When Enough Is Enough by Beverly Cornell

When Enough is Enough

There are moments in our lives that define who we are and who people perceive us to be. These moments show our character and strength. I had one of those moments when I was in fourth grade. A girl in my class thought it would be fun to tease and taunt me. I was a pretty sensitive kid and this really bothered me. However, I am sure it would be hard for any kid to go through!

I shared my struggle with this classmate with my mother and she was supportive and said that I should defend myself. "Stand up and let the bully know you are not going to take her abuse any more". I did this verbally. I told her to stop that she was rude and mean. I felt really good about it.

But this didn't stop the bully...she got meaner and turned to threats of violence. I again talked to my parents and they said, "you are are allowed to defend yourself. Don't let anyone just beat you up." They even said - to hit them hard if they hit me. In my mom's words..."give it everything I had." Now...you should know violence was never part of my home life. I was always taught to be kind to others and to use my words. But there are others who are not taught that. And as a last result I knew I may have to physically defend myself. VERY scary!

Indeed...the moment came. The one that terrified me and made me have nightmares. It started on the bus with teasing and nasty name calling. Then, we all got off the bus. She had been talking big the entire day at school and her gang of friends were all in on the torment. I was humiliated, but I stayed strong.

As I began walking home...she pushed me. I turned towards her and in my most serious tone I let her know I didn't want to fight her but if she pushed me again I was going to push back. She laughed and all her friends laughed. But then...she pushed again. I closed my eyes, made a fist and hit her as hard as I could in the face.

I opened my eyes and she was in shock. Her hands holding her face. Then the craziest thing happened. Everyone was quiet. She was bleeding. Her nose was broken and then she cried.

As much anger as I had for her torment and teasing, I felt really sorry for her. She was standing there in front of her friends completely humiliated and completely humbled.

I walked away and went home. Told my mom, she was understanding and even proud of me. The next day, no one teased me and that ended up being the last time I had to defend myself. From that point forward, I proved to everyone I wouldn't just stand there and take it. I was ready to defend myself and who I was. To this day I am empowered to do the same and so should you.

You are a valuable human being and no one should treat you like that. Stand up for yourself and who you are it may be one of those defining moments for you in your life.


Beverly Cornell is the Marketing and Social Media Director at a language learning software company - Mango Languages (link: http://mangolanguages.com) headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Beverly serves on several non profit boards including the International Visitors Council of Detroit (link: www.ivcdetroit.org) and Marketing and Sales Executives of Detroit (link: www.msed.org) While getting her Masters Degree in Communications from Wayne State University, she was a substitute teacher for all ages and has taught ballet, tap and jazz dance to 3-10 year olds. She is passionate about Detroit, is an avid learner and loves to travel.