To This Day Project - Shane Koyczan

Shane Koyczan "To This Day". Help this message have a far reaching and long lasting effect in confronting bullying. Please share generously.
Find Shane on Facebook - on. Vwdi65
or on Twitter - / koyczan
I send out one new poem each month via email. You might like to join us. www.shanekoyczan.com
"My experiences with violence in schools still echo throughout my life but standing to face the problem has helped me in immeasurable ways.
Schools and families are in desperate need of proper tools to confront this problem. This piece is a starting point." - Shane
Find anti-bullying resources at www.bullying.org
Dozens of collaborators from around the world helped to bring this piece to life.
Buy "To This Day" video at: shanekoyczan.com/videos
Audio available from the album "Remembrance Year": shanekoyczan.com/albums
Audio also available at BandCamp bit.ly/VKGjgU
or iTunes bit.ly/W47QK2
Credits:
Ryan Kothe
Mike Healey
Will Fortanbary
Brian San
Diego De la Rocha
Gizelle Manalo
Adam Plouff
Mike Wolfram
Hyun Min Bae
Oliver Sin
Seth Eckert
Viraj Ajmeri
Vishnu Ganti
Yun Wang
Boris Wilmot
Cameron Spencer
DeAndria Mackey
Matt Choi
Reimo Õun
Samantha Bjalek
Eli Treviño
Ariel Costa
Caleb Coppock
James Mabery
Samir Hamiche
Waref Abu Quba
Deo Mareza and Clara
Josh Parker
Scott Cannon
Thomas McKeen
Kaine Asika
Marcel Krumbiegel
Teresa del Pozo
Eric Paoli Infanzón
Maxwell Hathaway
Rebecca Berdel
Zach Ogilvie
Anand Mistry
Chase Ogden
Dominik Grejc
Gideon Prins
Lucy Chen
Mercedes Testa
Rickard Bengtsson
Stina Seppel
Daniel Göttling
Julio C. Kurokodile
Marilyn Cherenko
Tim Darragh
Jaime Ugarte
Joe Donaldson
Josh Beaton
Margaret Schiefer
Rodrigo Ribeiro
Ryan Kaplan
Yeimi Salazar
Daniel Bartels
Joe Donaldson
Daniel Molina
Sitji Chou
Tong Zhang
Luc Journot
Vincent Bilodeau
Amy Schmitt
Bert Beltran
Daniel Moreno Cordero
Marie Owona
Mateusz Kukla
Sean Procter
Steven Fraser
Aparajita R
Ben Chwirka
Cale Oglesby
Igor Komolov
Markus Magnusson
Remington McElhaney
Tim Howe
Agil Pandri
Jessie Tully
Sander Joon
Kumphol Ponpisute
James Waters
Chris Koelsch
Ronald Rabideau
Alessandro & Manfredi
Andrea López
Howey Mitsakos
Giant Ant Studios
Leah Nelson
Jorge R. Canedo Estrada
Alicia Katz
for having the bravery to helm such a monumental project.
Brett Wilson
Joni Avram
for their generosity of spirit and tireless support.
Olivia Mennell
Maiya Robbie
Stefan Bienz
Corwin Fox
Aaron Joyce
Christina Zaenker
Melissa Bandura
for creating such a beautiful piece of music and having the patience to explore this art form with me.
Christi Thompson
Jess Sloss
for keeping me organized and making me appear to look like I know what I'm doing.
Loretta Mozart AKA my Grandmother
Sandy Garossino
Nea Reid
bullying.org
for never saying "You can't do that." For always saying "OK... how can I help?"

[@zippidydoodles]

schools be showing this in class, but then do absolutely nothing when kids say they r being bullied

[@d3mil0rd]

facts sadly

[@nk-th4lm]

i remember clearly when my school showed this, a kid in my homeroom afterwards said "what a waste of time" while i had to leave the class because i was breaking down because it hit too hard. those were the years when i wore nothing but baggy clothes to cover all my self harm. and to hear someone say that, made me feel like a waste of time

[@GamerDVRcom]

@Icarus Sam Hey there, Icarus Sam. How are things going?

[@AnthonyMartinez-hd7ll]

This is EXACTLY what came to mind when he says “We both got moved to the back of class so we would stop being bombarded by spitballs” cause it’s so true! When they do something to stop the issue it’s to the bullied, not the bullies.

[@Erin-oe7ie]

I watched this in my English class and most kids' reactions to it was laughing at the pork chop thing

[@eggrollyummy]

Everytime he says the words "They have to be wrong." ... I lose it.

[@madam-mint]

Stay strong, please.

[@mjtilly-9403]

+eggrollyummy Yep same here

[@waffleninja2057]

+Ming Chen you are f*cked up if any part of this video is funny to you in any way.

[@eleanorfair5816]

Every Time he says "they have to be wrong" I get chills down my spine

[@kimmoolenaar6148]

Me too

[@xavierjimenez5659]

I’m glad we all came back to this in adulthood hope everyone’s doing good

[@celestialphoenixqueen9258]

heard this in upgrading school during a special selective student program . and as they showed it to us in the meeting room i was messaging my then long distance bf and our then mutual 2 guy besties / my crushes . i was so emotionally close to shattering and depresively relapsing so much . this poem has helped me accept myself more and more and to not care about what people think , say or do about me cause i am not here to entertain anyone and everyone . i am healing myself from the wounds on my heart and soul cause of others

[@comradecrust3068]

my entire class is watching this for litrature so i guess this video got like a lot more views

[@spudothy]

I'm not thanks though!

[@spudothy]

but for real i can't tell if it's better or worse that the bullies on the outside disappeared because I'm more cruel to myself than they ever were

[@theemogypsy8198]

This was showed at our school and every kid that saw it still shows kids nowadays it’s a powerful video

[@channellpace6416]

“YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE THEY WERE WRONG!” “They have to be wrong.” That part is so powerful to me 😢❤

[@tayaguede8813]

Same that is my favorite. And "If you can't see anything beautiful about yourself, get a better mirror, look a little closer, stare a little longer." This video has helped me a lot

[@geraldogden9618]

They were.

[@Chris-mm6mn]

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

[@barryallen5719]

So true

[@Troy1910]

💯

[@JC-gg5ek]

👍

[@justmayaxo]

True. 😕

[@Idek-J]

Until it talks to another fish and learns that fish are not very good at climbing trees

[@shaye07]

" if you can't see anything beautiful about yourself Get a better *mirror* Look a little *closer* Stare a little *longer* " This always gets me.

[@wesleyfreeman5918]

that and "you put a cast around your broken heart, and you signed it "THEY WHERE WRONG""

[@youneedjesus4647]

The part about the kid trying to kill himself gets me the most:(

[@jamichea]

Cringe

[@jasper9135]

They made us watch this in class I was the only one who cried. Edit a boy called me ugly and depressed today....LoVe ThAt fOr Me

[@kimmielizabeth1474]

@@jasper9135 I watched this in class today and i was really touched.

[@kaykay87767]

I hope Shane realizes just how many lives he saved with this masterpiece, including my own. I would’ve missed so much. Thank you for convincing me to stay.

