!! Thanks for reminding me that everyone is just human and that most of us feel the same way.. You just make me wanna go out in the world and hug all the people!!
I'm homeschooled, so I've never experienced that. I'm starting college this fall and I'm introvertive and shy, and I'm really nervous, but I love what you said in this video. You're so awesome, Christine! I want to meet you one day! It's too bad I'm not going to Vidcon!!
***** Aww, thanks!!! :)
stephitysteff I know this is late but I feel you. I'm really scared to go from homeschooling to college, even though I'm currently in 9th grade.
Christine, you are my role model. You've made me a more outgoing and confident person. Middle school is harsh, and you got me through. Instead of feeling embarrassed anymore I learned to just laugh at my embarrassing moments, and be more happy. Thank you so much Christine, you are such an inspiration.
I have never ever ever been confident, I'm still not, for example, the other day in college (uk college) I was sat outside my tutor room waiting to go on reading a book, and I felt I was being judged, people would stare I was they walked past. The only time I have ever really spoken to strangers is when I was in Waterstones at one point this book shop and these two girls were talking about Sherlock and as a fangirl I wanted to talk to them about it and we did. I just usually stay in my room a lot, I don't hang out with my friends a lot and I'm usually always on my own.
and also, in school I was bullied, I was considered the 'freak' or the ugly girl of the school. All the guys were arse holes, if they ended up partnered with me, they would laugh and protest to the teacher. The girls, well half of them were bitches to me, they all called me ugly, tried to intimidate me. In college now, there's no real bullying that goes on, nobody really says anything but in a lot of classes, I'm just by myself and sort of keep myself to myself.
Courtenay Gray I know what you mean. That's how my whole high school experience was. Though honestly I have learned to not let that get to me because I've found out that I have done far better things then the people who bullied me in high school. Then when I had no friends I took comfort in making RUclips videos and reading books. Through that I learned I liked to make videos.
luckyredReviews What a nice story, well I am glad you are okay now :)
I relate to you on many different levels. This is insane.
I just really love you for this video and my appreciation for you has really shot up rn!!!! That period of my life literally sucked for me too. It got progressively better as the years passed and now i'm a first year in university and it's definately better than how I was at school but I can relate to you so much! When I was about 15 I was competitive, introverted and just so ugly because of puberty! And there was this particular year when people called me stuff and I was so not confident and I never stood up for myself and like you said, i never wanted to be popular i just wanted to be respected or at least to be left alone. But now i'm really working on the confidence thing because I reallise so many things that I didn't konw in the past and I totally agree with you on everything you just said and you're such a role model for me. Thanks ;)
you are such a big inspiration to me... i am about to go to high school, and all through middle school i was the "invisible" one, shy and hurt easily, and you have seriously pushed me to open up a lot more... thank you
You know, all of your videos are amazing but I felt like this one is really special. Doesn't matter if you were born in the US, in Europe or in Turkey (like me), all of us experienced the same thing. Middle School and High school times are the times in our lives when everyone is building their own personality. But young people around us are not still open to different /things souls that times. People are too young to accept and appreciate these little differences. Everyone is different which is a beautiful thing. Especially reading taught me that. It taught me that everyone has their own story waiting to be explored. That's why I never got the popularity clearly when I was still at high school. Every soul's story is precious and everyone should have their opportunity to be heard. I believe everyone will eventually get it. I wish it would be much sooner. This video's going to make people think about that. So, THANK YOU Christine. :)
This video was beautiful and I loved hearing you talk about your experiences because I've been through so much sucky stuff at school too, ILY CHRISTINE
Thank you for being you, Christine. I couldn't even comment on this video until today, because I'm so shy... I didn't know what to write and I was afraid of writing the wrong thing. I saw this video the day that it came out, but ... I just want to say I look up to you a lot.
this video couldn't have come at a more perfect time for me! I've always struggled with self-confidence, I've ways had a hard time approaching people. it terrifies me, to think of having to go up to someone. this video is going to help a lot. thanks, Christine!! your amazing!
THANK YOU for this video, I really want to get more brave and confident this summer and branch out and try new things and this video is really inspiring,
thank you for sharing your story with us =D You're absolutely amazing and I love you a lot !
Your profile picture is gorgeous xx
Awww thank you so much !! :')
This is such an important video. Thank you for sharing your experiences and being living proof that things can get better. I wasn't comfortable with myself until I was 22 so I'm still learning how to embody that confidence. I really appreciate your upbeat energy and love for yourself.
