— 2023 Top Entry, Teens —

Paper Bag Love

Annisa Yu | Massachusetts

Why did I participate in the video contest?

Having been in a similar situation myself in the past, the pain and distress that one experiences in bullying is ineffable. Because I know what that feels like, to have your entire self-esteem shattered, to feel bad everyday constantly, to still have the courage to face the inflictors in school, to suffocate, hoping to escape reality. It feels terrible. Luckily, I had people that stood beside me, telling me that I am going to overcome it every day. To this day, I thank them for helping me undergo that difficult time. I am creating this video because I don’t want anyone to feel the same way that I felt, to go through all that misery and self-denial. I want to deliver my voice to those that need help, because I resonate with exactly how they feel. I want to be their light. Preventing bullying is not just about stopping negative behavior. It is also about creating a positive and inclusive culture. By fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and mutual respect, we can promote the well-being of individuals and communities, and create a better world for ourselves and for future generations. That's why I believe that it's important to take action to prevent bullying in all its forms. We need to promote kindness, respect, empathy, and inclusion, and we need to make it clear that bullying will not be tolerated.