I was a chubby kid, and I was made fun of from my very first day of
kindergarten. No one knew that a big part of my food addiction was
because I was trying to shield myself from sexual abuse. I never told
my parents about being bullied, nor did I tell them about the sexual
abuse. I endured years of bullying in school until junior high when I
became thin and decided to get angry. Then I was labeled aggressive and
anti-authority. Not very pretty things to be when you are a girl
especially. I have carried that chip on my shoulder my entire life
because it was the only way I knew how to cope and protect myself from
being a victim again. Life is hard when you learn at a very early age
to never trust anyone. Life becomes a very lonely road. I am 50 now,
and I am a teacher. I decided to become a teacher when I was very
young, I believe, because I was bullied. I wanted to protect those who
couldn't protect themselves. So, being bullied has shaped my entire
life including the career I chose. I don't regret who I have become as
an adult, and I would not do anything else for a living because I so
love being a teacher, but sometimes I wonder who I would have been had I
not been bullied and abused as a child. Until this day, I am puzzled
as to why my teachers who I know saw me being bullied, never protected
me. We have to protect our children, even when they are not our own
flesh and blood. That should be everyone's priority.
By writing some words below, you are showing your support and letting everyone know they're not alone.