[@FuryofTiamat-Flip]

We are so happy you stayed. Love you.

[@alicequ5807]

Thank you so much for staying, you've been so strong and came a long way

[@broganlueke6197]

😭😭😭 don't ever leave unless you are pushed out the door by others.

[@iamthechosenraisin8578]

Wow, this comment and Shane’s work is powerful. It’s beautiful how some people have the incredible gift to spin their vocabulary into something that can move others with words alone. I’m glad you decided to stay. And I’m half Shane Koyczan made this beautiful piece of work. It got me through some really tough times too :) I hope you’re doing well.

[@michaelfairbairn4283]

I've been where you were, and I'm so glad I stayed. 60 years old and I've had a wonderful life. Hugs.

[@mrw364]

"sometimes being drug free has less to do with addiction and more to do with sanity." So simply said, yet has such profound meaning.

[@celestialphoenixqueen9258]

that line hit me hard , i used to take different kinds of anti anxiety and anti depressant meds cause i have really bad anxiety and depression , they'd only work to keep me sane and not cold and emotionless . this poem is my healing blanket

[@Scissorbag]

As a teenager I always broke down at "Some of us fell", as an adult I break at "We made it". I'm there.

[@ergoanteros]

You made it. And others will meet you there. Congratulations man.

[@uNkrEaTIvArTs]

Scissorbag Im still walking the tightrope but I will make it because I see what lies in front of me and it will be worth it

[@Kya10]

Scissorbag Congrats...

[@wingletondingleton5744]

Scissorbag just know you aren’t the only one

[@coralschemel955]

i used to watch this video when i was 14 and felt like i couldn’t go on any longer.. i’m 20 now and just found this video for the first time in years and haven’t cried this much in ages - we made it.

[@justgarfield9721]

0% meme comments 0% offended comments 100% heart warming comments

[@ve7467]

Garf lasaga there are meme posts about this

[@haileynovotny9355]

Very true

[@goldengoose8393]

I honestly dont know how anybody could get offended by this ._.

[@cyxnidei]

99% heartwarming comments 1% These kinda of comments

[@shady8045]

Epic

[@chaos5297]

My teacher played this and I looked around and nobody thought anything of it. They were laughing. I was holding back tears and gritting my teeth. I'm still wondering how this resonates with so many people and yet they do not care

[@domingo4420]

If people laugh at something like this, then it proves their ignorance. They have never truly been on the receiving end of the stick, because if they had, they would not be laughing at something that could resonate deeply with them. It's so sad, how others so blatantly choose to not understand problems. They cannot comprehend that this is a reality for millions of people- that words do hurt, and sometimes it's just enough to push you off the end.

[@chaos5297]

Actually though. It's sad

[@tylerallen146]

I’m here with you. Same situation. This hit me more then the pain of life and abuse.

[@queen0karaoke]

They laughed because they were hiding their own bruises and scars.

[@broganlueke6197]

@@domingo4420 wtf they are actually assholes if they laughed at this. This is one of the greatest poems of all time due to it's strong meaning. How dare they.

[@emilylacey9778]

Crazy reading the comments, I was also 13-14 when I first saw this.. 10 years later still here and it still hits the same, we’re all doing perfectly

[@skibbl_dev]

I was probably 6-8 when i first watched this. I am now 13 and its only hitting harder.

[@CoolBreeze1232]

"How can you hold your ground when everyone around wants to bury you beneath it." Killed me

[@madisonsinger1440]

Miles Easton dude same, it’s so true it just makes me cry. I’m going through a rough time with bullying so that lyric just hit different:(

[@Idek-J]

my friend that moved away because of bullying had that problem but she had me but I was no match for the entire school who hated her.

[@MarianeHoran2]

I can recite this poem front to back. I heard this in high school on the brink of losing my balancing act. Now, I'm studying to be a detective and found a loving boyfriend... I've never been more happy

[@celestialphoenixqueen9258]

can't say i care for love or romance or any of that boringness ,this poem makes me feel like it's ok to be myself and follow my own path . i am not a damsel in distress or the girl who needs a prince or lover i am the girl who loves herself enough to be happy alone and at ease

[@nitrade87]

I’m on the brink.. I almost fell off the tightrope.. my girlfriend pulled me up and helped me keep my balance.. I feel like everything is just getting worse, everyone makes fun of me.. I’m that weird Christian kid that doesn’t curse and doesn’t like sports, I’m the ugly skinny kid that no one likes, Glad that others are getting on well, and able to get a better mirror and leave that circus, I wish I could too.. I’m serious, I’m glad you guys found a way out, hopefully I can find mine..

[@MarianeHoran2]

@@nitrade87 you're not weird. That's just who you are. Even though it seems impossible, you will be able to get out of the circus. You are who you are and you'll be able to find a better mirror

[@nitrade87]

@@MarianeHoran2 Everything is getting better.. I have a girlfriend who loves me and am getting ready to turn in the application to get into my local fire department’s cadet program. I have three amazing friends and I feel loved.. a warmth that can only be felt when someone truly cares about you..

[@MarianeHoran2]

@@nitrade87 congrats! I couldn't be more happy for you! I know how it feels to feel so low and so unhappy but when it becomes better, you realize how much better the world is. Again, I'm very happy for you, congrats!

[@ysabellecarr603]

This got me through 8th grade. I played it every single night. Im turning 24 soon. Glad im still here

[@faranr]

The last time I heard this, I was in high school not knowing if I wanted to continue living. Today, I’m applying to medical school to become a pediatrician

[@ericstahmer720]

I'm proud of you. that's amazing

[@samc255]

i'm so proud of you, love! i'm glad you're still here

[@cjsnedden9115]

I was severely bullied in highschool to the point that i was doubting there was a future for me as well. Tomorrow, i start my first day as being a Registered Nurse in one of the best hospitals in my city. Go us xx

[@okokcool8603]

Congrats🙏🙏 🎉 t

[@DanielleMoops]

I'm so proud of you.

[@professional_gay]

I cry every time at "Whose definition of beauty begins with the word mom"

[@ladyindigo1046]

that part gets me every fucking time

[@loser2489]

Every. Single. Time.

[@jupiter_nyx]

That part ALWAYS makes me cry

[@SillyApe]

not really

[@lukefranco68]

Crushes me

[@llArkanell]

“We are graduating members of the class of we made it” we did indeed make it guys. And let us honor the fallen ones who didn’t in hopes this poem still matters to them in whatever after life they went to…

[@Chromaggia]

God, I haven’t thought about this video in years. I watched it over and over when it first came out. It was something I desperately needed to hear at the time. I don’t know why it just randomly popped into my head all these years later, but it hits harder than ever. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Shane.

[@Mar-5016]

Also just popped in my head, watched it like 10 years ago in 4th grade, 19 now and although I never directly related to this video I love the message and the passion put into it.

[@Chromaggia]

@@Mar-5016 I’m gonna sound real pretentious here, but it’s oddly beautiful knowing that this video brought two complete strangers back here at the same time ten years later. I guess it’s a testament to how powerful this piece is, and art in general in a way. I wonder if Shane had any idea just how long this would stick with people when he first wrote this.