89.4 is the worst -___-
lol
Thanks for this video. High school (and school in general) is hard for many, including myself. Knowing that someone I look up to struggled and was willing to explain their troubles to help me and others is so inspiring. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.
social anxiety. gOD. ever since i was in middle school i've had it. i'm nineteen now and it's gotten so out of hand that i feel like it's this cycle now and there's no way to just get it to go away.
but as for school issues, this one time in math during my junior year, this cute looking guy starts talking to me and i'm sitting there all like "oh my god oh my god this human is communicating with me and he has an amazing face should i touch it or nah" and then when i start to think i might actually have a chance, this guy asks for the math work that i so happened to be the only one who finished. and all i could think was "OH MY GOD I'VE BEEN DECEIVED" so i hand it to him, 'cos i mean, i couldn't say nO. so he takes it and then, without asking me if it's ok just hands it around the class. so, yeah. the only times i ever felt popular in school was when i was being used for something. i have a good memory so i was copied off of in history. i like equations and the subject in general so i was copied off of in math. i like to read and write so i was copied off of in english.
if i go off about middle school i'll be here for days though. but wow. it's really refreshing to see that i'm not the only one who goes through these things. thanks for sharing this, christine. it really gave me the boost i needed. x
THIS VIDEO IS SO IMPORTANT! I had a horrible time in middle school and unfortunately I'm not having a great high school experience either *sigh * I guess it happens! but I totally get you on WANTING to be more confident, and wanting to be the person who goes up to strangers to strike up a conversation but it's just so hard! It also sucks when it seems to be only you having a tough time D:
You re the best!!!
I really appreciate that you put this up and talked about being outgoing and meeting new people and what it means to be popular. I myself don't like talking to new people, I can't go up to someone and just say hi, unless I am with a friend. When I am around some girls in my class I'm almost always quiet and keep to myself and they tell me to join in and be myself. But them I act like myself and they start giving me strange looks, and I just give up and go back to being quiet and awkward. I am always paranoid that everybody around me think that I am the most annoying person on the planet and they just want to get away from me. So because of this I have just become an awkward person who finds it hard to be themselves in public. It is so frustrating and I feel less confident. Thank you so much for discussing this topic, I really appreciate it. By the way I love all your videos!
I AM THE AWKWARD CHAIR PERSON. 100%.
this video actually moved me to tears. like I have such a hard time getting through school. I criticize myself too much, which has made me very insecure, and it really makes it difficult for me to ever be comfortable with who I am. So christine, I just want to say that I admire you so much, and you inspire me to become more confident and outgoing. I'm very proud of you christine.
There is this popular girl and in fifth grade she "befriended" me. She would tell me how to do my hair in certain styles so this boy I liked would think I was "sexy". I was 11 at the time. Turns out she was making a fool out of me, talking behind my back and making fun of my so called weird interests every chance she got. I found out from my best friend and I didn't believe my friend. Eventually I understood and it is my biggest regret letting her change me, I wasn't true to myself. I'm fourteen now and she is one of the worst people I have ever met. Jokes on her though because I dated the boy who liked me for me and my best friend and I are still super close. Popularity all stems from greed or jealously or both. Keep your head up and stay strong everyone💕
YOU GO GIRL 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
This was amazing. It altered my life. Middle school sucked for me too. Bullying sucks. I'm 22 and some of those insecurities still nag at me. Thank you for being an inspiration.
Person: why do you only have like, 5 friends?
Me: quality not quantity.
I'll be honest. Im best friends with all the popular girls. But to be honest, I'd rather spend time with my other friends. See the popular girls sit at one table. Any grade before this year (6th grade) I'd sit with them. But then I realized; "hey, they don't treat me as great as these other friends do." So I sit with my real friends. These friends don't care about how you look or what you wear or about what other people think. And I need that in my friendship. To be honest, the popular girls and I have known eachother from as early as 4th grade (by that I mean that's when I knew all of them) and some since kindergarten. I'm invited to some things, and some not. But now I'm drifting away, and I don't care. Actually, a girl that I knew in kindergarten and is a well liked popular girl, she makes fun of me for watching book tubers, Which sucks. And lastly, for the yearbooks, we have to answer 3 questions:
Hobbies?
Future Careers?
Looking Forward to in Middle School?
My answer for the last one was making new friends.
Christine, I honestly love how competitive you are. DON'T EVER CHANGE.
I can't even count how many times I've watched this video
I'm IN middle school going into eighth grade and you just made me feel amazing about myself. I only found you today through a friend of mine and I wish I could have been there for those times when your viewers made you feel "popular" and special, but you're awesome! Thank you.
I think Middle School was essentially just a giant middle finger in the face for everyone
I'm pretty sure everything you said just described my life/experience throughout school. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that but thank you for sharing! It's nice to know I'm not alone in feeling a certain way or not being as confident as I would like. This was such an amazing video!
