As a now 35 year old married woman, you wouldn't think bullying would still impact my life; however, it never stopped influencing me. Bullies come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and genders. Social media helps spread the problem, but it also helps spread awareness of it as well. My story starts from the time I was in 3rd grade - that is the first time I can actually remember my peers and even adults engaging in acts of bullying and humiliation. Around the age of 12, in addition to major family problems including the surfacing of abuse I had endured but tried to conceal, I was a major target for bullies. There wasn't many people I could confide in, and with all hope gone, I wanted to end my life. I was hospitalized but eventually found peaceful outlets through sports, school, and a handful of people who helped me through. Then again as an adult, I found myself the victim of domestic violence & sexual violence. The spiral downward contributed into my late 20's until I found my inner strength. After another abusive relationship, I took a deep look inside myself and realized I had empowered these people to abuse me and bully me. I have held myself back so that others can be happy. I made the decision to start pursuing my lifelong dream of competitive powerlifting. My bullies and abusers always used my size and strength to demoralize me. I always knew I had a natural gift, but I was too scared to show myself to the world, I was too scared of what everyone would think. But after a life time of hiding myself, I was too tired of trying to "fit in". I decided to bust through competitive powerlifting like I had no doubt about myself. In two years, I have become one of the worlds strongest female powerlifters. It is an honor to represent and be among such an elite group, but even more rewarding are the young women who I inspire to compete and push through the taunting and fear of bullying! I have definitely paid the price for putting myself out there, for even such an accepting sport, there are still those who love to bring others down. I still fight and I will always fight to live my life free from judgement, abuse, and bullying!