When I was younger and in elementary school I always befriended anyone and everyone. If there was a new kid to our class or in the school, I would be the one to sit with them at lunch. I loved making friends and befriending everyone. As the years past, we went onto middle school where there were more students. I still loved meeting people and making friends but I started to form a friend group. Finally, when I made it to high school I formed a somewhat small, group of friends. I was still friendly to everyone throughout the years, but I realized that some people I lost contact with suffered; they were bullied.

High school can be the nastiest of years as we all know. It's a time where we are naive and don't know what we are quite doing with our lives. It's also the time in life where students are bullied the most. My high school experience wasn't a bad one. I kept busy with my job, playing softball, being in the musical/play, among many other activities. I was so busy living my life that I failed to see the people I once talked to or were friends with were getting bullied.

Now that it's nearly 4 years later, I see these people be more open on social media about their struggles with bullying, mental, or physical health in high school. I see how they are starting to live a happier life. A life they envisioned for themselves. As much as I love succeeding and seeing how much I've grown, I absolutely LOVE to see others happy and living their life. It makes me so happy to see those who once suffered, are healing and starting to love life.

As happy as I am for these people, a part of me wishes I could have helped when they needed it most. If you were one that was bullied and suffered both mentally and physically in school, I wish I could have been there for you. I'm sorry I was so consumed with my life that I failed to see the others around me. I know I can't go back and change time, but know that from here-out, if you need someone to talk to, I am here. I am proud of how much you have overcome, and you are so much stronger because of that. I am so happy for all that you have accomplished and continue to accomplish. You are an awesome person and it doesn't matter anymore (and really never did) what those "popular" kids think of you. At the end of the day we have to be in love with our lives because they are beautiful and precious. Keep staying strong and don't let anyone tear you down again.

I'm sorry I didn't stand up for you when you were bullied. Whether you know it or not, I sit here cheering you on.