How Being Bullied Became the Catalyst for My Growth

In 2010, as a junior in law school, I made a decision that would shape my personal journey in unexpected ways. Eager to learn and excited to be part of something new, I signed up for a law workshop. At 18 years old and having only started law school a few months earlier, I was one of the youngest participants, with only a basic understanding of law compared to my more experienced peers. While I was initially filled with enthusiasm, I soon felt out of place, and unfortunately, that didn’t go unnoticed.

What should have been an enriching experience quickly became difficult. A senior participant began to criticise me openly, mocking my lack of knowledge and dismissing my questions as "stupid." Her words seemed designed to make me feel small, as though I didn’t belong. As the days passed, her harsh comments took a toll on my confidence, making me question why I was there. I felt like I didn’t deserve to be in that workshop, and even started to doubt my path in law altogether.

One day, after several exhausting sessions, I broke down. The project head of the event found me crying and, rather than offering advice, he simply sat with me and asked about random things to distract me from my sadness. We listened to my iPod in silence, and in that quiet moment, I started to feel the pressure ease. His calm presence helped me regain some balance, and I realised that sometimes, support comes in the form of simply being there.

A few friends from the workshop also noticed how I was feeling and offered their encouragement. Their kindness reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and that one person’s negativity didn’t define my worth or potential. Their support helped me rebuild my confidence and stay focused on the workshop, even though it had been challenging.

Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the people who supported me during that time. Their presence helped me through what could have been an overwhelming experience. Interestingly, I also reflect on the situation with the bully in a different light now. Her criticism, while hurtful, ended up giving me the drive to prove to myself that I could persevere and grow. I promised myself that I would continue to develop my confidence and knowledge so that I would never feel diminished again.

Today, I feel grounded in who I’ve become. The experience I had then allowed me to develop resilience, and it also deepened my empathy for others. When I see bullying or notice someone struggling with their confidence, I feel a natural urge to offer support. I understand how it feels to be unsure of yourself, but I also know that it’s possible to move past those moments and come out stronger on the other side.

That difficult period helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. It pushed me to become more self-assured and to set higher goals for myself. I learned that while people may try to make you feel small, your sense of worth is something you own, and it’s not for others to determine.

For anyone who has ever been made to feel like they don’t belong or that they’re not enough, remember: your value isn’t defined by others. Sometimes, the challenges we face can lead to the most important growth in our lives.