Bullying After My Junior Year by Lea

Bullying After My Junior Year by Lea - September 2023 Scholarship Essay

As a student at Hybrid High, I’m proud of the growth I’ve seen in my grades and myself. Giving me multiple opportunities, such as interning for an organization called Building Blocks For Kids. Also, I attended the National Honor Society and became a teacher assistant for my 9th-grade teacher, Mr. Lopez. I’m delighted to participate in a high school that cares about your education and involvement, preparing us for college. However, when it comes to bullying, Hybrid High needs to involve themselves and take action.

When I was a junior, I experienced bullying and cyberbullying from a student in my advisory. There were times I didn’t want to go to advisory because there was constant gossip and dirty looks. I discussed with my advisor that I wanted to change advisors because I felt uncomfortable. Instead of supporting me and resolving it, they said, “We’re a family, so it’s a normal thing. We all have disagreements.” I felt upset, emotional, and confused. I understand families have disagreements, but they come together so things can be resolved. Months passed by and another issue happened with the same student. I remember I called my mother. When I told her about it, instead of coming 25 minutes like usual, she came in 15 minutes. My mother was angry because of how much bullying I went through with the same student and there wasn’t any resolution.

The principal stated how they were going to take it into consideration, but I knew there were just words without meaning. After this situation, I received a message from an account on Instagram. They kept talking about my middle school relationships and my weight. When I integrated the account, they told me it was the student in my advisory. I felt insecure, upset, and tired of this situation not ending.

When I went to school the next day, I talked to one of the staff about it. I told them how I felt unsafe because I felt they were going to expose me. “Well, it’s an assumption. Don’t worry about it.” What they said made me boil. I was tired of the school sweeping all the problems under the rug. I felt unsafe and unwelcome at Hybrid High because my situation was not resolved. The school states they don’t allow cyberbullying, but they’re action says a lot.

As a student, I want all students to feel comfortable, welcome, and supported by their school. They can be able to talk to the principal and staff about any type of bullying they experienced, If students aren’t able to express their problems, they won’t be resolved and they won’t feel safe. Schools should feel safe and positive for students. It’s not only about education, but getting to know others, participating in activities, and having connections with teachers. Overall, cyberbullying shouldn’t be tolerated because as someone who experienced it during junior year, it was painful. My goal is to always advocate for students at Hybrid High and myself. Our stories should be heard and that is something I want to change so our school is full of positivity.