I loved elementary school. I had a small group of friends, and we enjoyed creating art projects, exploring new places on field trips, and running around outside during the springtime. We would either play kickball at recess or see who could swing higher. I enjoyed being in class and learning new things, and I really liked my teachers. I loved being able to lean on my friends and enjoy their company.

Middle school, however, was a different story. It started with small things, like kids teasing me about my clothes or my haircut. I tried to ignore it, but it was hard. I felt embarrassed and ashamed, even though I loved what I wore and how I styled my hair. Then it escalated to classmates whispering and giggling when looking at me and students tripping me in the hallways. I felt helpless and alone. I didn't know what to do or who to turn to. I felt like I was being singled out and that everyone was against me. It was hard to focus on schoolwork when I was constantly looking over my shoulder, worried about what these classmates might do next.

As the bullying continued, I felt more and more like I didn't belong. I stopped trying to make friends. I didn't want to risk being hurt again, so I kept isolating myself. I felt like I was losing control and that my world was falling apart. I didn't know how to help myself. The situation escalated rapidly when I was in eighth grade. A group of girls cornered me in the bathroom and began to taunt me. I tried to ignore them and walk away, but they wouldn't let me. They made fun of me for things I couldn’t change, like my hair and face. I felt trapped and terrified. Thankfully, a teacher in the school heard the commotion and intervened. She was very upset with what she had witnessed. We went to the office, and the bullies were held accountable for what they had done to me. However, my feelings of anxiety and depression increased because I thought that they were going to be very angry with me.

It wasn't a rapid change after that incident, but slowly, things began to improve. I decided to make new friends who accepted me for who I was. I ultimately became more confident in myself and appreciative of my strengths. By the time I got to high school, I felt like a new person. I was no longer afraid of anyone, and I was able to focus on my studies and my social life.

Looking back on my experience with bullying, I realize that it was a difficult and painful time in my life. But it also taught me important lessons about resilience, courage, and the importance of seeking help, when necessary. I'm grateful for the people who supported me and helped me through those difficult times. I'm proud of myself for becoming stronger and having more grit. Over the next few years, I realized that we need to treat others the way we want to be treated. And if someone is experiencing something similar to what I did, I always have an easier time stopping it than not saying anything at all. From this experience, I have learned how to be more empathetic towards others and to consider their feelings and perspectives as we navigate life.

© Rachel. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.