I Was Bullied Many Times, I Almost Ended My Life

July 06, 2017
by
shai habon

She’s not pretty. She’s not tall. She doesn’t look sosyal.

I’ve been bullied many times in my life and while I thought, I can eventually get used to it, hindi pala. People will always have something to say about you or against you. Whether it’s your makeup or your dress or your body frame, even the tip of your toe nails, lahat mapapansin nila.

I remember way back in high school, I was the shortest and poorest kid in class. Lahat sila dalaga na. Lahat sila naka bra na, ako nakasando pa rin. Lahat sila maganda, ako lang ang hindi. Scholar din ako noon which means I’m (supposedly) smarter than most girls — but I’m poor and my parents can’t afford to send me to a good school that’s why I got the scholarship.

Like most other scholars, I came from a simple, low-key family and while we’re happy, it’s always hard for us to make both ends meet. We don’t have our own house, no car, no fancy stuff.

June has been both my most favourite and least favourite month because it’s my birthday month and it’s also school supplies shopping month. Most kids got their NBS baskets filled with cutesy notebooks and pen cases and mine’s stuffed with artista notebooks and Apache pens fresh from Josephines (a local bookstore in Marikina).

“Wala e, super kulang and budget”, my mom will always say this while I run my fingers through the pages of that Blue Feather notebook I’ve always wanted to have. During that time, ang feeling ko kasi mas maganda sana ang sulat ko pag makinis ang papel ng notebook ko.

Unlike most kids, high school was the hardest phase of my life. Going to an all-girls, private school was indeed a great privilege and I will always be thankful to Ateneo Tulong Dunong for helping me get a scholarship grant (in the school where I came from). But every time I look back at everything I’ve been through, there will always be a pinch of bitterness and sadness in my heart.

I was bullied, big time. And I never fought back.

I remember how my classmates will laugh at me because I can’t afford a G-Tech pen. I remember how they will mock me because I can’t buy that cool denim jacket they loved to wear on top of our uniform. I remember how they will make fun of me because I was trying to be pabibo and maybe, they secretly hated it. I remember the level of anxiety I feel every time I walk past a group of girls and I hear them whisper and laugh on the side. There are times when we’re asked to form groups and no one wants to get me as part of their team.

I remember asking myself a lot of times — WHY?

Is it because I’m different? Is it because I’m a scholar? Is it because I’m not rich? Or I’m not pretty?

I lost faith — in myself and in my dreams. It got to a point where I couldn’t read, write or even talk. It all became too much. I remember waking up, and deciding I didn’t want to go to school anymore. I was broken and I wanted to end that agony.

That time came when I’ve decided to finally tell my parents the real deal but when I was about to approach mama, I saw her tired eyes. She was young at that time but she’s already been through a lot. And then Papa, he had so much things on his shoulders. My parents are working their ass off just to make things better for the whole family, nahiya ako. My family sees me as their only hope and and I love them so much, I cannot fail them. I CAN’T.

So I thought I should just deal with things all by myself. It might not be the wisest thing to do (and I realised it just now). I finished high school, not with flying colours. My grades in Math and Science were on the brink and I almost failed to get another shot at that college scholarship grant.

But God is so good, I managed to go to college for free. Thanks again to TD. I thought that time, I shouldn’t let the bullies overpower me, so I decided to join the Student Council and my whole college life turned out quite well.

Fast forward to today, I must say that our lives are more stable and comfortable. I tried to make my depression as a motivation and I thought I was pretty successful in doing that. I now have my own business and my own blog. I took up my Masters, I tried Fashion Styling and I’ve gained a lot of good friends along the way.

But while I am generally happy, I found out, people will always find ways to pull you down.

The bullies are still around and they come in different forms and ages. One time a brand promoted a photo of me and while the intention was to boost engagement for the page, it turned out the post became a feast for cyberbullies. They told me I don’t look good and my advocacy isn’t realistic and I don’t deserve to be a blogger etc. etc. Really, people?

I don’t know what kind of satisfaction do these bullies get when they harass and bully others. I just can’t understand it.

I’m just glad that at this phase, even if I do get hate words and negative vibes from others, I’m relatively strong and I know I can just shrug things off. I also have a complete support system — God, my family and friends will always be my source of strength.

Yes, the scars will always be there. I will always shed some tears every time I try to recall every bit of that experience. But the odds have favoured me in many ways and I am proud to be the young, strong woman I’ve become.

I may not be pretty. I may not be tall and I certainly don’t look sosyal. Hello, masa kaya ang market ko! But I’ve learned to embrace my flaws and I continue to discover things about myself. I have my own share of failures because I know I am not perfect and I will always, always be proud of my roots.

And if by any chance, you are experiencing bullying at the moment, know that I’ve been through the same kind of hell. I understand what you’re going through and you are not alone.

