Honestly, as a middle school student, the “hardest part” is…. all of it.
Whenever you need to go to the nurse, you panic because of the time, your teacher questions you, or your classmates pepper you with questions or even worse, insults.
One of the worst experiences last year in middle school was during PE. As a diabetic, you always need to bring low snacks, just in case. For me, this is mostly apple juice and some high sugar snack/candy.
We had a long term sub in PE who would favor the boys and be completely dismissive or down right offensive to the girls, including swearing at them. This one particular day we were going outside for activities. I needed to be sure I have my low supplies as activity can cause my blood sugar to crash. Other PE teachers would either hold these with them, or put them in a place where they can ensure I can get them if and when needed. This teacher did not care and made me put my supplies with the other student’s water bottles.
After some time, the physical activity did cause my blood sugar to drop. And I mean DROP! I went to get my low supplies, and as expected in a school with an unmonitored juice and candy supply, they were missing. This lack of concern/understanding/care from someone who is supposed to be there to protect and guide you is difficult. I needed to go to the other PE teacher (who was teaching upper classmen) who had keys to the locker room to get my backup supplies.
