Throughout the month of October, we’re publishing your
stories about bullying to spread awareness and stomp it out. Here’s a totally
true tale from a real girl just like you.
What happened to your face? by Libby B., 13
“The first time I was bullied was in kindergarten. I had
fallen off my sled onto ice over the weekend and had scratches all over my
face. I went to a school where 4 and 5 year olds were in the same kindergarten
class. That day, a couple of the 5 year olds who had bullied me over the course
of the year on a much smaller scale now had the perfect target.
Sitting in the morning circle I could feel all the eyes on
me. I was quiet and shy. I didn't like the attention but didn't know what say.
I was pretty terrified. When the room was silent, one the boys called out,
"What happened to your face? Did something attack it? You are so
ugly." I sat there silent.
The teacher didn't hear but the rest of the class did and
they all thought it was pretty funny. The rest of the day was trick after
trick. Teasing and torturing, with quiet me doing nothing. I went home and
cried that night alone in my room. I was embarrassed by myself and I thought
they were right. Soon, of course, I found out they were wrong, but what they
said and did I still remember almost 10 years later.
I never thought it could be that bad again, but I was wrong. Through middle
school, I have dealt with pretty harsh words. Girls can be sooo mean. I have
been told some of the worst things I can think of. I know I don't have it bad
at all compared to some people, but this year it’s settling in. I will come
home some days on the verge of tears. Nothing’s worse than being told you’re
ugly when you try to make yourself look super pretty in the morning. Or when
you’re told you’re bad at something when you give it your all, and they make it
obvious they don't want you on their team.
I have friends, but not in my classes, which makes you a
target. You’re the only one without a group, feeling like you’re interrupting a
conversation, and getting sympathy from the teacher. Being so quiet, it is so
hard for me to stand up and make friends but I know what it’s like to feel
alone. I know at some point in time, everyone does something to bully someone,
but some people face it all their life and it’s tough.
Since I know how it feels, I am the first to be there for
other victims because at some point, that one friend can make a huge difference
and save you from falling into the trap.
Every time I want to give into their ways, I listen to
Taylor Swift’s song "Mean." It makes me realize how I am such a
better person than they are and one day they'll be on the bottom instead of the
top.”
Ready to share your own
story about being bullied, being the bully or stepping in to stomp out
bullying? Email it to
youwroteit@girlslife.com
and put "Stomp Out Bullying" in the subject. We’ll be picking stories
to feature on girlslife.com all October long to spread awareness. Please
include your first name, last initial and age. If you want your story published
anonymously, just let us know!
Win big! We’re
also giving away 3 copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Preteens.
All you have to do to enter is send us your story—you’ll be automatically
entered to win.
Sorry! One entry per person, even if ya send in multiple stories. The winners
will be chosen randomly and emailed for their mailing address so we can send
you your prize.
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BY GL READER ON 10/16/2011 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN bullying 101, how to deal with a bully, I'm a bully, express yourself, you wrote it, short stories