I was such an ugly duckling in my middle school and HS years.Starting out my 6th grade year, I was tall and skinny (lanky),I had a D size chest, and very bad acne. I was super shy.(I still am, but I'm working on it.) I didn't start wearing makeup until I was 19 and out of my mother's house. She didn't allow us to wear it; nor were we allowed to date.Boys were off limits basically.Not that I had an ice cube's chance in hell of attracting one.My long hair was natural at a time when almost every black girl relaxed their hair, and I was poor- so I couldn't afford the popular clothing styles.But I was super smart and athletic. And although I didn't have many friends. I generally got along well with everyone. I was a "nerd" who could play sports and a "jock"who made an excellent study buddy. And the funny part is that there was a white girl in 6th grade who was, like, my twin.Big boobs, lanky, acne, wild curly hair.We even had the same name-Carrie!We were bffs all through MS.We played the same sports,and slept over at each others house.My world crumbled when her family moved state the summer before freshman year. Of course I was picked on by a few people, and had you talked to me then I would have said my life sucked.
It remained that way all the way until I finished HS. But it was what it was.I survived the self inflicted negativity and the negativity of others.And I hold no grudges because I believe that even the kids in the popular group had their fair share of problems trying please everyone in order to be popular.
And today you are a BEAUTIFUL sister, mother and wife :-) so grateful for you sister Carrie :)
you have a beautiful heart :) really bright lady :D
This video touched my heart. I have had a rough time through school and I'm slowly gaining confidence now I have just finished. Thank you for sharing your experience as it shows me what a bright future I could have and that I am not alone. Thank you x
You're so cute. I just love you. I was awkward in middle school up until 8th grade. I still wish sometimes I could go back re-do things....like makeup, clothes, how I acted. I had the opposite problem...My boobs were big and I felt like a freak because of it. Just goes to show you how insecure everyone is. Middle school=Hell. Ha. but everyone has awkward phases. lol.
This video was beautiful and honest and I loved it. Thanks, Christine.
I love this video SO much! I just finished middle school this spring. I'm a "nerd" and I just learned to love that about myself. People made fun of me for always having my nose in a book or always studying, but I just decided that those are the things I love an if people can't except me for those, that was ok. They didn't have to be my friends. Through this, I found my true friends, who were like me. I totally agree with you that confidence is the key! Thanks again for making this video! You are such an inspiration!
Okay so in middle school I knew this one girl, met her around mid way through 6th grade and we would walk home together. And she was one of the people that cared more about popularity and I didn't so much, so 7th grade comes around and we have the same 6th period together, so we walk home together again. As we would walk home she would like to gossip about like everyone and I would pretty much just tune her out the whole time. Well one time my other friend that I am closer to now walked with us and I always got to my house first so they walked on. The next day my friend that had walked with us that day told me that the original girl had gossiped about me and I was like whatever I don't really care because me and the original girl I didn't really count as close. I still walked with her though because I don't really know, maybe because I am nice. Well now let's go to eighth grade (we don't walk together this year) and we are in the same math class again (algebra 1 honors) and we had dear (pretty much free time for 30 minutes) during this class so everyday during dear she would go up to me and tell me to stop reading and I would respond like I don't see why I would want too. And sometimes she would take my book (Harry Potter) from my hands... I think she even ripped a page and she was like why does it even matter. She was just so stupid, like besides from telling my that reading was stupid everyday she would tell me how I need to wear make up so that I can get a boyfriend and be popular and you know I had told her many times that I don't really care for dating or for being popular at all, I was just fine. And then she would ask how many people did I hang out with during the summer, making it seem like I had no friends (which I did, and probably a lot more loyal friends). I think that the whole funny part of this is that 1. when other people were in the conversation about how I should try harder or something they would stick up for me and not her and 2. she failed out of that algebra class about a quarter of the way through the year so I didn't have to deal with her anymore. Sorry for ranting, stupid people just annoy me.
I love how open and honest you are because we have all been there!
I don't see why everyone has to listen and look at other people and feel intimidated. I went (kind of still go) to an all boys school and I went in everyday not giving a crap what people said despite my sexuality and the fact I wear makeup. I'm a fabulous bitch and I know that!
I had like 6 close friends, after a year old 3 of them became close close friends that I could trust, but I was kind of popular at not being popular. Everyone knew who I was, I didn't know who they were. It's what I get for having the surname of "Crump" and being the only gay person in the school.
I'm in middle school right now and this video made me feel really good. I'm not the prettiest girl but I do think everyone in my grade should watch this. We need this. Thank you.
Wish I had four friends :/ I guess one is okay.
You are amazing. I'm proud of you, really. Discover your channel is the most happiest memory of my last two years. When I'm sad, I always watch your videos, and out of nowhere I find myself laugh and smile, and I'm like "Yeah, this is a bad period of my life, but I can always smile and I can always be happy".
