I wanna start off by saying that I am currently a 22-year-old 5''11, 180 lbs man; however, I was not always like this. Back in 6th and 7th grade, I was a short, chubby, and typical kid in school, who also happened to have all the advance classes. I was often referred to as a "nerd" or "geek" because I did so well in school. I remember one day after school, a kid followed me home telling me he could beat me up the entire walk home. I tried ignoring him, but I just couldn't take it anymore so we ended up fighting. I got a couple punches in, but also took some punches myself. I won't lie, it hurt, and I was terrified. But at the same time I was fed up. After the fight I continued to see the bully walk home the same way I did for some time. However, he never picked on me again. For anyone out there that is experiencing some sort of bullying I just want to say Don't be afraid! Bullies are not any stronger, smarter, or better than you are. In fact, chances are they are cowards. Don't let them push you around. I'm not telling you guys you have to fight to make your problems go away, but you can't always walk away from your problems either. If you show a bully you aren't afraid, they will be afraid of you. Don't get down on yourself either! Many instances of bullying that occur do not happen because you're weird, or weak. Most of the time the bully is jealous of the victim and bullies them because they are insecure about themselves. So the bottom line of my story is to stand up for yourself, don't be afraid, and love yourself. Because back then I was a short, chubby, nerd, but now I am a college graduate with great friends, and a beautiful girlfriend. Whoever you are out there, whether or not I know you, just know that I am rooting for you! Things will get better