From Miss A. Bugeja

I would like to underscore some things that we come across, especially us teenagers.

The self-esteem of some people is reduced to nothing thanks to certain individuals who are practically ruining loads of lives.

At this point some may wonder what the hell am I talking about, right? Well, I’m saying that there are people who are full of themselves and regard others as worthless ants; and the worst thing is that they seem to be everywhere. Certain people have this shortcoming and believe it or not, it affects others badly.

Appearances are deceptive sometimes and all those who have already gone through this kind of experience will know what I’m talking about. Whereas for those who don’t, I hope you will not meet such people but I would still like you to hear me out and you’ll understand.

No one has the right to criticise a person by just looking at him/her. It doesn’t matter if you’re short, tall, slim, fat, shy, as long as you’re comfortable with yourself and it’s time to stand up to those people who make you in any way feel inferior to them. Don’t let them walk all over you. It isn’t right. I’d like to point something that someone told me earlier on. Take me for example. I for one, am sometimes so pessimistic about myself; about my appearance especially. But once I had a talk with this person who told me bluntly that I could do with a change; at that point I realised that I’m happy as I am. I don’t have to blow dry my hair or take off my spectacles just to get people to look my way. If people do not, for any reason, like the way I look, so what? It’s the inner beauty that counts. And it’s about time that those of you, who like me have in some way been let down by someone who thinks they are superior to you, don’t give a damn to what they say. I’m not saying not to take someone’s advice, especially if the person is close to you. No. All I’m saying is that if you’re comfortable with yourself that’s the only thing that really and truly counts.

Amanda Bugeja

Aged 16