I forgive every name you’ve called me, things you’ve thrown at me, and rumor you’ve spread about me. I am who I am today because of you. You’ve had a hand in making me a part of who I am today. I still struggle sometimes, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

I’m sure you probably don’t think about me, or even remember me, but I remember you. I think about you every day, actually. You, even though it has been a few years, are a part of my daily life. With every step I take into my future, you’re there. That being said, there are a few things I’ve wanted to say to you. One of them is "thank you."

I’ve cried so many tears because of you, I was humiliated because of you, and I hid because of you. Because of you, I ate my lunch alone every single day. That’s okay though, because of all the names you called me, the rumors you spread about me, and the hate you held towards me, I had to transfer school my senior year, which was the best thing that has ever happened to me.

When I switched schools, I had an opportunity for a new beginning. I was able to start over. I transferred to a private school, where I was granted an amazing scholarship for my dream college and met some of the best friends I could ever ask for. Our paths might not have crossed if it weren’t for you.

You gave me strength. You made me a fighter. When I started college, I realized I didn’t have to hide anymore. I had endless opportunities in front of me and I took them because I wanted to prove you wrong. I wanted to prove to everyone that I can succeed. The thought of you drove me to say yes to everything. I joined a sorority. I never thought that I could connect with anyone the way I do with my sisters. Zeta Phi Delta helped me understand that I have more worth than what you made me think.

You gave me trust issues. That’s not a bad thing, though. I have a lot of friends, but only a handful I can really trust. That handful means more to me than you realize. They are my best friends and I know they’re there for me. The truth is, a lot of people aren’t trustworthy. They will hold your flaws against you. I know what to look for now. I know who I can confide in and who is going to be there for me.

I’ve learned to love a little deeper. I really love the people in my life. There was a time that I had more people hate me than love me, so I really hold on to those in my life now. I try to show them, every day, how much they mean to me. I didn’t think I would ever have friends, and now I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for.

My junior year of high school, I didn’t even think I was going to make it to my senior year, let alone my senior year of college. You belittled me so much that I couldn’t stand my life. I didn't have self-worth because of your words. Those words hurt me. I developed an eating disorder, was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. But, you know, I had a really great support system and a really great mom who got me through it.They’re the people I want to make proud.

I’ve learned to push myself because of you. When I think I can’t make it, I think of all the nasty things you’ve said to me and it’s driven me to apply myself. I am now the station manager at the college radio station, a member of the Society for Colligate Journalists, I was an orientation leader, an orientation team leader, I interned for an amazing news station, I’ve been to Ireland and kissed the blarney stone, traveled to Sicily, and now I’m just a few credits away from receiving my bachelors in Communication Arts. That’s not even half of it. I know I can do great things. I just need to push myself.

Most importantly, I’ve learned to embrace who I am. I can be a really fun person. I love going out, dancing like a fool, and meeting new people. I’m involved with a lot of charities, student leadership programs, and clubs. I’m loud and can be obnoxious, but I have so much fun with my life. And that’s because you taught me I needed to stop caring. I needed to stop being so hard on myself and hiding. I needed to love who I am. And I do, because I try really hard to be good person.

And lastly, I want to say I forgive you. I forgive every name you’ve called me, things you’ve thrown at me, and rumor you’ve spread about me. I am who I am today because of you.

You’ve had a hand in making me a part of who I am today. I still struggle sometimes, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.