Staying Strong in the Face of Being Bullied

Everyone has experienced bullying at one time or another. It happens everywhere and at every stage of life. We are often told to ignore it and have the mindset that “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Sometimes it can be harder than merely letting it roll off our backs. Words can and do hurt us from time to time, especially when it is about sensitive topics.

I would like to share a story I have about being bullied:

When I was in kindergarten I was diagnosed with a learning disability; I learn visually. Thus, school was very difficult for me in my early years. Back then, most teachers taught through lectures instead of visuals. Knowing this, my mother enrolled me in a school that had a program for me to learn visually. I did so well in the visual classes that the school principal thought I was “cured” of my disability and therefore put in me in regular classes. In fourth grade I jumped back and forth between the visual classes and the regular classes. Finally in fifth grade, we decided that I would go to a regular class full-time and attend a Resource Specialist Program (RSP) part-time. In my regular class, it was evident to the teacher that I was behind most of the kids in my grade. She decided to tell everyone in the class that I was behind because of my learning disability and that I went to RSP. She announced it as something to be ashamed of. I was very embarrassed by this. From then on, she and the students treated me like I was dumb. She would often yell at me when I had a question. Even when I tried my hardest on the homework and projects, my teacher would give me detention from recess claiming that my work was never enough. She also did this to the other children who were Hispanic and or had learning disabilities. During detention she would have me do office work such as stapling papers together or filing. If they weren’t perfect enough, she would yell at me. There was a group of bullies in my class that she called “her favorites.” One of her favorite students was a girl who was the smartest in the class. The teacher brought this girl up to the front of the class and declared that this girl was her “absolute favorite.” Later that day, that same girl told me that RSP stood for “Retarded Stupid People.” Everyday I came home crying. I didn’t understand why this teacher hated me so much. My parents did all that they could but no one would listen to them. Eventually, I attended the visual class full-time again.

I was bullied because of something I couldn’t control and it came from an adult who was supposed to protect and teach me. Children are impressionable and will often listen to what adults have to say. Teachers have the power to inspire young minds but they also have the power to destroy a child’s love for learning.

Why am I sharing this story? It’s because despite what that teacher had to say about me and despite the students who joined her in bullying me, I did something they will never get to see today; I proved them wrong. I didn’t listen to the things they had to say about me because I knew my value and capabilities. I knew that there was a big world out there waiting for me. I knew that I was going to accomplish great things in my lifetime. Despite what everyone said about me, I graduated from High School with a 3.8 and received my Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University Idaho last year. Even though I was bullied, I didn’t allow this to change the way I treat other people. At the end of the day, I look at myself in the mirror and say that I am proud of the woman I have become.

Here is what I want all of you to do: Whenever you are being bullied or feel that you are incapable, think back to all those times you accomplished something, whether it be big or small, and then tell yourself that you are proud of the person you become. Never let someone else’s words color your heart into bitterness. Don’t let them win. You are strong! You can do anything you set your mind to. Allow yourself to be the Kings/Queens you are, and be kind while doing it.