As a child, you often heard the saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Although this 17th Century English saying was meant to help shake off the effects of being bullied, it is time for a new phrase; one that might seem harsh to some, but is pure in honesty. Robert Fulghum, author of the best seller, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," perfected this new catch phrase. "Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our heart."

Being the short quiet girl who sat in the back corner of every classroom, I was often left to fend for myself. I wasn't a part of the popular crowd and I had few friends, so I was an easy target to spread rumors about.

I used to silently cry myself to sleep every night because of their hurtful words. I kept my head down, in hope that things would get better with time. Unfortunately, growing older does not mean we become wiser or more mature. The older I got, the more the tables started to turn. I focused on college and they focused on being the 'Queen Bee.' My priorities changed and we learned how to be civil on school grounds. While our relationship might have seemed better on the outside, all those years of their hate speech still haunted me.

That being said, their words became exactly the kind of ammunition I needed in order to become who I am today. I was not strong enough to stand up for myself back then, but I am now. Because of them, I have learned how to use my voice and stand up for those who can't, just as I couldn't only a few short years ago. I am able to become a role model to those, like me, who were bullied in school and subsequently lost self-esteem.

Although the experience is one I would never want to relive or to inflict on anyone else, I wouldn't go back and change a single second. It has made me a better person and I was able to witness firsthand how evil the world can be, especially between those we had considered to be our friends. I am stronger because of them. I definitely would not be the person I am today if it wasn't for all those sleepless nights contemplating my self-worth.

While bullying is an awful thing to do, I thank my bullies for giving me what I needed to take back the reigns of my life. Thank you for teaching me that life gets better after high school. Thank you for letting me realize that no one in the real world cares what your popularity status was ten, five, or even one year ago. Thank you for teaching me how to stand up and fight back, even if I am standing alone.