I took flak from many different people through those years of middle school for being different, but the flak I took only increased my tolerance of others.

I sort of stood out due to my height (or lack of it), as well and got picked on throughout the school years. I always thought my tolerance of other people might've come from being often shunned myself. Not that I was a total outcast or anything, but different enough —short, skinny and silent— to stand out, which makes me feel for others who differ from the majority.