Necessity of Pain

My ex-history teacher asked our class if we could – if needed – tell the younger kids that all the drama that goes on (especially between girls) is not worth it. All of us said yes, it wasn't at all worth it; a part of me wonders, though, if it was, in some way, worth it. The drama itself was absolutely terrible. I am sure my elementary and junior high years would have been much more enjoyable without the drama and bullying; however, the personal growth that comes of bullying may be irreplaceable.


Would I still be the person I am today had I not gone through that? Simple biology would say I would be the same person, but biochemistry would show results differently. My mind wouldn't have developed the same way. I would react differently to situations because all those instances of feeling down because of other people would be gone. I may not be as sympathetic or caring towards people – or would I be more so because, without bullying, care might be all I know?


People definitely wouldn't be as well rounded, and stress might be unmanageable later in life. So is bullying really worth it? I believe it is completely necessary in life in order to develop. I do not think it should ever go to the point it goes to today. However, stress and the feeling of exclusion seems to help people later in life. So, yes, Mr. S., although bullying is a pain, it is completely worth it in the end.