I had friends from other grades when I was in middle school - was part of sports teams and I trained for an entire summer with kids who were 2 years older than

I had friends from other grades when I was in middle school - was part of sports teams and I trained for an entire summer with kids who were 2 years older than me. Initially they bossed me, but over time they really took me under their wing. In the neighborhood I lived - had some friends who were 3-4 years older. Maybe my experience is unusual, but those were great times!