[@guyco642]

Literally me today

[@Alisha_4360]

@@Chromaggiait brought more than two. 🥹 I’m watching it again as a 24 year old. The last time I watched this video was when I was 12 years old, struggled with self harm and suicidal thoughts. Tried to kill myself when I was 14 and didn’t think I’d ever make it past 18 years old, but I did, and had a beautiful daughter when I turned 20 and life is now worth living…

[@ajvideos12341]

Anyone else get really speechless because the things he said touched you?

[@Jon-ll6tt]

yes because when I was a kid I was filled with depression and I almost had therapy. all he said happend in my life and fought to be here today.

[@ajvideos12341]

Jon 1002 I'm sorry about that, I wish that I could help everyone with their depression before they commit suicide. It really hurts to hear about my friends or family that did it. I really hope the world can become happy again for everyone going through something

[@Jon-ll6tt]

+Polarcere Aj yeah I know

[@wolfspirit12223]

The strongest words ever spoken to me is "If you can't see anything beautiful about yourself then get a better mirror. Look a little closer. Stare a little longer. Because there is something inside you that kept you trying despite every one telling you should quite." Never have words been more resonate after reaching the light at the end of the tunnel, and looking back to see how much i have grown from it.

[@ajvideos12341]

Luulimender I love that quote, it will really help me later in life.

[@jeffersonle4304]

*"How do you hold your ground when everyone wants to bury you beneath it?"*

[@jojosworld1721]

Jefferson Le that’s me. Everyone dreams me dead

[@peterwidia5740]

Cause he wants to be on top ;)

[@xiopaovid1215]

Jefferson Le You had to believe that they were wrong... they have to be wrong...

[@bahatinyah3881]

Keep saying I am worth everything and great things are happening to me everyday. Write it down

[@tacos394]

really stood out to me too :)

[@Minoze]

I always come back to this video. It was 2013, my teacher shared this video to us and I cried like a baby knowing the pain all to well. Now, its 2023, I've been a graduate of "we made it" for 7 years! And I still cry like a baby "to this day". Thank you Shane, and thank you to all those who have stayed and gave me a reason to stay.

[@angieee112]

My freshman year the English teacher put this on the projector and it had 99% of the class crying. Very beautiful poem. Hands down my favorite

[@acob6159]

My English teacher put it up too. It was in 6th grade, though. Most people didn’t understand, they didn’t care. I wonder if they would now. I almost cried when it was showed to me in the classroom. I wonder if anyone else did. I looked around the room with my eyes watery, nobody seemed affected. We just went on after that. It hit me like a truck, though. I wonder if they would cry, too, if they watched it today. I’m a freshman and I really needed to see this. Good thing I came across it again.

[@fivefingersinmyass5979]

Me too, 9th grade today. English class

[@beans666]

Mine was 8th grade

[@brysoncoy9043]

Cap

[@oompaloompa3324]

I lost it when they said the definition of beauty begins with mom

[@poland440]

same

[@idekroblox]

Me to my because my mother passed away at my birth and my aunt IS my mom now. I not once saw my mother but have dreams and pictures

[@kylacallaway7923]

same

[@Arisleydis333]

same same

[@melodyem77]

Me too, I almost started crying

[@reesesims196]

When this came out I was teen, battling hard core depression 2019 I'm a mom to two with a loving husband who refuses to let me see the down side of life I wouldn't be here if it wernt for this Thank you

[@imcrazyforwar]

When i first saw this I was fresh out college and depressed... Now I'm an adult whos more lonely, full of anxiety and more depressed instead... Some times people's life's get better, sometimes they don't...

[@demetriajones81]

@@imcrazyforwar Things will get better for you too Elias and try to find one thing good in each day.

[@ProjectRemedy16]

Hey Potato Chips and anyone else from 2013, when you watch the video, does it seem as though the animations changed? I honestly don't remember it looking like :12 and :36...it seemed like they changed it, but I can't find the old versions?

[@marissaok7160]

I’m still waiting for my future I hope I make it

[@kaliyay7590]

Damn it these comments make me so happy. I discovered this when I was a teenager, and I'm watching it as an adult and crying because I've come so far. Life is so different and it truly does get better.

[@spiderwes01]

I’ve cried every time I’ve heard this poem, I listened to it twice every year in highschool, I’m 21 now and even still it makes me break down, I just can’t believe I’ve made it

[@Thatfangirloverthere]

This poem saved my life over and over again in middle school. I’m now in school for a masters in middle grade education. Thank you.

[@anjelikad1690]

"You built a cast around your broken heart" Hits me, hits right there.

[@xx_hackerpro_xx3743]

"You have to believe they are wrong", of course... They have the truth in anymoment... You're lying.

[@isabella.jenk1ns]

Me too. Have to pretend it doesn’t hurt and protect myself from hurt

[@vXIMVASSY]

Everything about this is to true

[@marinameilenstein]

Anyone else who thinks this is beautiful but can't watch it too often because it just hits too close to home?

[@koimouse7170]

Marina Merstenstein me bish

[@brandonramirez924]

u stoopid bitch

[@naranciaghirga8662]

Marina Merstenstein yeah I just watch this when I need to vent I'm crying while I'm typing this

[@kinga6565]

Me. It feels like a mental not slap but a realization in mind. That you will actually get trough this

[@elisehein4271]

Yes

[@deadrudees]

this is the first poem that ever brought me to tears and it still does a decade later

[@celestialphoenixqueen9258]

when he said "kids can be cruel " i felt angry ... when i was little kids in kindergarten would pick on me for having seizures, a minor learning disability and having a unibrow , everyday i'd come home crying and not being able to want to go to school . as i grew up i became this girl who had enough and fought back and didn't say sorry for it because the teachers didn't do anything to help . now i am happy to just be by myself and have my cat cause she's the most amazing and loyal best friend ever . words hurt ! think before you speak and act

[@babiblue144]

Each time he raised his voice the more emotional I get

[@guidancetoself2442]

“You have to believe that they were wrong.” Chills.

[@stephanieweinstock5075]

yeah for real tho

[@jaylinallen5409]

@@stephanieweinstock5075 I started to feel myself tear up a little on the first couple of parts 😂

[@jennaturner6784]

But they are right lol I don’t give up because the afterlife could be boring

[@littleroach1195]

“They have to be otherwise why are we still here?”

[@wolvezzgaming_yt]

“they have to be wrong why else would we still be here” 😕

[@Maikeru368]

10 years later, and I'm still needing to listen to this every once in a while

[@rookm1270]

last time i watched this video, i was so severely depressed that i thought i would never even make it to hs. now, here i am, having passed that threshold years ago. spent a long while in therapy and am going again in a few hours. i’m so, so much happier now. the appreciation and love i have for this video is beyond words. thank you ❤️

[@khfangirl1]

I remember being a 13 year old when I first found this video and I remember just sobbing watching this and since then I forgot about this video. I’m 19 and I just started college and it’s 2AM and I’m sobbing again. It’s been so hard getting to this point. This video is a good reminder of how far I’ve come.

[@haileemoyer4353]

PotatoMika im 13 right now. I watch this video 2 times a week to stop thinking of bad thoughts. Ive overcome a lot of them. Sorry if this wasnt needed i can relate tho.

