Still scratching your head at the title? ­Bullying has multitudes of negative connotations, as it rightfully should. I am not seeking to glorify bullying. I wish only to share with you an allegory compelled by events in my own life to demonstrate why this aggressive mistreatment of others is such an egregious offense.

My tale serves as an example to show how bullies don’t have to have the last laugh. Bullying, a purveyor of emotional and physical pain, can be overcome. Currently, I am a collegiate level athlete, bodybuilder, musician, and an A student. Five years ago I was a small, scrawny, unathletic, zit-covered band geek who tried to play sports. This metamorphosis was not complete without years of hardship.

I have heard plenty of zingers in my day. They hit every vulnerable spot possible. There were days I questioned my resolve. There were days I questioned whether life was worth living if I am already this unhappy. I had classmates and even my football coaches insult me. COACHES! These men are supposed to be setting an example for me, not laughing with team captains and fellow players about how weak and pathetic I was.

I found comfort in my family and one teacher; my band director. He told me, “If you quit being you, if you stop being successful and marching towards your goals, they win. Don’t let mean people beat you.” I am lucky. Many people do not find such solace in the midst of torment. Many, sadly, felt no other option was viable but to end their life. I urge you to not give up if you are a victim of bullying. I beseech you to stay the course and win.

Every person who stands up and vows to treat people with a common decency is winning. Every person who tries to stop others’ visible mistreatment of their fellow man is winning. Teaching your kids to be respectful above all else is winning. Defending basic human and civil rights at all levels is what winners do. Examining your past transgressions and seeking to make amends with people is what winners do.

Everyone, at one time or another, has committed an offense upon someone else. You have been a bully, I guarantee it. There is one perfect being and we are not it. Understand we will all enter and exit the world the same way; no one is better than the person standing next to them. Be better by being a proponent for change. I am and I urge you to do the same.