Editorial: This one’s for the kids; don’t be ashamed of who you are

As the epidemic of bullying and cyber-bullying grows, a lot of kids, teenagers, and even adults are afraid to be themselves.

It’s time to understand that there is nothing to be afraid of by being yourself. Yes, it’s going to be tough, but putting on a mask and taking on the personality of another person that isn’t you doesn’t make the situation better.

A person is afraid to be themselves for a number of reasons. Religious beliefs, gender identity, group affiliation, ethnical background, and social background are some of them. It’s more difficult today than in the past to grow up, but the biggest impact is that you are not alone.

A person can be bullied for the above reasons. But let me put a twist on this; a bully takes advantage of what they don’t understand. Disliking a person because they do not comprehend what another person is going through is a reason why social discord exists.

Growing up, I was blessed to have a family with older cousins. I wore hand-me-down clothes because I grew like a weed. How fast did I grow? One year I’d be able to wear my cousins’ old clothes and the next year, they wouldn’t reach my ankle. I was bullied for that. I was bullied because of the way I talked. I was bullied because I was goofy. I cried many times (and my classmates can attest to that) in front of them.

Did it hurt? Yes. But did it deter me? No. I took that and used it as motivation. My grades got better, I moved into advanced classes, participated in sports, and received respect from my peers.

I didn’t realize that until I went to college. I was the only one to go to Old Dominion University from my graduating high school class. When I was there, it was a new start for me. Nobody knew my past. Nobody knew who I was. It was up to me if I decided to be somebody who I wasn’t, or I continued to be myself. Obviously, I continued to be myself. And it worked.

That is why this editorial is dedicated to those who have not had the breaks in life and those who have been bullied. It’s okay to be yourself! People are going to love you for who you are as a person. For those who don’t understand it, that is their loss, not yours. Resorting to self-harm or taking your anger out on others doesn’t accomplish anything. Instead, express yourself through writings, talking, but more importantly, being yourself and not letting what a person say or do prevent you from being successful.

If there is a problem with a bully, let someone know. The problem might not be resolved immediately, but by addressing it, it allows you to be yourself. It allows you to flourish. It allows you to grow.

From a person who has been in the shoes of being picked on, just know that you can and will accomplish anything by being yourself. Just do you. I did.