[@ly.xrosey8415]

PotatoMika I’m crying now

[@ezekielsmith547]

❤❤ same I was 12 I'm 18

[@angelinachow6974]

@@haileemoyer4353 you'll get through it love. if you ever need anyone to talk to, my instagram is "gigichoww". never hesitate to send me a DM. i was where u are now and some days are still a struggle. but i love to help people so never be afraid to reach out (: id love to give u some tips or healthy n helpful ways to cope.

[@haileemoyer4353]

Angelina Chow thank you. I will talk to you if i need any help

[@rachelbrown7097]

I've spent so long wanting to die that I forgot I'm allowed to live

[@parslee]

Rachel Brown Just wanted to say that I’m glad you’re here.

[@zoehawks]

you’ve got this

[@bellaparlee5195]

Your comment hit really close to home cause I got through a dark time and I felt the same way you do and you will get though it and it will get better you just have to hold on a little longer

[@sonofapirate]

words alone should NEVER make you want to die, cry, shout, yell screem, but stay alive please.

[@Idek-J]

Yes you always have to remember to live

[@marimorillo8590]

This video kept me strong and safe nine years ago. Then I was a 20yo girl who didnt knew what to do with her life... 9 years later I got two degrees, one as a Psychologist and I'm using this video to sensitize people about bullying, discrimination and the human right to dignity and good treat. Back then I did appretiate this video, now I do it even more. Thank you.

[@ItachiEspada]

Good for you :) I've watched this around 100 times in 10 years, but I have a Question to pose for you as a Psychologist: You see, I've been broken myself since I can remember, I studied Social Work and despite being depressed myself I still worked with suicidal Patients and People with Schizophrenia for quite a while. Successfully, too - I always seem to be able to connect and have somewhat fitting Words of Encouragement for other People. However, my Problem aligns with the final Statement of this Video: We're successful because we're still here, "we made it". I'm 30 now and yeah, I made it up until now. But I'm still broken, still more or less a stick of TNT lit from both ends. I think about it a lot and it feels like the Medal you get in Elementary School for Participation. The Kids feel integrated, but the Parents see the worthlessness of the Medal. Why would I still take part, why would I be proud about making it this far when the entire Journey was Painful ? For the worthless Medal everybody gets xD ? And don't tell me my "unique" Perspective helped several Patients in the past. I mean it did, but I ain't special, there's plenty of People working in the same Field who could've achieved the same thing. I'm not insane enough to kill myself YET, I just wonder what you'd say to someone who got inspired by this Video and came to the Conclusion that the final Message doesn't actually give Solace or Encouragement :D Sorry for potential mistakes in this "Question", English isn't my first Language.

[@AggressiveMenace]

It's sad knowing that treating others with dignity and manners is a pretty basic principle who many people ignore. Aside schools and specially when you're a growth adult, there are so many toxicity and mistreatment around us in the street, workplace, etc. For me the most important lesson of this is that how you behave aside these mean individuals, if you think on it, it's so hypocritical being rude when you don't allow people like this anymore.

[@goddesstaylor007]

This video came out when I was 14. I’m 23 now and I still always come back to it. I think this is the thing that kept me going. Thank you Shane, they were wrong❤️

[@shaquilleoatmealOG]

7 years later and this is still a masterpiece

[@jamesroina9807]

shaquille oatmeal

[@afriendsfriend]

To This Day...

[@jaylinallen5409]

Facts💯

[@randomgamer2065]

7 years later and 9 months later still a masterpeice

[@zachbound972]

yes

[@maddieotterson5581]

have a tattoo on my body that says “they were wrong” because this video saved me as a child. “you built a cast around your broken heart and you signed it yourself, you signed it THEY WERE WRONG!” it’s in my own handwriting and everything, i owe so much to this video and to shane for making my realize that i can make it, and i made it.

[@magnus3497]

I've been planning on getting the same kind of tattoo for years. It will be my next. Congratulations friend. 💖

[@imarat4626]

Maddie Otterson I’m want to get the same tatto

[@bloodycorneas3240]

I’ve been thinking of referencing this video in one of my future tattoos because I come back every year to just watch it .

[@typcialgamer1167]

This is the most beautiful video I do really owe to it as well

[@brit7619]

Maddie Otterson this made me sob. I love you❤️

[@nikschaffer5676]

"And if you cant see anything beautiful about yourself. Get a better mirror. Look a little closer. Stare a little longer. Because theres something inside you that made you keep going despite everyone who told you to quit" has got to be one of the most powerful lines. Makes me cry everytime.

[@lisajena42]

I listened to this 7 years ago in a dark point in my life. These words did alot to help me through that time. I'm really thankful for this poem. 🙏

[@President_Weeb]

I’m glad you’re still here and doing better. Best wishes my friend

[@lassejohansen8940]

To this day, 5 years later it’s as beautiful as ever

[@Zerwin264]

Will always be beautiful

[@TXCryptic]

I used to put this on repeat when I was writing, but I found it today, and it hits harder than ever, I understand this completely now, and I want to cry and get angry but I can only do one

[@psychedamike]

This video is timeless

[@accurateplayz399]

And 100 years later it's still going to be just as beautiful.

[@jordanisdepressed8897]

“While the others slept, we walked a tightrope and some of us fell”. That really hit me.

[@gumy6860]

Yeah fall off you unbalanced fucking idiot

[@t57thetank]

@@gumy6860 my guy are you 12

[@kai-px3vg]

@@gumy6860 stop being toxic dude did u even watch the video? if u dont understand or sympathize with it then just go away. a lot of people watching this are going through tough times. who knows you could be too but just watch the video and calm down.

[@relveil.]

@@gumy6860 bro?..

[@t57thetank]

@@gumy6860 Actually think before you say shit

[@ericajournaljg1334]

I found this video in 8th grade. I’m 22 now and this still hits my heart. I still watch it on hard days

[@ainsleyg123]

I found this poem in 6th grade. I am now 23. And to this day- I can still recite every word. This poem was the first thing the showed me other people were feeling pain the way I was. This poem helped me feel ok.

[@wizardnekonaomi2498]

even after three years this is still impactful to me.

[@jackthewartortle9523]

Sooooo... It impacts you To this day?

[@mckenzielake6943]

HAHAHA

[@kjuice420]

+Jackthewartortle You just made my day :)

[@jackthewartortle9523]

Don't worry I'll be here all my life;) That's a joke about comedy and the fact that I can't stop watching this🙂

[@ekkeekkeekkeekkeptangzoobo5760]

shut up

[@kaganshepherd81]

This was made six years ago....it’s almost 2020.....seems like the world just keeps getting darker

[@evenbaby4398]

Kagan Shepherd but it’s going to be okay!! I love youu 💛💛 your doing great in life :D

[@gracie6768]

Kagan Shepherd it is sadly.

[@anonymousperson3023]

@@gracie6768 no, it isnt. It's just that information gets spread a lot more quickly and another reason is when it was 6 years ago, you were probably young and didnt give a shit about the news so you never knew about bad stuff that happened then. Just look at the 2000's. A lot of shit stuff was happening. Tensions with Iran and then, swine flu, and sars, the great recession, etc.

