A Glimpse of the Past

I was a victim of bullying, both physically and verbally.

Way back during my first grade, I was a Teachers' daughters' pet. I used to be a writer of their notebooks, a slave who buys food for them every recess, carrier of bags and so much more. There was this stereotype where kids of school's faculty have this favorable authority and irrevocable shields against malice and accusations. I believe it was the root of hierarchical system even in earlier years. Children who were nothing but normal students became pets and accessories of that school and so was I.

I was once brave enough to rush myself to the clinic when I was wounded by my classmate who pushed me off from my desk. She asked me what happened and I told her everything, in DETAIL. I got her sympathy at first, but when she asked me who that child was and she knew what that kid's mother's position holds in the school.. she kept her mouth shut for the rest of the time-being.

I was blinded by fear. I believed that no one would dare to fight for my rights for my parents hold no position in that school.. I was wrong. My mother, being a natural warrior she was, caught me buying lunch for my classmates during that time. I was in third grade. She was too mad that she even threw those packets of foods in the trash bin and accompanied me to our classroom. I was effin' nervous that I can't even walk my feet forward.. but I'm more scared of my Mom, who was then too furious of what she just discovered.

Fast forward, she searched for my classmates who asked me to to do that. She wasn't aware of who those classmates were so I told her in advance and to my surprise, she said "Wa ko'y labot" / "I don't care,". The issue was addressed to the guidance office, together with my mother, the mother of my classmates, our adviser, our Principal, and the Guidance Counselor.

When we got home I thought she was gonna scold me for what I did, but my Mom cried in such disbelief that she wasn't even aware this has been happening to me already for around three years. I was awakened. That feeling when your parents blamed themselves for being unaware of everything that happened when it was I, who tolerated my classmates for using me as their slave. From then on, I promised myself to stand for what is right and speak when I'm no longer respected. I stood with that belief until now.. that even in classes where I belong I notice something offending, unrighteous and unfair, I would dare to speak for the abused and never tolerate bent rules.

Ikaw, what's your glimpse of the past?