THIS I BELIEVE

Five high school students read an adaptation of an essay written by a 14-year-old, who shares what it is like to experience bullying and to be misunderstood as he tries to figure life out. We are grateful to this young author, who asked to remain anonymous, for courageously providing a glimpse into his world and for reminding each of us to be more kind to each other.

Transcript

I'm one of many people in this world born with a disability that cannot be seen.

I have Asperger's syndrome.

I am not that different.

I love model trains, video games.

And World War I and II documentaries.

To my parents, I am exceptional.

To my siblings, I'm annoying. I do the best I can in school and at home.

I hate chores and like most teenagers, would agree that school can be a drag. I moved schools. I thought I could start fresh.

Less schooling, more friends.

New reputation!

Turns out, I was wrong.

Turns out, I was wrong. After a week of being there, I had already been bullied.

Others can't see my struggle.

I have trouble fitting in, socializing, and making friends.

I push myself, and yet it is never enough.

It's never enough.

And it's hard to ask for what I need. I wish others could see that I may not be tough on the football field.

Or deal with social events very well. But I am a dependable friend.

It is hard to be understood.

It's hard to be understood.

Sometimes, we're just told to deal with it.

Sometimes I don't think I'm any different from other teenagers.

We kind of all struggle to be understood.

But yeah, I struggle.

Emotionally and intellectually. It's sad when people are insulted and made fun of because they have something they were born with and cannot help but have. If only others could see that I have so much to offer.

I would like to encourage kids in my generation.

Well, really everyone.

To be more kind to each other.

To be more kind to each other.

To be more kind to each other.

Think about how good it feels when someone comes to help you. When you least expect it.

We are all trying to fit in.

We are all trying to fit in.

We are all trying to figure life out.

We are all trying to figure life out.