I visited Aéropostale as an adult. Not much has changed since I was a teen, but I'm not sure that's a good thing.

• I'm a millennial who shopped at Aéropostale religiously in middle school.
• Growing up as a lower-middle-class kid, Aéropostale's clothing was a symbol of belonging.
• During my recent visit, I was surprised to find many of the same styles I wore in my teen years.

The year is 2008 and I'm 13 years old.

I'm in a crowded mall with my friends, and the word Aéropostale is sprawled across my T-shirt, helping me feel more confident.