Dear all of my bullies,

Thank you. You tore me down and always kicked me while I was trying to get back up, which taught me to fight back and climb my way to the top. Thank you. You made fun of anything about me you could think of and tried to make me hate myself, but instead, you made me love my curves and everything that came with them.

Thank you. You talked about me while I was walking past you in the halls, knowing I would hear you and hoping that it would bring my confidence level down. It did the opposite. It taught me to keep my head held high in all situations. Thank you. You threw things at my head on the school bus and would duck down, hoping I did not see you. But I did. I knew exactly who threw it, but I laughed because I learned that if I could laugh at myself then things would be easier.

You tried your best to tear me down and make me feel unwanted and for a little while, you did. You beat me, but only for a second. I learned from my situations. I learned a new lesson every time a Gatorade bottle was thrown at my head or when you called me fat as I walked past you in the halls. I learned to ignore you and to smile no matter how bad it hurt and eventually it did not hurt anymore.

I was not going to let you beat me. I could not let you win and make me hate myself. I wasn’t going to let you be the victor, but I came out on top. So I smile at your insults and keep on pushing.

You taught me how to love myself and for that, I am forever grateful.

Thank you,

Star Eans