Bullying started when I was about 12. Middle school is where it all began. I wasn't the skinniest or prettiest pre-teen out there. It all started on the bus on the way to camp after school. Man I hated after school camp. I would be called ugly, teased about my weight and even comments about my family. I always played along like nothing happened. Once AIM came out, I began being harassed online. I would get constant messages about how I gross I was, I'm a failure, and even suggesting I should kill myself. To say the least, I was bullied emotionally. Sometimes I would tell my mom I was sick just to miss another day of dealing with people. This was going on for about 3 years. I remember at one point I printed all the messages out and showed them to my teacher. Nothing came out of it. I have told no one, not even my best friends. Once high school hit, bullying stopped but I constantly struggled with my appearance and self-esteem. Now at the age of 21, I am currently enrolled as a student; becoming a special education teacher. My biggest mistake was not telling anyone. There is hope in every story, never let yourself become inferior by the words and actions to those who judge you. Speak up; it’s okay if you’re afraid. For one day, you can be the change by just standing up for your self and be you. Life has just started to grow at this very moment