A Cleveland high school senior has turned her pain into a powerful testimony that won her a $50,000 college scholarship from the Maltz Museum’s “Stop The Hate” essay contest.

Gabrielle Jones, a student at Martin Luther King Jr. High School, wrote an essay about the bullying she endured for years at the hands of her peers, and the inner power that she found once she entered high school. In an interview with Channel 3 Anchor Kris Pickel, she explained her painful childhood memories.

“Growing up, I was always bigger than my peers. I was friendless because no one wanted to hang out with the fat girl.

“Kids would throw candy wrappers and Debby Cakes on my seat and tell me to eat it. Every day I would come home and run to my room and cry my eyes out.”

Despite troubling elementary and junior high school experiences, when Gabrielle entered the ninth grade she decided things would be different. That decision led to Gabrielle joining the NAACP and even being elected Student Council Vice President.

“I was not going to allow myself coming into an adult to be a victim of hatred and bullying,” she said. “I found I had a voice and it’s very powerful.”

Gabrielle said she received encouragement from her parents throughout her turmoil, especially her mother who was also bullied, and she said she’s proud of the way she handled her childhood. She also has advice for other teens and tweens who are suffering through the same hatred she did.

“Never retaliate. It’s just not worth it. Don’t retaliate. Pray.” She also added, “Don’t give up. Never give up. You are all unique as fingerprints.”

With $50,000 on hand to prepare for her future, Gabrielle plans to attend law school, and eventually become a judge. Check out this video of Gabrielle reading her inspirational essay here.

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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