It's been said that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. You, my friend, are one of many that's tried to kill me. You've struck me down with words and bruised me with your actions, broken my strength and destroyed my confidence with your antics. You waged a war on self-respect, dignity and humanity, and you think you've won.

You haven't won.

For so long, I let you take me down. I took the hits of your words and cat-calls. I accepted that I really was the "nerd", "slut", "bitch" that you deemed me to be. You raised your voices loud and proclaimed to the world that I was lesser; that I deserved less, stood below and was subordinate to you. You rallied your troops, raised your hands and struck me down. In your own mind, you were on top.

You aren't on top.

I let you destroy my confidence and passion for the things I love. I let myself believe your torments were well imposed. I told myself you were right.

You were wrong.

It took a long time, but I realized your hatred, snickering, poking and prodding were unjustified. I let the things you did tear me apart. It took until I hit rock bottom before I realized I was a human being deserving of the love, compassion, and kindness I gave to others. I could not let myself be ruled by the opinions of those around me.

Just because I'm smart does not mean I'm a nerd. Taking pride in my studies and finding joy in learning does not make me a dweeb. Caring about my knowledge of the world around me makes me curious, educated, and informed. I'm glad to have the educational opportunities that I do, and I'm going to jump at every chance I get to experience all life has to offer. Call me what you want, but I love learning, and if that makes me a nerd then I'm happy to be one.

Slut-shaming me will in no way, shape, or form define my sexual life and the ways I choose to pursue it. My body is just that: mine. I can do with it what I wish. Your opinion on my actions is not one that will phase me. Slut-shaming me only makes you look sexist and discriminatory.

You may not like the way I do my hair, or how I dress, or the sound of my voice. You won't like everything I say and won't approve of everything I do. The things I do that go against your personal opinions do not make me a bitch, they simply make me a different person. If you don't like something I do, and it affects you directly, talk to me about it. Name-calling only starts more drama and makes me question your willingness to stand against the rumors that all too often start such disgusting smack talk. I will always choose to stand up for myself no matter what horrible things you'll think of me afterwards. At the end of the day, it is you who is misinformed.

You've tried relentlessly to take me down. You've thrown every last insult my way, spread rumors like wildfire and gathered followers to assist in your efforts. You think you are strong; you think you will win. I'm here to tell you no, you won't win, because I am stronger, braver, and wiser than you think, and I promise you I will never back down.

You won't win. I will.