School has devolved into a crucible of insults, burning with awkward hatred. Through the fires of teenage drama and madness, we are forged, our inner steel laid bare. Those who do not have the heart within to continue on, and withstand such fury, melt away into the slag, often becoming new flames that carry forward those misanthropic delusions; stoking the blaze; their hearts blackened and scorched.

Thus perpetuates the cycle; the unending chain of barbarism and pain known as 'Education'.

We gain knowledge through our classes, but we learn several harsh evils that have no place; we learn agony, fear, and mistrust. Their attentions hurt us, but they also lead to an awakening. On the anvil, where our mettle is tested; slammed again and again with inglorious insults and jabs at our character; we are shaped. Our naive outlook is shattered, and scattered to the wind.

We arise from this abuse wearing our scars within, and we re-enter the world differently than we began. Through this punishment, our softer core is now shielded by a hardened razor-edge. To use that edge; to scorn and scourge others; that decision lies upon us. We can readily see the nicks and gouges we could carve out of others; and that feeling, to say 'I did that'; brings joy to the wicked. But, to stand fast, and instead heed the wisdom of our transformation, and not dwell upon it's harsh rigors is also up to us. The journey was hellish, and we can barely recognize ourselves at the end, but we should choose to embrace the strength that we gained; that strength that led us through the gauntlet. Because, through it all, we still stand; a survivor.