Growing up I had about a hour long bus ride.  Being Native American, I went to school on the reservation.  I had long hair growing up.  On multiple occasions I had gum thrown in my hair.  Sometimes I knew who did it.  Sometimes I didn't.    I took to carrying a knife with me.  I am very glad that I never resorted to violence and I regret even thinking about it.   I took martial arts for many years afterwards so that I never felt helpless again.  There I learned ways to defuse situations without violence.  But it does get better, as an adult I have a better life now.