Each year, AMLE’s Middle School Student Sound Off Contest invites students across the world to share creative projects that express what it’s like to be a middle schooler today. The 2025 winner, Brody Cunningham, currently a ninth grader from Georgia, stood out for his powerful narrative that captured both the chaos and the clarity of adolescence.
“Being a middle schooler is like standing in the middle of a noisy room trying to find your voice between the echoes,” Brody wrote in his submission. “You hear the worst, the best, the confusing, the constant—but then one day you realize the loudest voice is yours.”
In his conversation with hosts Phyllis Fagell and Jessica McGuire on AMLE’s Middle School Walk & Talk podcast, Brody shared how those words reflect his own journey of learning to speak up and define himself amid the whirlwind of early adolescence. “Middle school can be a messy place,” he said. “For most people, it’s hard to conform or find your identity. But once you focus more on yourself and not necessarily on the standards, you start forming your own.” For Brody, middle school wasn’t just about surviving the chaos—it was about discovering who he wanted to become.
The Power of Connection
Brody credits much of his growth to the relationships he built with his teachers. One in particular, Ms. Kellum, made a lasting impact, not because she was funny or kind (though she was both) but because she believed in him. “She gave me a stage to show off what I’m good at,” Brody said. “She helped me fix mistakes, overcome conflict, and really express myself.”
Even though she wasn’t his classroom teacher, she became a constant presence in his middle school life, cheering him on in academic competitions and offering advice when he needed it. That kind of support, Brody explained, helped him feel that he belonged. “If other students could connect with teachers in the same way,” he said, “they’d feel more comfortable and more willing to spread their voice and show who they really are.”
His story reflects a truth that educators know well: when students feel seen and supported, they are more likely to take the risks that lead to real learning and self-discovery.
What Teachers Sometimes Miss
When asked what teachers sometimes misunderstand about middle schoolers, Brody responded with remarkable honesty. “At the end of the day, we’re all students,” he said. “Boredom can definitely get the best of you.” For him, disengagement wasn’t about defiance, instead it was about a lack of challenge. “When I didn’t feel like I had to give it my all, I would tend to back away and goof off,” he admitted.
What makes the difference, he said, are teachers who know how to tap into students’ natural curiosity and desire to connect. “The best classes are the ones where teachers let students collaborate and learn from each other,” Brody said. “That’s when everyone’s engaged.”
His reflections highlight something every middle school educator wrestles with: how to balance structure with autonomy, and seriousness with fun. Brody’s insight suggests that giving students a voice in their learning might be one of the most powerful ways to keep them motivated.
Bridging the Communication Gap
Brody believes open communication between students and teachers is essential. “Silence creates chaos,” he said. “When people aren’t communicating, that’s when bad things start to happen.” He encouraged teachers to take the first step in building relationships, especially with students who might be hesitant to reach out.
“Some students don’t have the confidence to make friends with a teacher,” he explained. “If the teacher takes the first step to bridge that connection, it can really help students feel more comfortable and focused.” He described this kind of relationship as the foundation for meaningful engagement in school, where learning becomes a shared experience rather than a one-sided exchange.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Now in high school, Brody has a new appreciation for what made middle school special. “In middle school, I could be more myself,” he reflected. “High school feels like there are more eyes on you. The stakes are higher.”
He described middle school as a time when mistakes are expected and even necessary. “In high school, it feels like the standard’s already set,” he said. “But in middle school, that’s your time to grow. You can mess up and learn from it. That’s what makes it so important.”
That growth mindset, he believes, is what defines the middle school years. It’s the stage where students are still figuring out who they are, and that’s exactly what they should be doing.
Advice for Middle Schoolers
When asked what advice he would give to students just starting middle school, Brody paused to think. Then he said something both wise and practical: “Focus on who you want to become, not who you are.”
He acknowledged that social media, peer pressure, and the desire to fit in can make it hard to stay true to yourself. “If you just take a second to reflect on who you are, your characteristics, how you excel, that can really pave the way for your future,” he said.
But for students who might not yet know who they want to be, Brody’s message was one of patience and persistence. “Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out,” he said. “Just take one step at a time. Keep walking through the door in front of you, and eventually you’ll find who you are.”
Finding Your Voice
Brody’s reflections capture what makes middle school such a defining time in a young person’s life. It’s noisy, confusing, and sometimes chaotic. But it’s also full of possibility. His words remind educators that when students are given the space to explore, connect, and express themselves, they can discover something powerful: their own voice.
As Brody put it, “Once you realize the loudest voice is yours. Maybe that’s when you finally start listening.”