A geek is like a dork. Someone who’s on the fringe, who you wouldn’t want to hang out with. A nerd is someone too weird and smart to fit in with the masses. Like me.” “You’re not a nerd!” “It’s okay. I know who I am. I consider it a compliment. I like when people tell me I’m weird.” I cram four Cheez Doodles into my mouth. “I mean, why be normal?

You'll get through this. And I know it's impossible to believe right now, but it gets better. Trust me.

Standing in the line at the food court, I try to be myself. But I forget how I usually stand when I'm myself.

In what twisted universe would a girl who's just been dumped still want to be friends with the boy who dumped her?

Now that I know where this life is going, it's time to decide how I'll get there.

No one should be ashamed to speak up. Shame makes it easy for neglect and abuse and bullying to stay huddled together in their dark corner. It’s time to throw the switch on this spotlight. If I can inspire other kids to speak their truth, then everything I’ve been through will have been worth it.

Not even a repeat of Dawson’s Creek makes me feel better.