At the end of the day, you only have two choices, you could let your bullies triumph and eat you up or you can win them over.

I do hope you choose the latter.

Comments Off

20 Comments

MJ
6th Jul 2017 - 4:29 pm

Sending you my virtual hug bessie. Mwaaa!
K
6th Jul 2017 - 4:54 pm

This is so inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing us how wonderful our lives can be.
April
6th Jul 2017 - 7:03 pm

So inspiring??????
Anne
6th Jul 2017 - 7:58 pm

Bullies are everywhere and they come in different forms. I’m so glad you are strong enough to believe in yourself. I was also bullied in high school – they made rumors about me getting pregnant because I have a boyfriend and that I’m a slut and all that. It was difficult because I’m viewed as a dirty woman and what’s worse is that I don’t even know where the rumors came from and why it gets worse every time.

To anyone reading this, don’t let bullies define who you are. You know yourself the best.
Vash
7th Jul 2017 - 2:20 am

Akap ng mahigpit Shaira!
Maria Hazel
7th Jul 2017 - 5:32 am

Relate so much to this. Love you mamshie!
Rochelle Dianne Pentinio
7th Jul 2017 - 10:49 am

First thing first — let me send you a big virtual hug all the way from my sincerest admiration for you being a strong and inspiring woman. As I read this with comprehension, I never thought this could have a big impact in me words by words. Bullies are everywhere — and in order to win over them, we should learn to accept our own flaws and imperfections and never forget that yourself know you better than them. So be it. Thank you so much for this inspiring share. ♥️
Ribbons
7th Jul 2017 - 1:30 pm

Would love to give you a hug, ☺️
Queen
8th Jul 2017 - 6:34 am

Hi love. I know what you have been thru. Pero always think na maraming mas nagmamahal sayo kesa sa mga nangbabash sayo or nangbubully sayo. Im so prud of you na naovercome mo lahat ng yan. You have the kindest heart i can see that. Andito lng kami to support you babe. Dont mind them. Si God na ang bahala. Kill them with kindness! ?? You are wonderfully made love, keep that in mind. May kanya kanya tayong uniqueness. Sending virtual hugs ??
Maria
8th Jul 2017 - 10:52 am

Bullies will always be there. I might relate to you but on a different level. Before, I experienced smart shaming and even body shaming. But, I just tried shrugging those and eventually, I found myself crying in my room. Nevertheless, know this, you’re an amazing being for putting through all that here. I admire you for being brave and still pursuing your aspirations! Keep on inspiring people! 🙂
Indrani
8th Jul 2017 - 3:17 pm

You are a brave girl! It is an inspiration to read how you faced the different situations. And also you kind to have so much feelings for your parents, You will definitely do well in life.
Shaira
8th Jul 2017 - 5:12 pm

hi! We have the same name. You have a brave soul! Sana magaya rin kita… Yung fearless lang kahit ano sabihin ng iba.
Djem
8th Jul 2017 - 7:36 pm

Awww. I feel you! I was also buliied during my elementary days. My self-esteem got really low. But now, look at us! Conquering th world!
Kayhdj de Jesus
9th Jul 2017 - 4:04 am

Share same feeling, dear.
Berlin | Momi Berlin
9th Jul 2017 - 6:58 am

We cant escape the naughty eyes and foul words from bullies, I guess. But we could always choose not to.be affected. It may seem hard to do but it is possible. Ive been bullied as well during my high school years. Going to an all girls school can give you a lot of pressure but then at the end of the day, it’s the smart that wins the game and the teacher’s nod.
Louisa
9th Jul 2017 - 2:53 pm

It must have been such an ordeal for you to consider ending your life. As a parent, no matter how tired our eyes or body we want to know what’s happening and not when it’s too late. We’re only human but the moment anything like that happens we get the strength we need to help our child in any way possible. I’m glad you have gotten past that with a positive outlook.
Kris
10th Jul 2017 - 11:36 am

Bullies will always be bullies. I’ve been through that stage too. Good thing I have always my 3 best friends with me who always has my back since then. I love the triumph behind the story. This is a mere lesson that in every struggle that may come our way, we can lest surpass it. Im glad you are now super successful and surpass that dark stage.
Swayam Tiwari
11th Jul 2017 - 5:09 pm

As MJ says, here is my virtual hug.
Who says you are ugly?I find you to be a noble soul who has trusted her online friends with her feelings.
In so far as I am concerned, you can always rely on me. Write to me if you think of confiding, I will at least give a patient ear to you.
Erica
12th Jul 2017 - 12:38 pm

but look at you now.. you are amazing, gorgeous, smart and accomplished!! we all undergo the bullying stage, good thing you came off stronger and much better!
Patrick
16th Sep 2018 - 9:44 am

If only I could give you a hug. Keep on fighting!