Being bullied started very early on for me. At first, it was silly things like being left out and someone saying, “We don’t want to play with you today” and “Nobody is your friend.”

As I got older, it changed to not feeling accepted by any group—being told I would never fall in love as I’m too ugly. There was constant name calling and being mocked to being constantly hit by boys and girls.

People took advantage of my kindness and quietness. I was set upon after school and narrowly missed being sexually assaulted. Lucky for me there were only two of them, and I was a lot taller. I managed to force them away and ran home.

I never spoke about it to an adult as the two boys were popular. I wasn’t popular, and I didn’t need anymore grief from anyone.

Being bullied from a young age affected my life in lots of different ways.

The main question I have always asked is, “Why me?”

Even now, at 31 years old, I still don’t know the answer. The difference now is that I have a lot of good people in my life who tell me I’m a wonderful person and love me. In a lot of way, I’m lucky, but the only reason I want everyone to know is so I can say to others not to be afraid to talk to others about what you’re going through.

Don’t ever feel like you deserve whats happening to you, because you don’t.

There is someone who loves you and thinks your amazing. Be strong and be true to yourself because you deserve a fabulous life filled with love and happiness.

The views or experiences expressed are solely those of the contributor or interview subject and do not represent the views of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, its staff or board. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the material, please contact the Tyler Clementi Foundation, and we appreciate your support and commitment to end bullying starting on #Day1.