SO FAR, the story of Zarah Nowotny’s life has centred largely on overcoming pain.
Bullied from a young age, the Furnissdale teenager knows better than most the hurt caused by bullies.
But Zarah is tackling her demons head-on through her writing and her efforts have been rewarded with one of her stories chosen for publication.
Stand for the Silent, an anti-bullying organisation called for submissions from children all around the world.
Zarah’s piece, called The Story of My Life, was the only Australian story chosen and will now appear in the soon-to-be-released Bully Diaries.
“I was really surprised,” Zarah said.
“I’ve sadly had the experience of being the victim of bullies and I wanted to let others know they’re not alone.”
Zarah’s harrowing story details the depths she went to following years of verbal abuse.
She said she tried to deal with the situation herself because she didn’t want to worry anybody.
But now she wants to send a message to others suffering at the hands of bullies to speak out.
“People going through this need to find someone to talk to,” she said.
“They have to fight through it.
“I know it’s difficult.”
A sufferer of depression and anxiety, Zarah uses writing to express herself and finds solace in words and books.
“I want to be a writer,” she said.
“I want to help others.”
Copies of The Bully Diaries are available online @tgimonline.us
Zarah’s mother, Caroline has also ordered copies to be placed in local libraries and schools.
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Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
