How to Overcome Bullying: A Personal Experience

My days in school are still fresh and evergreen in my mind. While my overall school experience has been pleasant, I have come across some emotionally degrading situations when in school. I will give you an account of my experiences with school bullies and how I overcame them.

I had always been studious when in school. I used to get top grades in many subjects. May be this was why there were some people in the same class that did not like me very much. They were rich kids and were seen sporting ear rings and hair colorings. I was wearing thick spectacles and I had black hair. I think they saw in me someone who is so outside of their culture. Unfortunately for me, I was the only guy in class with spectacles.

When I used to walk in the school cafeteria crossing their table, they would stick out their legs on my path expecting me to fall down. I did fall down a couple of times but I became more cautious after that. I would be going through study notes when sitting under a tree in the playground and they would come to me and make fun of me because I was not taking part in the games they played. They would call me names like 'mugger' and 'bookworm' while all of them start laughing. I once acted in a school play playing the role of a waiter. I stumbled when reciting some dialogues. Then they started calling me as 'Butler' (referring to 'Butler English' which in our area means one who does not speak English very well) in addition to the other names.

The bullying affected me emotionally. I could not concentrate on my studies as I used to. I cried to myself but never told my parents.

One day, I came across an elderly blind man trying to cross the road. I was within his hearing range so he wanted my help. I helped him cross the road. He thanked me profusely and said it was because of people like me that it rains on earth. But what started my thinking was that I was in a better position than the blind man. I saw how I had closed myself to the outside world, not enjoying what God had given me. Surely I was better than a completely blind man.

I felt that may be it is not that bad that I was wearing spectacles. I thought that by studying hard as I do, I stand a much better chance of succeeding in life than the bullies have. I resolved to myself that no matter what names they call me I would not allow myself to break down emotionally. Then I simply ignored all the bullying meted out to me. I concentrated on my studies and now I am running a successful medical practice. If you are a bullying victim like I was, take my advice: ignore the bullies and stay cool. Concentrate on what you are doing, and do it well. Control your emotional mindset. Don't let bullying interfere on your quest towards success in life.