I hate that you had to go through so many bad things at school, I really hate that. Going to terrible crap at school is always... so bad, you feel like shit, you feel sad and many other things, but you are amazing and strong. Just like a flower, you have blossomed in this amazing, unique, girl. Love you... and can I say that I'm proud of you? Because I am.
(I must say many many "sorry", 'cause my english is not perfect)
Lots of love and hugs.
Hey Christine,
I no you will never really have a chance to read this but I just wanna get my story across, about 5 months ago I posted a book review on my channel of the first vampire academy book. The next day I went to school and everyone made fun of me for even reading the book, it was really upsetting being ganged up on like that and told I'm weird or strange for reading a book,
Yours Abby,
You're not weird or a freak for reading that book my friend and I LOVE it! And if reading makes me or anyone else weird I don't ever want to be normal.
your not weird at all, fuck what they say, loved the book and other books. They don't realize how interesting and cool you are!
Who cares what others think. Do what makes YOU happy! And, if reading and reviewing makes you happy, don't let others stop you.
Thank you all so much! Booktube is the best place
Abby Tervit I fell like BookTube is a huge community that both talks about books but also takes care of each other. Everyone is super nice and supportive and wonderful and I am so happy to be apart of it. Regular RUclips is so split up between what their videos are about and they don't really create something like this. BookTube is probably the best thing on the Internet and I love it and everyone in it. It's like I have an endless amount of friends that understand me better than most of my real friends do. Thank You!
Aw, Christine, I teared up at the end, when you talked how been on RUclips has help you. I completely agree when you talked about people having many friends and how can they possibly split themselves to be with all their friends. How is that even possible?! I might give that book a try. Keep on being awesome Christine!
Having known Maya since a young age (our parents are friends), it was a joy to read the book. I love Maya so much.
i got teary watching this video..i think popularity doesn't matter as long as u have friends who love's who u truly are.. thank u Christine for sharing your experiment Xx
I relate to this video on so many levels. Thank you for making this video. It really made me think about my journey in life and how far I've come in terms of confidence and social anxiety. I knew you were my favorite youtuber for a reason.
Thank you so much for posting this Christine
Christine... thank you. Your story, just like so many others, is one you learn from and sharing it to us, your subscribers, is a beautiful gift. : )
this is the first of your videos i have watched and you seriously inspired so many people who at some point felt the same way to stay true to themselves and embrace their uniqueness.You're an honest and genuine person, i hope you continue grow in your confidence.
Christine your such an amazing person and I love your personality! You should never be afraid to talk to people because EVERYTIME I show your videos to my friends they LOVE you!!! Thank you for making these videos!
I just gasped so hard when you pulled that book out!!! It was AMAZING!!!!
So glad you made this video Christine, I feel like I can relate to you in the aspect of having extreme social anxiety and being shy. Thanks for letting us know that we are not the only ones who have these struggles:)
IM SO GLAD I STUMBLED BY THIS VIDEO! I love how honest you were in this video and it makes me happy to see you happy!! All I wanted to do after watching this was give you a hug. Thank you for everything you do
My middle school and high school life was really similar to yours, almost everything you said was the same to me. I'm on college now and still working on the confidence thing, it's not going really well but it's way better than it was in high school. I'm glad we are helping you, i love your videos and I can always relate to you and have a laugh. Keep being awesome ;)
this video really touched me and i'm really happy you made it. Knowing i'm not the only struggling through high school. Thank you so so so much.
Awww Christine you made me Cry towards the end : ( You are honestly the biggest inspiration to me, Keep it up!
Awww I love you so much Christine!!!
I completely feel you Christine, you expressed all these feelings and experiences really well. High school was the difficult one for me. I think I will buy this book. Great video.
Christine your the best!!! I can relate to you so much. I read Popular for summer reading and I LOVED IT. It helped me realize how I can become more confident and brave in awkward situations. Love your videos!
this hit me right in the feelings. i move a lot, so being the new kid it's not easy finding friends, specially if its like a class that has known each other for a longtime. it's always hard making the first move and approaching new people. So Christine I'm so happy you are more confident know. I love you so much, please keep making videos, because they always make me smile and laugh even when i'm sad
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!!! I'm in middle school and I can relate to a lot of the things you said. You have really inspired me to try and be more confident so thank you 😄😊☺️
I'm glad that you made this video. Even though I wasn't popular but wasn't like a loner. I had my group of friends. So I am glad and blessed that I didn't really have all the problems that other people seemed to have.
The ending made me cry :( you are such a beautiful person Christine and are soo deserving of 124 thousand friends
Little Christine is adorable!
I relate to you in so many ways it's scary. I was so awkward in middle school and strict and serious and antisocial and I did embarrassing things because I thought that would make more people like me. But now, I actually really like high school because people have cracked me out of my protective shell and I've met people I can be myself around and it's great and I love this video so much, it put a huge smile on my face. Please don't ever stop making videos:)