Hearing-impaired kids discuss bullying

In students' own words, as written or told

through sign language interpreters

Johan Sanchez,18, Elmont, 12th grade

"I am 18 years old and I am hard of hearing. In the past, I used to be a bully. However, now, I have changed my ways. I want to be at peace with myself. Now I help my school with an anti-bullying program. Here at a deaf school, sometimes [bullying] happens right in front of staff, but they do not know it. Kids are sad and hurt when this happens . . . Mill Neck Manor is now running a program to teach the students about bullying and how to stand up for others when they are being bullied. We are learning to not stand back and watch but to help the victim. I really enjoy being part of the program.

"I was bullied myself when I was younger. Then when I was 13, an older boy in the school was a bully [and] I thought it was cool to be like him. And at 13, I myself became the bully. I'd insult other people, call them ugly and idiots, and I'm not afraid of you. I felt stronger. When they looked hurt, I felt I don't care.

"[Eventually] I was able to calm down and I was able to focus on my studies. I felt better about myself. I learned to be better to my parents. Last year some seniors told me I wasn't smart, I wasn't a good basketball player. Now they've graduated and I feel peace. I'm calmed down. Now if they insult me, I'd say I don't care. I've learned [that] from another student here. I've gotten thank-you notes from kindergartners for teaching bullying is bad."

Perla Cerritos,

16, Freeport, ninth grade

"I was born in El Salvador and it was hard to communicate. I came here when I was 5 and was taught to sign. I was bullied in the third and fourth grades . . . and it continued through elementary school. It made me feel upset. There was a lot of gossiping going on. They'd say, 'Oh, you don't have any friends,' they'd call me ugly, short. It was hard to ignore, it wasn't easy. Still I get bullied, but I ignore them; sometimes I say 'stop bullying,' but it hurts. It's not easy to accept.

"A kid who wants to be strong calls another kid 'nothing.' They learned, maybe, negative behavior at home. Maybe they have problems in their lives and world. . . . I try to help others deal with bullying and we have community meetings that help us. I was afraid before. Now, with the principal's help, I'm trying to feel like the power is mine, and that I can feel like I belong and be outside of the bullying.

"We are talking about how students should support their friends in school. We did some shows in school to show how to do this. If you see another student bullying your friend, you need to speak up. You should say 'Stop' or 'That's not right.' Students need to make good decisions. They need to express to the counselor or the principal and let them know what is happening. They need to interact with friends, be happy, have fun and peace."