My first vivid memory of being bullied was at a sleepover in the 5th grade. A girl that was in my class and lived one street over invited me to her party. Most of the girls from our class were going to be there. While I didn't like most of them I figured I'd go anyway in hopes of making friends. Everything was fine for a while. We played board games and watched a movie and of course had cake and ice cream. Then things settled down and the girls decided that we should do makeovers. So the birthday girl's mom brought out some makeup. Now, I've never been a girly girl and I to this day hate makeup and dresses or getting my hair done. But I decided to participate. One girl painted my nails. I tried to just deal with it then decided I didn't like it. So after a bit went and asked the girl's mom if she had nail polish remover. She said yes and helped me clean my nails. I had just left the bathroom and was about walk back into the bedroom when I heard them laughing and then heard my name. A girl I thought was a friend said, "Some times I wonder if she really is a girl." Many of the girls laughed and agreed with her. I gritted my teeth and walked back in. I figured they'd stop being mean but it continued despite my return to the room. "So Courtney, you don't like makeup?" I nodded. Another looked at me and said, "You really should wear makeup or something though so people can actually tell that you're a girl. It's kind of creepy you know. I mean on the first day of school I thought you were a boy." The other girls agreed with her. The subject changed and after a bit I pretended like I had forgotten something at home. I grabbed my stuff and walked back home. I told my parents that I was mistaken and that it was only a party and not a sleepover. They thought nothing of it. From then on the bullying escalated throughout school. And I never really said anything. No one stood up for me. And I want anyone who is dealing with bullying to know that it gets better. You are amazing in your own special way no matter what anyone says to you. Stay strong and be yourself. Life will get better.