I was a rather small child growing up. I was, and remain, small boned. Compared to other kids I was very scrawny and skinny. This apparently gave the other kids permission to constantly harass me for my weight. I was made fun of when the teachers weren't looking, left mean notes in my locker, and was constanty told I looked sickly and unattractive. I would use the phonebooth outside of the cafeteria and have my mother come pick me up from school everyday during lunch. I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety in middle school. I began seeing a therapist before I even reached puberty. I let those negative people influence the way I felt about myself. It took many long, hard years to finally gain back the self-esteem and love for my body that my own peers had taken away from me. I was too shy, sweet, and introverted to stand up for myself. It's impossible to go back in time...This is why it is my mission to help kids today deal with their own bullying issues. I want to explain to these kids that they have a voice, and they are important. I want them to love themselves for exactly what they are. I don't want them to fear themselves.