Teen Shares Her Story at Anti-Bullying Rally
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: October 6, 2012
Families rallied to fight bullying Saturday in Monroe County. The "Step In, Speak Out" rally provided fun and informational tools for local families to fight harassment.
A surprising number of people say they've been bullied. It's why Monroe County Youth held the anti-bullying rally. There were fun games and informational booths teaching kids and their families how to take a stand.
"We want to bring realization to the problem and if we do that it might bring more awareness," 17-year-old Veronica Sickler of Rochester said.
Veronica is a survivor. She was targeted by bullies twice - first in 6th grade.
"I was bullied because I told on someone because he sexually harassed me in an elevator," Sickler said.
She was bullied again in 8th grade, after she had to frequently visit the hospital.
"I felt like no one cared anymore," Sickler said. "I ended up cutting myself and my best friend in class,"
She says in these situations adults can only do so much.
"The adults tried to stop it, but half way through the year they just gave up because it wasn't helping doing peer mediation and stuff," Sickler said.
She hopes Saturday's rally empowers kids to fight bullying.
"There's so much power from the other youth," Elizabeth Meeker with Monroe County said. "So when youth feel empowered there's something that you can do and come together and help support each other. I think that's a pretty powerful message."
Sickler got past being bullied by finding inner strength.
The 17-year-old hopes the "Step In, Speak Out" rally teaches kids they too have the power to overcome being bullied and stand up when they see others being targeted.
