Thank you bullies — you made me who I am.

With all the negative headlines in today’s world, I feel that it’s an appropriate time where I now feel comfortable to share another experience of mine. Hopefully, my negative experience has a positive impact on someone out there.

For those of you who don’t know, I was a victim of heavy bullying for the long period of my early high school years.

I was excluded from groups, I was called names, I had rumours spread about me, I was spat on, my locker was tipped, trashed and keyed, I had my belongings and money stolen off me, I had my schoolbag taken off me, I had books thrown around, I was tripped and overall, I was mentally, emotionally and psychologically damaged. I was even sent death threats and abusive messages over email, MSN messenger and written letters to my house. I was constantly neglected by groups, I was blocked from people’s contact lists on their phone and messenger, I was excluded from parties and social events, I was embarrassed by girls who didn’t want to sit next to me because my bullies would laugh at them, I was called ugly, dumb and told I had no future.

I even remember a time when a group called me to come play soccer on the oval, where I was surrounded by about 5–10 people and each took a turn at punching me, dropping me to the ground, throwing dirt on my head and each leaving their mark. I used to go home every single day crying and not wanting to return to school the next day. I prayed to god for it to stop and asked why I deserved such treatment. My only real friends were a couple I had in another class and outside of school, who weren’t able to do anything.

I endured this treatment, day in and day out. This affected my ability to study at school, my happiness, self-confidence and my health.

I spoke up. Matters were dealt with. Even for the rest of my high school years the bullying still continued to a minor level, but I got through in the end.

I learnt from it. I gained confidence. I gained strength. I gained peace. The experience I had motivated me to prove anyone wrong who ever wished bad upon me or intentionally hurt me. I used all the hateful and negative energy to fuel my ambition to keep moving forward and achieve my goals. At the time, I wanted to get a part-time job and get into my University course. I did it and I’m still on track to achieve the rest.

I still see those who bullied me at most places I go to. They still say hi to me, seemingly forgetting that they caused my first years at high school a living hell. I’m a good guy that gives more than I take, so I have no hard feelings towards anyone and I wish them all well. One of the guys, who was a part of it, has apologised several times to me post high-school years. I appreciate that and he is forgiven. Funnily enough, we’re friends and we’re cool. Sorry, I just had to mention you.

I understand that people get affected in different ways and some to extreme levels which is really sad and I beg that it never gets to that stage. I promise you, if you are going through being bullying that you will be okay and you can do something about it, just the way I did.

So to anybody that’s reading this, even if it’s one person that I can relate to, whether you’ve been bullied or going through a tough time, stay positive and I promise you, you will come through. Find someone to talk and they will listen; whether it’s a school teacher, a parent, a bus driver, a shop assistant, a friend or even a relative because believe me, someone cares. You are loved, you are important and there is a purpose for you in this world.

And to those who are bullying others at school, at work or in any setting, take long hard moment to think about how your actions may impact others and put yourself in their shoes. Stop before it’s too late and treat people the way you want to be treated.

Doing the right thing is always the right thing.

As for my bullies, thank you. You made me who I am.