Nearly one-third of all school-aged children are bullied in America each year, and statistics show those who have been bullied suffer lower grades, self-esteem, and self-confidence. For the essayists below, being bullied—or even witnessing bullying—became a springboard for change in their lives.

1. We Are Each Other’s Business
2. Make This World a Better Place
3. Beauty Is More Than Just Skin and Eyes
4. Sticks and Stones
5. Political Bullies: You Don’t Scare Me