[@gracie6768]

Kendrick Mott I guess that’s true

[@xw591]

Kagan 2019, it gets worse

[@CanteLizzie]

Like so many other people, I heard this in school and, as a depressed pre-teen, listened to it on repeat. School wouldn't life a finger to stop bullying but at least they showed me this. Almost ten years later I'm doing so much better but I'll never forget what this means to me.

[@abidonaghy]

11 years later, and it hit me far harder than a bullet. i listened to and i felt these words at 18, but i never heeded the message. ive somehow fought though to 29, and in a moment I needed it most this came to my mind. i need to prove them wrong.

[@thequeenofcringe6920]

*“Despite a loving husband, she doesn’t think she’s beautiful because of a birthmark that takes up a little lesser than half her face. Kids used to say that she looks like a wrong answer that someone tried to erase but couldn’t quite get the job done but they don’t understand that she’s raising 2 kids whose definition of beauty begins with the word mum, because they see her heart before they see her skin because she’s only ever been amazing”* wow so much respect for you

[@nasto1gic197]

schools are showing this yet they do nothing about bullying

[@AegixDrakan]

That's the biggest crime. So many schools talk a big game about "zero tolerance", but they don't do anything about the army of assholes inflicting death by a thousand cuts, they don't punish the real ringleaders because they're the best player on the rugby team and they wanna keep winning, they make excuses about "that's locker room traditions, it's harmless", and in the case of my nemesis it was full blown nepotism (he was the nephew of the VP). And they do nothing, or call you in to the office for the bully to make a false apology and "make up and be friends! :D " because it's so much easier to smooth things over or punish the victim than it is to take action against a culture, their star player, their biggest donor's kid, or deal with half the goddamn school. And even when they DO do something like yell and scream at en entire class for bullying someone, it scares them straight for all of a week (with the bullies going "I thought it was gonna be some boring BS until he yelled BULLSHIT, then I realized we might be in trouble!") before the bullying begins again, small scale cuts until they feel they can get away with more all over again. And then they have the AUDACITY to ask "Why did this happen?!" when tragedy strikes as a result of their inaction or protection of the problem. I likely would not be here if it wasn't for videogames and a few grade school friends, which made me feel like if I was dead, I'd miss out on fun stuff.

[@gumy6860]

Ali A? I missed your fortnight content :(

[@gachagirsomegirl147]

Yeah my school showed us this

[@brandonbeck6730]

I 100% agree. My school had a “bully box” in the cafeteria where kids could put in little slips of paper to ask for help. And eventually, they took the box down. Why you might ask? Because what bullied kid is gonna walk up, in the middle of lunch, and put something in the box for all to see, so they never got anything in the box. The thing that really sucks is when teachers or parents are like “you can always talk to me” when you just can’t. Half the time I talked to my parents or teachers they were like “oh they’re just joking, toughen up” which just made me feel great about myself :D. I too wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for a few grad school friends, and when my teacher made me watch this poem a few months ago (I’m a junior now btw) I cried in the middle of class (thanks Covid for only having less than half the kids in my class see that bc of hybrids learning T3T)

[@lvclixx2566]

EXACTLY

[@ettimire2418]

I found this when I was in 8th grade and I'm now a junior in college. Time passes so quickly but this video really gave me the encouragement to try harder in life and prove everyone wrong.

[@sumothagod4673]

It’s so crazy how I discovered this video back in 2014 and I play it every year and as a young adult I’m 22 now and I still feel the constant pain of my past that I can’t just shake off I still feel that same pain I felt in High School

[@thewonderfulwolfe6232]

To this day, I have yet to watch this video without crying..

[@nick-qw2nj]

TheWönderfulWölfie for real you are a beautiful person also😊

[@wafflepancakehouse8924]

TheWönderfulWölfie same I'm just gonna go cry in the corner now.....

[@lilymcgroarty8968]

Same with me and it was me when you get builled you can't imagine what it feels like to be called names it has hurted in the past

[@missedits6403]

TheWönderfulWölfie same

[@farleygutierrez3619]

TheWönderfulWölfie u same

[@simplysierra9483]

"They have to be wrong" the emotion in that line never fails to stir something up deep inside of me.

[@manglethefox6276]

It makes me cry everytime

[@Katymask44]

Shane, After 10 years this still impacts all our hearts.. Maybe even more now that we are adults. Thank you Shane from the bottom of my heart. This video will be more than you ever will know.

[@reeceball]

When I first heard this poem in high school, I broke down still believing they were right. Now I’m 26, and I’m breaking down because I *know* they were wrong and I *know* I’m beautiful.

[@katedolan17]

Came back to this 8 years later and it still gets me. Even as a 24 year old with a loving fiancé, successful job, and a house I still feel like that depressed kid who watched this video on repeat in high school. Things are so different now. I’m glad I stuck around to see it.

[@angieee112]

Proud of you

[@Mercur1onus]

Same here. My teacher showed this to me back in 8th grade, and I've carried this with me ever since. Bullying is stupid, and I always try my hardest to not condone it among my friends.

[@PHOENIX2001]

What is scary is that kids today have the power of anonymous to be behind of. I was in the generation of if I was picked on, they either said to to my face or did it secretly behind my back

[@betty8371]

Crazy because I’m also 24 coming back to this 7-8 years later. And I hear what you mean, we come back to this for a reason. Gotta be willing to keep working yk, hard for sure. We deserve to graduate from the class of “we made it”

[@kay01blank]

Felt ❤️

[@izzie1379]

“Get a better mirror look a little closer stare a little longer” that hurt me a lot I still get with self image so much

[@midnightskyfly8297]

I know I’m late but I care yea we don’t know each other but I want you to stay safe. Everyone deserves to be happy you might be confused but please stay safe I’m here if you want to talk❤️

[@littlejohnandbaloo9701]

And just like Mulan said: _"Sometimes your song can't start, until you go someplace, to reflect."_ Your image is _not_ broken. Your self-portrait is _not_ damaged. Show that your reflection cares about you, and never let your image say "No". You can't hide who you are. Someone who doesn't know you, or someone who tried to know you, is all just fabrications. It's very important to show who you are inside of you.

