Lately, it seems, I've been exposed to so much negativity. Whether it's in the workplace, in a club, or just around campus in general, the attitude I've seen displayed is, well, crappy. People are constantly finding ways to attack or belittle someone about every little thing they do. And it's not just me; my co-workers and friends are falling victim to the ridiculing and the gossip. As unfortunate as it is, I've come to find out that bullies don't stop being bullies in high school.
As someone who had a rather rough time in high school, I had this grandiose notion that the things I got bullied for there would make me cool in college. Reading, writing, being highly outspoken - those are the things "intellectuals" are supposed to appreciate, right? And the people I'm going to college with are supposed to be budding intellectuals, right? Not really.
To be honest with you, the majority of college students never really outgrew high school. They're still reveling in the days where a Letterman jacket gave them power over everyone - the only difference is now it's a trio of Greek letters. As much as it pains me to say it, the truth is college is nearly worse than high school, in regards to the amount of pushing and shoving.
Like I said earlier, the problem lies within the people. Most of them are still holding onto those attitudes of superiority they gained in high school for one reason or another. But, to add to the problem, there's no principal to reprimand them for their heinous actions. Yes, Student Conduct is there, but you're supposed to be an adult now - you can't go running to someone else to help you out with some harassment unless you really want to do some damage, like filing criminal charges or getting them suspended or fired. Most of the time, the bullying isn't serious enough to warrant such serious action, but it still hurts enough that it affects you significantly. So, in these situations, what are you supposed to do? I don't really have the answer to that; I'm still trying to figure it out myself.
What I do know, though, is that it is possible to get through it. It takes a lot of strength and dignity, but forgiving those people is really the first step. If you hold onto that anger and hurt they caused you, you won't be doing yourself any favors. It's in your best interest if you can live and let be. Trust me - you'll be a lot happier if you aren't always worrying about someone else and that mean thing they said about you on February 21st at approximately 6:25 p.m. You'll spend a lot more time being productive and having fun, rather than stewing and being upset. Furthermore, it takes a real adult to forgive someone for hurting you in unimaginable ways. It makes you strong. It makes you able. It makes you a better human being. You won't have to lose sleep at night, because you know you're being the bigger person.
I know it sucks when people are mean. But you know what doesn't suck? Growing and learning from your struggles, and knowing that you're going to come out of college and do something great. As I've watched and learned and participated in college, I've figured out how to pick out the successful individuals from the unsuccessful. Do you want to know the biggest distinction? It's how they treat others.
