Bullying: When quitting was my last option

Recently, I came across the question: “How was your high school experience?”

Simple question with complex answers. I was unable to utter a word while pausing and reminiscing those 4 years of endless challenges and painful struggles. High school is the transition toward adulthood, building relationships, and finding out who you really are.

Surely, everyone has his own story to tell, but in my case, it was a terrible rollercoaster ride.

During my freshmen and sophomore years, it was the typical period of getting to know the people around me, seeking my comfort zone, finding a social group where I could belong, and most importantly, figuring out the people whom I can trust.

But it was a bittersweet journey in the later years.

I was bullied because of my speech malady. There was an instance when our teacher called me to recite in front of the class. My classmates mocked and teased me as I stuttered.

There were times when I had to pretend that I was sick to avoid graded recitations and role plays.

The humiliation eroded my self-confidence, affecting my studies and interpersonal relationships. I had difficulty building trust with peers. 

Oftentimes, I found myself alone in a corner, until I started asking myself: “What did I do to deserve this kind of treatment?”

Yes, they turned me into a laughing stock, a class clown. While they were enjoying laughing at my flaws, I was weeping deep inside.

It got worst during my senior year when my parents separated. It was difficult to have no one to share my problems with, no shoulder to cry on, and no hand to hold.

The bullying came to an end when I entered college. It was a totally new environment. Over the years I learned how to cope with hostile behavior, and I even realized the magic behind the word “ignore.”

I discovered my potential and maximized my skills by turning my weaknesses into strengths that helped build a good reputation in school. College life was the best since I found the peace of mind and much needed respect from classmates, friends, and colleagues.

If there’s a positive side of being bullied, it’s the fact that I never entertained the word “quit.” Instead, I used it to bring out the best in me. Pain is inevitable, but suffering will always be an option.

I’m not writing this to gain sympathy from readers, I’m writing this to share what I experienced – that there’s always hope for change, growth, and success. And it comes with undying faith, positive attitude, and respect for others. – Rappler.com

Bullying image from Shutterstock

Nikko Junia Bacason is a registered nurse from Tacloban City, Leyte. He graduated from the University of the Visayas in Cebu City. He now works as a sales and marketing coordinator in Dubai, UAE.