[@littlejohnandbaloo9701]

@{{KipoTheFox}} *_Everyone_* deserves one last chance while they still have it. While it is _just_ the beginning, it is _not_ the end of your life. It has already just begun, and no bully or nerd will never traumatize, or antagonize you. You need to believe in yourself, and give proof that all bad days might change, but if it happens, it's on _you._ Don't be a _wrong_ answer, and try to make sure that your life depends on the right answer alone. You _can_ do this. Your heart depends on your life, and it is important that every day seems to get better. You are an _adventurer._ Travel across the world while you still can. *_Hike_*_ the Kilimanjaro, _*_learn_*_ the Art of Renaissance in Venice, _*_dog-sled_*_ throughout all of Siberia, _*_raft_*_ the Amazon, _*_follow_*_ the path to the jungle, _*_master_*_ the ninja way in Japan, _*_explore_*_ the Taj Mahal, _*_board_*_ your boat, _*_sail_*_ across the ocean, _*_restore_*_ Te Fiti's heart,_ be *_your_* wayfinder, *_become_*_ an English person in the United Kingdom in an English manner, _*_live_*_ the country life in Texas, _*_read, write and learn_*_ Kanji the Japanese or Chinese way, simplified or traditional, be what your heart _*_tells_*_ you to be..._ Get a piece of paper, and some colorful colored pencils, and bring out the inner artist or illustrator in you... Color your whole life with a piece of paper, _any_ color: _Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, et cetera...._ Be a colorful rainbow, just as Roy G. Biv intended, and never let anyone interrupt your free time while illustrating... Have a creative mind in yourself. Be resourceful, intimidating and invigorating, and no matter how long you illustrate while coloring, don't let it stop you. You can draw anything _even_ if you put your _brain_ and _mind_ to it! No one can ever stop you from destroying you and everyone's *_creativity!_* And _no one_ can ever put an end to your life, in which the end is just pure _fictional,_ and *_cannot_* happen in real life. If it did, then... Earth will be _disappeared_ forever. *_Be_*_ a player, a virtual _*_KZbinr,_*_ a gamer, an illustrator, a graphic designer, an IT technician, whatever job you may want to be._ This is your last and final race, so put the pedal on your left feet, and beat your opponents while you still have the chance. Soon, your ranking will be risen into first place, and the winner who will be chosen is _you!_ Don't press "Quit" or "Exit Game"... Return to your game, hit "Continue", restart the race again, and if the opponent wins while you're still in the middle, don't get mad... This is only your first race, and the game just isn't the same without you winning. Just like the kids at school, when the nerds bully them, you have to stay strong and tell those school bullies to never let anyone try to antagonize their students as long as you tell the teacher or principal. We all know 2020 is going to become the worst year in existence, but if we put a stop into bullying, and get rid of the villains and antagonists, 2020 will actually be _not_ a good year, but a better year that will happen in our lives. We must not resort to other bullying, or our school year will _definitely_ be the most devastating year that has ever happened in other recent years. Let us take a moment to cherish our lives while the pandemic continues to spread even more.

[@pheonity]

@@littlejohnandbaloo9701 PREACHHH

[@exoandbtsneedacollabtodisi3956]

This might not help but this is something that helped me... it depends on how your perspective I though. Whenever you look in the mirror don't think of who is in there as yourself, think of it as a completely different person, or as your friend. The reason this worked for me is because I have never thought that anyone was ugly but I constantly said that I was... But when I started imagining how I could be hurting the person in the mirror with my thoughts and words then I started to think of the mirror as a human and not just a reflection. Once you learn to accept the person in the mirror then little by little try to think of that beautiful person as yourself again :)🥰😊 my body and mental image still isn't as nice as I would like it to be but I've come a long way.

[@melindaefta8745]

Haven’t thought of this video in almost 10 years. It’s funny the parts that stick out to me now are so different than the ones that stuck out to me as a depressed teenager. What a beautiful and powerful message that stood the test of time.

[@allisons9606]

I found this poem a year before my ex-boyfriend committed suicide in front of me. My entire town blamed me for his death, but this poem helped me sign the cast around my heart that they were wrong. 💗 It took a long time for me to get here, but I give this poem quite a bit of credit for pulling me out of the darkest place I’ve ever been. Thank God for Shane Koyczan 💟

[@ahahalicia]

"If a kid breaks in a school and no one around chooses to hear, do they make a sound?"

[@alohadubs7683]

No. They don't tell anyone. Except friends who don't care. Teachers that you don't tell. Because you know they're doing their hellish job. Teachers, grades, very few friends. And the SILENCE! trust me I'd rather be bullied, than have everyone ignore me. And I want my cursed, tainted mind wiped.

[@spitjake1364]

If you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around, do you ever really crash or even make a sound?

[@brokenwingsofthenephilim8927]

trans yams dear evan hansen waving through a window

[@fffrenchvanilla]

Alicia " if you're falling in a forest and there's nobody around, did you ever really crash or even make a sound" SORRY I'M SO IMMATURE I HAD TO!

[@psychedreams7684]

Did I ever make a sound? It's like I've never made a sound.

[@emmyweee]

I dont understand why people would dislike this?

[@heartone219]

because they are heartless monsters who can't apreciate beauty

[@seltzpopz377]

Maybe they dislike it because its not their type of thing? Poetry isn't for everyone. Maybe they dislike it because they dont like how things are portrayed, how their opinions clash with Shane's claims, and even how the video in general is to them. It's a video on KZbin, remember that.

[@stevenkollin4409]

Maybe some people didn't like the poem or the animation

[@seltzpopz377]

Steven Kollin aaayyyy posted same time

[@coralsalvador7898]

Maybe couse they are the bully

[@jordanrosalie3196]

I watched this as a child in high school. I cried and cried then, because only now I realize how much pain I was in. I wish I could hold that little girl and tell her they were wrong, my love.

[@Grace-bx4sq]

watched this at school a few weeks ago - almost burst into tears right then and there

[@trippypups8207]

“so we grew up believing no one would ever fall in love with us that we’d be lonely forever that we’d never meet someone to make us feel like the sun was something they built for us in their tool shed so broken heart strings bled the blues as we tried to empty ourselves so we would feel nothing. don’t tell me that hurts less than a broken bone” that whole part got me

[@tencan6071]

COLBY BROCKSTER especially when someone says you’re aren’t replaceable, but than they replace you the next day. I finally realized that no one is going to fall in love with me.

[@farechildd]

I'm looking in the comments and seeing everyone talking about the message of this video... But what I was thinking the whole time was a bit different... THEM VIDEO SKILLS THOUGH! This is probably the coolest animation I've seen in a while, so creative, so clean, and so unique.

[@tinalin7278]

is fairchild your actual real last name

[@farechildd]

+Tina Lynn it is

[@tinalin7278]

you're lucky

[@farechildd]

+Tina Lynn why lol

[@tinalin7278]

read the shadowhunter series

[@bahbs8056]

I believed they were wrong. I kept going. I watched this video when I was 11/12, being abused at home, bullied, and suicidal. I just turned 20, and I have lived so much. This changed my life. I’ve had my first love, my first heartbreak, lost and gained friends and loved ones. Grappled self worth and won. Ive seen success. I’ve lived. I’ve grown. It’s only been a decade since I’ve seen this, and I’ve already done so much that I would have missed. The friends I lost, it breaks my heart even still to know even part of what they’ve missed. I am so grateful to be alive to this day. To anyone out there giving through this, it gets better. It’s cliché and it’s true. I’m so glad I didn’t give up: that I got a better mirror, looked a little harder.

[@ireallybad_1883]

As a kid this poem hit hard, now, as an adult it hits harder. I’ve still got a long way to go, I still cannot believe that someone else would love me, but I can love myself. Took me years to go from hoping they were wrong to somewhat knowing they were wrong. Here’s to progress, and to all the kids still holding onto hope. You can do it kiddos, they’re wrong. I promise.

