It was just a normal day at school until something happened that I will never forget.

One of my teachers suddenly called me out right in front of the whole class. He started shouting about my hair and beard. He said things like, “Are you here to study? You look like you’re 28! Kids like you are just wasting your parents’ money.”

The worst part? He had never warned me before. I wasn’t someone who caused trouble. I was always a quiet student, someone who didn’t talk much or even ask questions. I hadn't even spoken to him one-on-one before that day.

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The Way He Spoke

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It wasn't about who was right or wrong about my look. What hurt the most was how he chose to speak. His angry voice, his words, and the huge embarrassment in front of my friends made me feel small and very unsafe.

After that day, I was scared to ask questions or share my ideas in any class. I started seeing him as a mean teacher, someone I had to avoid.

I keep thinking: what if he had just spoken to me calmly? What if he had waited and told me in private, “Please groom properly,” but in a respectful way? I would have listened and felt good about it.

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Words Build Trust or Fear

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That one moment could have built a bridge of trust instead of a wall of fear. I might have seen my teachers as people I could talk to when I had a problem, not people I had to run from. I might have felt brave enough to raise my hand, to speak up, and to just be myself.

Sometimes, being safe at school isn't just about locked doors or strict rules. It's really about words. The way we talk to each other can either make us feel confident and ready to learn, or it can silence us completely. A classroom needs to be a safe place for your heart, too.