Students today are faced with much more than math problems.
"I think every kid has been through bullying," Kathleen Stafford, a children's service coordinator said. "I was picked on constantly for my appearance or the clothes that I had."
Joel Cannady, 14, said bullying is something he'd like to change.
"It's a big problem, especially for some of the younger kids in younger grades," Cannady said.
A new event in Beckley was designed to make going back to school a little easier.
The Redefining Cool Youth Summit and Concert helped put some students at ease.
"It helps a lot to know that there are kids like you if you get bullied in school," he added.
People of all ages packed into Word Park in Beckley Wednesday for some jazz and blues.
Kathleen Stafford is a former bullying victim.
She said the arts helped her make it through.
"I had great family and great friends that were there to support me and I kind of just involved myself in music and in sports," she said. "I just let it all out with music and played guitar."
That's why organizers plan to make the summit an annual event.
"Hopefully next year we'll have more people that can give information to the youth to arm them for going back to school and redefining cool," Antonia Ritchie, an organizer of the event, said.
For many, the best part was knowing they're not alone.
"Just getting together with kids my age and the music," Cannady said.
"You know there are people out here that will support you and help you through this," added Stafford.
The event helps send kids back to school with a new definition of cool.
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