[@TranscendentACE]

I can't believe that over 3,000 people had the audacity to dislike a video like this, they cannot grasp at the battles we face. We truly are modern Spartans deserving of praise for winning such fights. I battled with depression and through the darkness I found the light, and not a light of god, no, a much brighter light. A light that things may get better in the future, a light that I could still be worth something although I myself thought that I was a worthless sack of shit. This started in preschool for me, and because I could do things that nobody else could. I'm in high school now and I'm still plagued by those who think I'm a freak a psycho or a spaz. I didn't ask to born with a mind that's so far ahead that you couldn't comprehend a day of my thoughts in a year of your own. I'm not sorry, I'm not sorry that you can't understand that the good things in life are worth it, that's why I hold on. Not some superficial reason about a god or something, because i know I'm better than them. And you are too.

[@emmusic3389]

My words exactly. How could such an inspirational video get 3,000 dislikes, do some people even know what it's like to hate yourself and be influenced by cruelty?

[@griffinharbridge9744]

Please, calm down. No need to be dramatic, I love this video as well but just because some people dislike the video doesn't mean they can't grasp the struggle of victims of bullying and or depression...

[@jakobdominguez9175]

Nothing is brighter than God. You might not of saw it as a Divine intervention, but it just might be

[@TranscendentACE]

JAKOB DOMINGUEZ I'm atheistic... but hey, to each their own

[@skully068]

Instead of focusing on the 3,000+ people who disliked this, notice that those people don't even make up 1% of the total votes on this video. 374,357, now 374,358 people received the message from this video and left their approval.

[@jahsehreincarnatepoopy6397]

It’s funny how they show this at my school, the video proceeds to talk about how horrible school is, and yet they still don’t do anything. Like some adults are so blinded by things I dont understand it

[@analysebermudes7053]

please get out ikr they showed this at my school yet still don’t do anything it’s so sad really 😕

[@Coraijin]

I am a teacher and I show this video to my Grade 8's every year for the last five years. It is not always about what the teachers can do. In many ways we are powerless with the use of social media and the bullying that happens on it. I can only speak for myself, but if I see bullying in plain site I stop it immediately. Maybe have a talk with your teachers, protest their inaction, do something that the weak are unable to do. I hope I helped. (I was bullied at school, I became a teacher, I made it!)

[@AdraTheGhost]

When something so big has been moving for so long the only way to stop it is to throw things at it til it breaks. The only way bullying ends is if adults and the kids who don't bully, but dont stop it collectively say "no...thats enough." But the adults have more important things, and the kids are acutely aware that standing up for a bullied kid had a chance of making them a bullied kid.

[@abilikes_blu3191]

Well unless they're the board members of the school, there is really not much they can do.

[@first-namelast-name5956]

please get out when I was younger I build up the courage to tell my teacher that I was being bullied and I swear this is what the teacher said: “it builds character”.

[@lildreamprincess]

if you can't see anything beautiful about yourself, get a better mirror. this part always gets me.. ive been rewatching this video for 10 years now. it's still just as moving every time. im happy to say im in a much better place now than i was when i first watched this. and im happy to see so many of us are still here to this day.

[@leahrobinson4977]

I found this when I was 14. I’m now 24. This has and always will be my favourite

[@evemitchell887]

I remember watching this at 14, sobbing throughout it; dealing with anxiety, bullying and suicidal thoughts. Now I’m 18, things are still difficult but I finished school. I made it. I’m still crying, I’m still suicidal and I still have anxiety, but I made it. We made it.

[@GG-bi1um]

AlaskaTheNerd damn right we did

[@CullsYT]

Same dude, we still vibing.

[@woeitsmadi1]

We made it 💗

[@smileweirdo9699]

Literally same sometime I go back to this video to help me get through things.

[@xoxxox5858]

You tell a girl she's beautiful she's gonna remember it for a moment but if you tell a girl she's ugly she's gonna remember it her whole life

[@melchanningly9610]

That's just saying all girls are full of themselves.

[@simransandhu1017]

Meliseratta Channingly no it's not it's saying don't call girls ugly

[@MakeWay4CJ]

+Meliseratta Channingly I'm not even sure how you took it to mean that.

[@aqua5388]

Kulwinder Sandhu i once told a girl she was beautiful she went and told her friends and they all laughed and made fun that sure stuck with me my whole life

[@auisalive]

True... Sad but true...

[@bunnierap2718]

I first watched this back in 2019. I was 16 and spiraling after being sexually abused by an 18 year old classmate. I sobbed silently in the cafeteria watching this video on loop. I used this for my poetry on the speech and debate team junior year. I’m back four years later. I didn’t think I’d make it to 18 and I’m almost 21. I couldn’t imagine myself graduating high school. Now I have my associates degree and I’m applying to get my bachelors. I have plans for the future. I have goals I want to achieve. I can imagine what I’d like my home to look like when I’m 30. I can’t bring back the old me, but I am building up the person I want to be

[@shishio9307]

I watched this in high school when I experienced bullying, when I dreaded everyday going to school. It had affected me in so many negative ways. To this day I still suffer from it since I developed social anxiety. But I just dropped by again to say thank you as this saved me in those dark moments, and now, this day, I GRADUATED COLLEGE! I MADE IT TOO!Thank you Shane, I owe you one ❤

[@po_popnn9011]

My teacher showed the entire class this video around 6 months ago, and I still come back to watch it all the time.

[@jenfuentes2803]

Emily Michael you should check out his other poems they all are really good 👌

[@po_popnn9011]

Jenniferジェニファー I definitely will, thanks for the tip.

[@jenfuentes2803]

Emily Michael no problem...his poem My Darling Sara always makes me cry ✌😅

[@andrespueblos]

Emily Michael my teacher just showed it to us the other day

[@planetvnus]

my teacher did the same thing 4 years ago this video will never, ever stop being amazing

[@lourdes211]

Anyone else cries at the “get a better mirror”

[@screechingsnail2804]

I do.

[@mushto3223]

YES

[@moran__twinz]

YES, the end gets me everytime

[@iexiiou]

I’m STILL crying

[@shrek3397]

for some reason i didn’t cry at all

[@jamay613]

100% THIS poem is the reason I love poetry so much, and spoken word 10x more. Poetry speaks to my soul makes me feel all the things. I fell in love with this piece in grade 8, they used it for the “anti-bullying” campaigns every year from then on, on pink day, definitely beautifully done.

[@celestialphoenixqueen9258]

i heard this when i was in a program in upgrading school . they played it and most of the kids were crying when they heard it but me ? i didn't shed a single tear or sniffle . because i am broken and it hurt to hear this poem , because emotional wounds are the hardest to heal and fix. yet we get judged for trying to do what's best for us . this poem is my go to when writing poetry and lyrics to say how i feel and why . it is my comfort and peace

[@doobie710]

“And they'll never understand That she's raising two kids Whose definition of beauty Begins with the word mom Because they see her heart Before they see her skin Because she's only ever always been amazing” always gets me😞

[@DefeatLust]

Same. That line hits the most, as a mommas boy 😂

[@atirahmad9883]

same, hits hard, cause I love my mom, and the definition of mom is strength and determination 2:57

[@asterodon]

Im happy that everyone has a mom that they can be proud of, unfortunately the rest of us arent so lucky....

