The Story of My Life

Conquering Challenges with Confidence

Eighth grade, Mariel's second year as a high school student. The friends who turned bullies, they were her classmates again. But at least she finally found her first real best friends, Raisa and Kenneth. They accepted her for who she is. Mariel joined the choir again. But the bullying didn't end there though. The girls in the friends who turned bullies stopped teasing Mariel but the guys who were like semi-gay didn't end their reign of bullying. They also began bullying other people. One of the girls who were by Mariel's side last grade 7, turned against her.

She became like Jane. She would pull her hair and Mariel felt like she was in third grade once again. There would also be times the girl like Jane would slap her in her head. She would also ruin Mariel's hair sometimes. Despite everything this girl has done to Mariel, she remained kind. Again, Mariel never fought back, she kept on smiling. When the girl who turned against her needs some help or assistance, Mariel would help. Mariel stayed the same. She was never mean to her. But Mariel realized, she still hasn't regained much of her confidence and she realized how stupid she was to let herself get affected by bullying. Her mind, heart, and soul has opened and she realized, she hasn't fully accepted herself for who she is. Mariel knew something has to be done. That's why she started modeling. She enrolled at FAD Events as a modeling student. She booked two fashion shows in one meeting. It made her feel confident. 

     For the first time, Mariel was happy to be herself. Her fellow modeling students were amazed how Mariel can walk easily on heels without training or practice. Mariel even admitted it was her first time wearing pumps. The first fashion show at SM Masinag was Christmas themed and for her second fashion show, Mariel wore a bright yellow gown designed by an International Fashion Designer named Nikki Veneracion. Because of modeling, Mariel has regained enough confidence to love herself for who she is. Mariel dreamed of pursuing her modeling career soon in the future. Because of modeling, the bullying lessened and they weren't as worse as before. As for the girl who turned against her, Mariel forgave her and she still treats her like her friend. Her behavior and bad attitude towards Mariel, in return, Mariel treated her with kindness and still wants to be friends with her. Because of modeling, all of the hate towards Mariel meant nothing to her now. Also, Mariel joined her very first environmental organization called "Greenpeace Philippines".