I stood at the edge of a cornfield, when suddenly hands lifted me and tossed me into the mud. I crashed face-first into the wet, furrowed soil of Pennsylvania, spitting out dirt as I landed. They even hurled my hat, mittens, and coat. Later, I was so soaked and muddy that the school nurse insisted I change into a pair of pants from the lost and found. Bullying means you’re always on edge, never knowing what’s lurking behind you.
I made my way to the classroom’s coat closet, where I spotted my sister’s special red coat with fur lining. I had promised to take care of it. But a few desks away, I watched as Anna snatched it off the hanger and let it crumple to the floor. She stomped on it, leaving dusty prints on the vibrant fabric. I reported it to the teacher, but her indifference made my tears flow as I tried to wipe away the marks. My sister would be furious; I had bragged about how special it was, and now the bullies had ruined it. Bullying means you can’t enjoy nice things without fear.
I didn’t have any real friends—no one to share lunch with or chat about life. Without friends, I lacked someone to tell me I needed to shave my legs. We all wore skirts, and when Sarah and some boys commented that I looked like a gorilla, I went home and shaved. The next day, I arrived at school with a painful gash down my shin, and their laughter rang in my ears. Bullying means you feel like you can’t win.
That summer, I owned a gray shirt featuring an English Setter, a breed I adored. But I knew wearing it would invite ridicule, as someone would inevitably call me a dog. Bullying means you start to change who you are to avoid being hurt.
I spent time with a friend who had a brother my age, and he always found ways to torment me. One day, he hit me with a stick between my legs, and when I covered myself, he laughed and taunted, “Why are you touching yourself?” Bullying means that even in self-defense, you end up feeling ashamed.
High school brought more of the same. A group of girls created a rumor that I was dating the boy of my dreams. For two days, I thought I had a boyfriend, although he never spoke to me. The girls feigned concern, sending one of the popular boy’s friends to announce, “Ryan isn’t dating you, Lizzie. He never was.” Their laughter echoed as they forced me to kiss the most unpopular boy in class. I didn’t like him, but felt pressured to comply. Their laughter followed me as I finally switched lunch tables. Bullying means you can’t trust anyone.
One day in class, while chatting with a friend, Allen suddenly shouted, “Shut up, Lizzie, you’re ugly!” As if one’s appearance justified silencing them. For a 14-year-old girl, being labeled ugly is devastating. Bullying means you’re trapped in self-doubt.
During a Latin test preparation, Michael turned around and scrawled “LEZZIE” on my paper. I slapped him in frustration, and we both ended up in the principal’s office. Bullying means facing punishment for standing up for yourself, regardless of the circumstances.
The bullying was systematic. Spitballs flew across the room, a typical yet cruel tactic of my peers. I was constantly called ugly, with one boy and his gang fixated on me. Bullying means you’re outnumbered.
A friend once told me another girl was upset with me and no longer wanted to be friends. I spent days worrying about losing someone I cared about. Eventually, I received a letter in her distinct handwriting, ignoring everything that had transpired. Bullying means you never know when your allies might abandon you.
From age 7 through high school, I was regularly targeted. Derine Teal was one of the few who dared to stand up for me, even at great personal risk. Her bravery has always stayed with me, especially in light of those who turned a blind eye, including teachers who told me to stop complaining. Derine proved that bullying doesn’t have to go unchallenged. Bullying means standing up for what’s right.
We need more people like Derine in our world—those who speak out against injustice and say, “This is not right; it’s hurting someone.” We can all be that change because bullying means you don’t have to suffer in silence.
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Summary:
Bullying can have a profound impact on an individual’s self-esteem and sense of belonging. The experiences shared highlight the relentless nature of bullying, from childhood through high school, illustrating the emotional toll it takes on victims. It emphasizes the importance of standing up against bullying and fostering a supportive environment for those affected.