School is fast approaching, but the fear of homework and waking up early isn’t at the top of all students’ worries. Some are scared to face their bully again and have to deal with the stress and pain that comes along with it. But it might comfort you to know that bullies can be beaten. Here are five celebrities that not only survived bullying, but thrived after.
1. Jennifer Lawrence
Jen describes herself as “never liked” because she was different. She was bullied for anything and everything she did. She once gave out invitations to hand out to a birthday party that she wasn’t invited to–ouch!
2. Katy Perry
Katy was always bullied because of her body type. “Karma will do payback to them,” Katy says. Just look at her now!
3. Zac Efron
Zac thinks positively on his experiences, he was made fun of because, instead of focusing on football, he was focused on musicals. He spills his thoughts on bullying, “That’s what built my character. That’s what makes you who you are. When you get made fun of-when people point out your weaknesses-that’s just another opportunity for you to rise above.”
4. Rhianna
Rihanna, having paler skin than her peers, was tormented to the point of fist fights. “I was cultured in a very ‘black’ way. But when I got to school I’m being called ‘white’…they would look at me, and they would curse me out.”
5. Demi Lovato
Demi struggled with cutting, anorexia, and bulimia all because of bullying. She now chooses to use her voice for a better cause. She believes she was born to help others and be a role model. Demi currently has a beautiful “Stay Strong” tattoo which positively influences her choices and her fans.
Our attitude is formed by our experiences and choice on how to react to those experiences (Maxwell, 1993). These celebs were positively shaped by their bullies. They chose to traverse the positive track despite the negative experiences they had. They serve as living examples of how could an adversity be turned to an ultimate advantage.