Americans are getting teary-eyed over viral videos of their younger self on TikTok: Here's why

There's a reason why childhood memorabilia is one of the most important possessions of a person's life. From photos and videos to even letters, anything done by our younger self for the future brings out an emotional nostalgia that is bound to bring tears to the eyes.

Something similar happened when a bunch of students graduating from high school were shown videos of their sixth-grade selves asking questions to their future selves. Graduates from McCallie School , located in Chattanooga, Tennessee sat down to answer questions that were asked by them when they were in the sixth grade. In the video that has gone viral on TikTok , amassing over 37 million views and 8.5 million likes, people all over the internet are getting teary-eyed and connecting on the growth a child embarks on when they mature.

It is emotional to see how in certain aspects of life you tightly hold hands with your childhood self, however, in others you let them go in order to learn a new aspect of life that is truly correct. The questions asked by the young students definitely showcased the maturity experienced by the graduating high schoolers as they answered a range of questions.

While one was asked if his favourite hobby was still solving a Rubik's cube, another was asked if his favourite food was still Mexican. Other questions followed for subsequent students such as "Is your favourite movie still 'Water Boy'?", "Is your favourite subject world history or math and science?", "The biggest life lesson you have learned this far?" and "Life advice you would give to your sixth-grade self?"

While some answers such as sports and movies remained the same, the students gave very wise advice to their younger self which was to be kind to everyone and biggest life lesson was trying your hardest no matter what as you would feel bad if you didn't. The students also mentioned how they would miss the school and the people who made it special.

NEW: High school graduates answer questions from their sixth-grade selves.

Graduates from McCallie School, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, sat down to answer questions from ... themselves.

The video amassed a whopping 37 million views & 8.5 million likes on TikTok.

This is… pic.twitter.com/6GYNiPosu5

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 21, 2025

Shared by @CollinRugg on X, the video has gained over 3.3M views and 43K likes with people commenting on how teary-eyed and emotional it made them. Some even suggested they would do the same for capturing major life events.

If this isnt a brilliant add for a high school then I dont know what is! This American school certainly turns out educated, smart sensible young men. Well done!

— BeHappy (@StarlightBHappy) May 21, 2025

Thank you for sharing this video. I am going to do this with my 14 year old. What a hugely valuable memory he will have of his young self. Thank you.

— George (@georgeinboise) May 22, 2025

"totally going to do this with the family this weekend! Make it into a family album of memories. Absolute fantastic idea!" commented a person on X.

This video made me so happy. Proud of all those young men.

— Penny2x (@imPenny2x) May 21, 2025

Love the Yale guy telling his younger self to try his hardest and then adds “don’t worry, you’ll end up doing it.” Love that.

— DoxieMama (@PattyEd58654488) May 21, 2025

"I’m blown away…. And a little teary-eyed. 🥹" wrote one, "Aww that made me cry. My oldest daughter is going into 6th grade and my son just turned 20. Goes fast. Very cool idea," added another.