I was bullied the entire second grade year by a group of girls led by the granddaughter of our Principal. Until now, I can't figure what was wrong with me then. I maybe not be the prettiest then, but certainly I was not ugly. I did not also have mental or physical impairment. Practically isolated, I had no single friend, including boys, because these girls would impose social sanctions to someone who would dare. In the Philippines, the grade school seats are good for two, mine had a single seater for the whole year.

With my Father guiding me and always reminding me how special I am in his and God's sight, I spent my time studying school lessons, and taking care of my younger sister, praying and reading bible stories. That's when I developed these habits, and I earned academic merits and life's most important lessons, which are found in the Bible. I survived the school year in the top of the Honor rolls, and won first place of the two Schools Division Competition, Mathematics and History. Eventually, the leader transferred to another school, and one of the members of the group who ridiculed me became a very close friend. In fact, I'm gonna be one of the secondary sponsors in her wedding this April.

I hope my story will can provide a sort of reflection that these 'periods' no matter how bad they seem to be- are just phases, and will come to pass. These memories are vivid maybe because God wanted me to share this to the younger people. I do not own a very strong personality, but God strengthened me when I was 8 years old, He strengthens me now, and He will always provide me the strength that I need. The message of Psalm 118:6 is very personal to me, and it says The Lord is on my side, and I will not fear what man can do unto me.

A wife to a peachy man and a mother to a darling girl, Hannah Pegalan Alegarme is a Sunday School Teacher for children. She is a licensed nurse and educator, always ready to jump at every writing opportunity and a cotton candy treat.