[@DefeatLust]

@@asterodon You have a dad? You have grandparents? Older sibling? Step parents? Food? House? A phone to write that comment? Some people have none of thee above. That's not the point though. The point is that nothing is guaranteed, so whatever you have been given be greatfull for 🙂

[@coughingchameleon3747]

@@asterodon I couldn't really either. That's why we get to be the moms and dads we never had.

[@adamshepherd6721]

The school gonna put up “no bully zone” posters and call it a day

[@efrenr81]

Right, I see it in most of my classes

[@Coraijin]

Fuck this. I am a teacher and actively fight bullying when I see it. Just remember that we care and sometimes not all of your teachers do, but many of us do. I for one do. It is difficult, but we care, I care, just hang in there.

[@hariman7727]

Worse... not only do they put up "no bully zone" signs, the colleges tell anyone who dissents from the Staff Approved Views that they must speak in a "Free Speech Zone", and shame anyone who disagrees... *Making the people who often advocate the loudest against bullies the biggest offenders.*

[@jordynrose2783]

They act like a bully is gonna see the signs and be like "Oh look that sign tells me to stop bullying so i will." No. They see it and just look past it. Schools don't understand they if they don't put a stop to it, it will continue happening.

[@cheyannerobinson5302]

Preach

[@EhJayC]

I used to play this over and over and over again when I was 13, It was so bad I would lay on my old futon couch and replay it over and over till my phone died; My brother would tell me to shut it off cause he was so tired to listen to it again. I used to know it word for word. It was bad in a way but i loved it.

[@thelostremainunfound]

I never thought I would live to see high school, then I didn't think I'd live to 16. When I lived to 16, I didn't think I would live to be an adult. When I lived to see 18, I realized that despite everything, I'd made it. To think that this poem is 10 years old blows me away. I saw it when I was 13, now I am 21 and still here. This was the first year of my life I can say I've woken up genuinely grateful to be here still. I'm about to graduate college with my bachelor's degree and for the first time I see my life in the span of decades instead of months or years. They were wrong, I was wrong. I have a beautiful life ahead of me and coming back to this poem reminds me of that. I deserve to celebrate this victory, and I will by living life.

[@atomic2920]

I’m thirteen now I want to come back like you did see how I’ve changed see how the worlds changed and if I’m still in it.

[@ryanlopez7376]

"We are graduating members of the class 'We Made it'" when this video came out, I was 16, suicidal & self harming, on countless depression & anxiety meds. Today, I'm 22. I've healed so much & I never thought I'd make it this far! I'm still dealing with some trauma & depression & anxiety but I'm healing more & more everyday. The teasing & bullying I got in school is mostly a distant memory now. Things get better, I promise

[@onionbroisbestwaifu5067]

Ryan Lopez I tried to think of a response but I honestly can’t. I’m past you and I hope I’ll be future you. Also I’m glad you made it

[@tenshimoon]

@@onionbroisbestwaifu5067 you will be in the future, and your own version, too. You *can* make it, because true strength is about how hard you can get hit, how much you can take, and keep moving forward. I did too. I believe in you.

[@nightorchid5031]

Good job

[@smithachandrabose2530]

@@onionbroisbestwaifu5067 Stay in the right side of your brain. The details are in the left side and the big picture is on the right side. In the big picture, you will be fine because you are still here, kiddo.

[@inbarmore3159]

Yas girl. Without knowing you, just from reading this, I'm proud of you. ♥️

[@ryanfloyd9293]

Ok, I listened to this poem for the first time in 7th grade. 6 years later, it is just as meaningful as before. Love it.

[@anonymousperson3023]

This video was only released 5 years ago so how did you watch this video 6 years ago

[@myleg505]

@@anonymousperson3023 ikr

[@timeisthis4378]

Same except I was in like 5th grade

[@adro8812]

what was your teachers name i might know her

[@juliettegreen463]

Same. And I’m a senior this year. I love this video. It’s so touching.❤️

[@pinkylusi]

It's been 9 years, and I'm still here. I remember finding this on Facebook one day, then listening to it every time I had a tough day in high school. I am now 22, I've finished college, I'm surrounded by loving and caring people. I still struggle, and I'm still learning to love myself little by little. Thank you.

[@Murkk9k]

I watched this video as a child and no matter what I go through I remind myself to watch this video every year and now I have two beautiful girls and I can’t wait for them to see it

[@regrettispaghetti9226]

“We grew up learning to cheer on the underdog because we see *ourselves* in them”- my favorite quote

[@lemon-vy3mj]

I relate to that so much

[@MytxMix]

My teacher showed this video to our class today. I'm happy he did. This impacted many people in the room. And made them rethink their choices. I am happy that I remembered the title. Because this is now by far my favorite video that I have ever seen.

[@yikes.mp478]

Tery Kitsune They showed this in my class too

[@ItsreallyJen]

JustAnotherBug FW. mine too

[@annahernandez8117]

Tery Kitsune they showed this to my class and one student was making jokes about it

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

same, my LA teach did

[@dehydrateddogtoenails2974]

Terry ˈpandə my teacher did and I stared to cry I picked on this kid and I told him I'm sorry I didn't know how he felt but now i do

[@mcmxcvi6798]

I was shown this in high-school. I always come back to it every so often and it hits harder and harder everytime. There is true beauty in spoken word poetry

[@zodiaclibra1000]

dang 10 years ago this hit me hard and now 10 years later it still hits hard I don't know if I've made it yet but at least I can say I am still here. This video is one of the reasons why, when I first saw it while going through a bad time in my life I was 2 years out of high school and a college dropout at the time and this video helped me find the strength to keep going , even now I am struggling with problems but I am glad that 10 years have gone by and that I can still come back to this video to help me find my strength to keep moving forward, Thank you Shane Koyczan for helping me and a whole bunch of others in times of need with this video.

[@djpokemaster]

4 years later and it still is the most powerful message I've ever heard

[@colelemay3079]

i know

[@alfreda7864]

Dylan Jenkin we watched it in leadership and all of us cried

[@miadeal9603]

Almost five years now.

[@LauraRodriguez-cw8ux]

Same. I listened to this for the first time in 7th grade and now it's my junior year and it still hit me hard as hell.

[@loisannebarin6995]

Dylan Jenkin same

[@RedSquaredFox]

seeing this in middle school and now as a grown ass man crying about the friends that didn't make it.

[@IHopegood]

I’m sorry to hear this. I stand with you. I too have friends that didn’t make it. Sometimes the amount of wealth someone has isn’t what they want to fulfill their happiness. (My friend had rich parents)

[@silverstreamthecreator1868]

It’s so good to come back to this poem as an adult, I memorized it by heart and used to recite it when I was suicidal… now I’m in collage with a very bright future ahead of me… I’m just so grateful I didn’t take my life and I’m here now with you all..

[@Creepygirl-ck9xi]

I performed this for my final in theater. Senior year. It really captured what life was like for kids who got harrased and bullied. I cried during that performance and I've honestly never been so moved by a spoken word like this one

[@Quissayilen]

I THOUGHT I would get through this without crying but I WAS SO WRONG.