Let go of the painful past, bullying victims counseled

I sympathize with Benre J. Zenarosa who, in a Youngblood article, shared the pain and humiliation he went through in his high school and college days as a victim of bullying and discrimination (“Concert in a classroom,” Opinion, 2/4/16). I really felt sorry for him. I understand his ordeal under that kind of mentor.

Bullying is something that cannot be avoided, but his case, “a teacher to a student,” was something different. How could a teacher do that to a student? A teacher should be encouraging students to become better persons.

But I disagree with Benre. Contrary to what he feels, he should forget that humiliating episode in his life. Otherwise, he will continue to be adversely affected by the experience and suffer from it. He should not allow his painful past to remain etched in his heart and mind.

Bad things, negative experiences, should be forgotten if one desires to move on. Consider such experiences as a nightmare, or something that ultimately makes a better, stronger and successful person. Let us hope that the professor referred to in the article has somehow realized his/her mistakes and misdeeds.

I suggest to Benre that, after having vented his pained feelings through his pen, he should now forget the past, forgive the wrongdoer and leave the rest to God. I believe that if he does this, he will achieve peace of mind.

What is important is a kind heart that forgives and forgets.

—LOURDES G. HERNANDEZ, SB secretary, LGU, Jones, Isabela