~What They Did to Me, by Amanda Nicole D
“this is a poem i wrote and made into a video, i wrote this poem one day when i was depressed, you see i’ve always been bullied, everyday of my life almost. in elementary school i never really understood what it meant to be bullied, back then it didn’t really bother me as much as it does now. in the 6th grade i was bullied so much i started to get into trouble so i could get kicked out of school so i didn’t have to endure that much pain, and i was sent to another school where most of the students are criminals, i didn’t belong there. i was bullied even more than i was at my other school, so my behavior got worse and worse. then one day i decided i wanted to end it all, i OD and i nearly died, but i’m glad i didn’t because i know now that i’m supposed to help others who are going through the same thing i’m going through, so i work on helping others through my poetry. so that is why i wrote this poem, i really do hope you like it.”
You Will Rise Project 
Amanda, this is so powerful and heartbreaking. I want you to know that things do get better after school and I'm so glad you did not die. As a mom of two teenage daughters I can tell you that your death would have been the worst thing ever to happen to your parents. You have much to give in this life and I'm so happy that you realized how much you can help others through your poetry and experiences. Your words brought home a horrible daily reality that I cannot imagine enduring on a daily basis. You are a very strong young woman for having lived through that. Please, don't hurt yourself any further by self-destructive behavior. We need you in this world! You have much to give. Follow your path, stay true to yourself, no matter what anyone else does or says. You are not alone and YOU MATTER. Lots of love to you!