Bullying doesn’t end at the schoolyard; it lingers, shaping our mental health, self-worth, and even our workplace environments. In this heartfelt and empowering talk, speaker Teresa Robinson recounts her experience being ridiculed in school and how the affirmations instilled by her mother became the foundation of her healing and success. Drawing from personal narrative, science-backed research, and a bold call to action, Teresa explores how affirmations can rebuild identity, how bullying impacts global productivity, and how businesses can become powerful allies in the fight against bullying. Her message is clear: resilience is possible, affirmation is powerful, and collective action is necessary. Teresa "Rita" Robinson, a 56-year-old from Mount Vernon, New York, is a dedicated single mother who worked tirelessly to provide her son with the education and support he needed for success. She holds a Business Degree from the College of Westchester and has served for over 36 years as a civilian employee with the Town of Greenburgh Police Department. In addition to her professional work, Teresa has dedicated over a decade to helping adults with Autism, teaching them independence.Known for her passion and compassion, Teresa is a fierce advocate for her family, friends, and important causes. Her empowering talks focus on resilience and the power of positive affirmation. Having experienced bullying herself, Teresa’s powerful message encourages others to rise above adversity and no longer accept the victim mentality. Through her personal journey, she inspires audiences to use positive affirmations as a tool to navigate life’s challenges and overcome difficult times. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx