Life is scary. There are going to be people that come into your life who are going to want to hurt you and make you feel inferior. They are going to make you question your worth and your abilities. These people have a special name: bullies.

Bullies come in many different forms. They can be people in your own age group, competing for the same things you are, they can be your elders who are driven by jealousy or their own insecurities, or they can even be people younger than you judging your choices as you grow.

One thing that each of these bully types have in common is their undying desire to degrade and belittle you based on your characteristics. You may get bullied because of the simple fact that you are different. You may look different or talk different or act differently.

You must know that IT IS OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT.

When you identify a bully it is important to remember that you are strong, capable, and irrepressible against their words. It is also important to remember that it is okay to ask for help. Talking to a teacher, parent, or friend about your situation can make you feel less alone and help to alleviate some of the stress or pain this bully is causing.

DON’T HIDE. In my personal experience, when someone is belittling you, the best way to react is by proving him/her wrong. I have been degraded many times throughout my college carrier based on my abilities. The best way I have learned to overcome the feeling that I am not good enough is to prove the bully wrong by working hard, staying kind and calm, and showing them that I am worth so much more.

There are always going to be people judging you no matter where you go throughout your life. People can be mean and stubborn and jealous. Knowing your worth and believing in yourself can throw them for a loop, causing them to back down.

Stand tall and proud and never let your beliefs and your abilities be taken by someone who is unhappy or unsure of their own.

Be brave. Be humble. Be resilient.

This is Jenny signing out. Swooooosh.