Changing for the better

I used to be a quiet kid who was average in everything. From sports to academics, from fashion to vocabulary— I excelled at nothing.

Upon entering middle school, I suddenly found myself surrounded by kids who excelled at what I could only dream of.

Usually there are two types of people in this situation. On one hand, there are those who try to find opportunities in such situations to stand equal with those of superior level.

And those on the other hand who humble themselves, or rather they're too weak to put in any proper effort of their own to strengthen themselves.

I was the latter, and as such— I developed an inferiority complex.

"Why can't I best myself at anything I do? Why are they better than me? He is so popular. I'm eating my lunch alone again, God this is so embarrassing."

I began to have these thoughts more often. At one point, to me, middle school turned into a forest where I was a herbivore animal surrounded my carnivores from all sides.

The bullies took notice of my weakness and began to pick on me. Since then, middle school turned into a hellhole.

I would be bullied every single day. Sometimes I would be blamed for mistakes I didn't do and then be called to the faculty room.

Sometimes I would be forced to propose to an upperclassman girl in front of her boyfriend and then be punched in front of everyone.

While sometimes I would be forced to steal cigarettes for them from convenience store.

In the eyes of the teachers, I became a delinquent. They would often complain to my mother and my mother would scold me.

I never told her about the bullies because she works day and night for me and Ying. I couldn't possibly worry her anymore than she already does.

In my mother's eyes, I was her son who turned into a delinquent upon entering middle school.

However the truth was far from that! I was always ordered around at school, beaten up and God knows whatnot they did to me.

One day, tired of everything —I decide to drop out. At that time I was in 3rd year of middle school. I couldn't bear the torture anymore...

I ended up betraying my closest friends, committing petty crimes and even getting suspensions for mistakes I never did!

My mother and aunt finally found out the truth and complained to my school everyday. But the faculty took no responsibility, because in their eyes —I WAS the delinquent.

But one day... I decided to change. I knew that I had to get myself together and I couldn't possibly mope around in my room while locking myself up.

And so, I decide to change. I studied day and night, catching up with the materials that I never studied properly and even studying the materials for next year. Had I still been attending middle school, I would've made it to the rankings.

I began working out and maintaining a proper diet. I began saving what little money I received in my pocket to buy fashionable clothes.

I worked up the courage to pierce my ears, and even using contact lenses. I began using skin care products, and staying as hygienic as possible.

I began putting more effort in extracurricular activities. I chose to play football more often and pick up art as my hobby.

I began to communicate properly with others too. I would record my voice and if I find it dissatisfying then I would try again! I began learning 3 different languages too.

For the first time in my life, I put earnest effort into things I never bothered to try before. It made me happy when the efforts I put in come to bear sweet fruits.

I spent 2 years off school to improve on myself, and once I enter high school—

— my life changed entirely.

—To Be Continued—