I am what some people call a "senior citizen" because I am 65 years old. Many days I still feel like a kid because I have never forgotten my experiences with being bullied. As a middle school student I was relentlessly "picked on" by other kids. This occurred every single school day! No adult seemed to notice or care when a group of kids would follow me in the hallway and mimic my actions or call me names. This was in a time when there was much less awareness of the damage bullying can do to a person's self-esteem, mental and physical health, and enjoyment of life. I lived through that terrible time and I firmly believe that, having had that personal experience, I am more determined than ever to make sure no other young person has to suffer what I suffered. As a teacher I watched my students closely so that I could identify anyone who was being bullied and who was doing the bullying. It was not tolerated in my classroom. Believe me when I say that grown-ups have to be advocates and help kids who are in trouble. I only wish someone had done that for me!