I have been homeschooled for many years. My family believe that the school environment is too harsh and they want me to learn whatever I’m interested in most. So I am protected until last year. I was put into a high school just for 2 subjects to test the water. I backed out and returned to the comfort of my home this year. However, last year, I witnessed something that shattered me. Even today, when I think about it, my eyes start to water.


It was a normal Grade 10 classroom. I was in a Mathematics class with some random guys and girls. I have a few friends although we were not very close. There was a boy in my class, I would call him Peter, not his real name of course. I noticed him because he had a disability. He was very clumsy, I thought he had co-ordination problem. He was hard working. He had good marks and he was friendly but a little bit shy.


There was another boy called Michael, again not his real name. Michael was totally different. He was smart, outspoken. He was the chairman of the school council. He was a Christian and was very popular. The teachers liked him, the classmates liked him. I sort of like him too. To be honest, who would not. He always tried his best to impress the teacher. He picked up books for Peter. He patted Peter’s back when Peter needed encouragement. He talked for Peter if Peter was too shy to express his need...


One day, it happened. The teacher had to leave the classroom for about 10 minutes to get something fixed. We were told to revise our lessons. Michael approached Peter’s desk. I was sitting next to Peter. I saw Peter’s expression. He was scared. He tried to avoid Michael. He started to move his chair closer to mine. I wondered why? Michael started, “Pet, want help with the problems?” Peter muttered, almost inaudibly, “No, I’m fine, thank you.” Michael then clapped his hands and announced, “Come on guys, let’s heeeelp Peter with his proooblems. Let me see. Peter, I know you can’t run properly, you want me to show you how to run? Peter, I know you can’t write straight, you want us to help you with your notes? I know you can’t do a somersault, I’m so eager to assist you. My dear Peter...” Peter’s face turned red. He did not respond. He did not look at Michael. All the kids burst into laughter. Some of them joined in, and they said they were all willing to help Peter to get up if he was knocked down by Michael. Michael then started to sing a song to “praise” Peter’s disability.


For Peter, I was sure that those ten minutes was like forever. I hoped that the teacher would come back as soon as possible. I was afraid that something might happen. Sure enough, Michael tried to push Peter and asked him why he was not responding. Peter brushed away Michael’s hand. Michael yelled, “Help! Peter wants to hit me! Are you going to hit someone who always tries to help you?” All the kids laughed again. Then, all of a sudden, Nathan stood up and said in a calm voice, “Stop, that is enough!” His face was red, very red. The whole class was silent. Peter looked at Nathan. Nathan looked at Michael. Michael was speechless.


I felt so bad after this incident, how come I do not have the courage to stand up for Peter. Peter was a nice kid, his only problem was his was “not normal”. What is wrong with that? He did not deserve all this. I bet this ‘hidden’ bullying is ten times more hurtful than physical bullying. Peter is bullied by a boy whom everybody believes is a model student, a star. Even if he talked to the teacher, the teacher would not believe him. The other kids in the classroom would not say anything against Michael either. What is him to do? Michael will always wear his mask before the teachers and probably at home and in his church. Nevertheless, I am telling you Peter, my friend, you are not alone. You are definitely not alone.