My MariaShriver.com Essay: “Dare to Be Different!”

“It has taken me almost three decades to be able to admit that I was mercilessly bullied during middle school and high school in my 1980’s Small Town America. It happened long before “bullying” was the buzzword or call to action it has become today. Long before there were advocates and superstars and whole organizations dedicated to protecting victims of this particular form of abuse. It was a secret, an embarrassment — a festering thorn in my heart.

I was made fun of for the way I talked, the way I walked, the way I dressed, and the way I acted. If there is a Top 10 list of the most popular slurs used in schools, I’m pretty sure I had a majority of them slung my way. . . .”

To read my full essay, please click HERE.