My sisters and I were bullied because we lived in a run down trailer.  Our home was called the town dump.  Although I did have a group of very close friends, school was difficult because of the fear of what might happen.  I began to defend myself because I didn't feel the teachers protected us.  One time, I was beat up, but the teacher scolded me because I had left the wall of the school building knowing I could potentially be attacked.  I became a teacher and my past has helped me to build strong relationships with my students.  I want them to be able to trust me that I will do everything in my power to protect them and provide them a safe place to learn and thrive.