I was bullied relentlessly when I was in middle school and high school. I was lucky. I transferred to a very progressive high school in Nashville when I was a rising sophomore, and when I experienced bullying even there, the school took prompt and efficient action and dealt with the students responsible.

I am now 31 years old. And I want to send the message to everyone out there who reads this that it DOES get better. It isn't just a catchy slogan or a YouTube video campaign. I went on to college, found my place in the world, and then went on to have a successful career, a nice home, and a good life. More than once I wanted to take the easy way out. And I am so glad that I didn't do it. It will get better, I promise. You just have to wait it out long enough till that happens.

And in the meantime, stand up for yourself. Stand up to administrators at your school, stand up to those around you. Call attention to what is happening and hope that it will be corrected. But even if it doesn't, know that this too shall pass...