To the girl(s) who bullied me:
I never thought I would be bullied my freshman year of college. Being bullied was a distant memory of mine that I had from elementary school, but I guess I was wrong. But this article isn't about being bullied or how much I despise you, because in fact, I don't. Instead, I am thankful that you bullied me because it forced me to become a stronger person.
1. Thank you for choosing me.
Thanks for choosing someone who could handle being bullied and who was able to get past it. I did not have the greatest self-confidence; I always wanted everyone to like me. But I soon realized that this isn't the case. After being bullied by you, I realized that I am surrounded by family and friends who believe in me and who reminded me of the I am. Frankly, you bullied me, but my self-confidence has risen. After the incident, I went to class every day knowing there was a possibility of seeing you, and yet I was not broken by your hatefulness.
2. Thank you for showing me who my true friends are.
After being bullied, I realized that I didn't need you in my life, you weren't my true friends. My true friends were the ones who stood beside me after the incident and who saw you for what you really are. You motivated me to make true friends and I thank you for that.
3. Thank you for teaching me to love myself.
Before being bullied, I never really loved myself. When someone called me a name, I just believed it. After being bullied by you, and you calling me an awful name, I stood up for myself. I realized that what you thought I was was the opposite of who I am. Although it was hard hearing you call me hateful words and sharing stories about me, I realized that it had no worth because it wasn't true.
4. Thank you for making me consider transferring to a new school.
After being bullied, I knew that the best decision was to transfer to a new school. I wasn't running from the past, I was embracing it. This horrendous incident forced me to honestly evaluate if I was in an environment that would make me the best I could be. And I determined I wasn’t. Being a transfer student was a difficult experience, but it has taught me to be true to myself. I have made incredible friends this year, become involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and taken on several leadership roles --and all without being bullied.
5. Lastly, Thank you for bullying me.
Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today. There were days I didn't want to leave my room, or nights that I couldn't fall asleep because I was frightened you might do something hateful again. But no more. Being bullied could have destroyed me but instead it increased my self-confidence and made me stronger. Thank you for allowing me to turn your hateful words and actions into motivation to grow as a person.
Although, I benefited from your bullying, I hope you learned that this isn't the case for everyone. I hope you learned from your horrific and mean-spirited behavior and have grown into a better person. I hope you never treat anyone the way you treated me -- the outcome could be very, very different.
Sincerely,
A better version of the girl you bullied.
