We interviewed YouTuber and online personality Eugenia Cooney about her experiences with bullying
DtL: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Eugenia: Hi, my name is Eugenia Cooney and I’m a YouTuber and online entertainer. A lot of the videos I create are makeup and fashion oriented, both are passions of mine. I’m originally from Connecticut and have been living in Los Angeles for about 5 months now. I love shopping, traveling, anime, Jack Skellington, and my dog Buzz.
DtL: Have you ever experienced bullying?
Eugenia: Yes. Unfortunately bullying is a terrible problem in most middle and high schools (from my experience). Bullying can leave a terrible impression on kids, and I do believe it can drastically decrease if kids would stick up for the ones they see being targeted. Sometimes I feel like it can be really hard for people to stick up for themselves and others, which is why I think bullying is still a major problem. For me personally, I was always afraid to speak my mind, so kids would pick on me quite a bit. Because of this my grades also began to suffer. Fortunately, I was able to be home schooled which worked out really well for me. That’s actually when I started YouTube!
“Sometimes I feel like it can be really hard for people to stick up for themselves and others”
DtL: What advice would you give to those that are being bullied?
Eugenia: I feel for anyone who’s going through any form of bullying. I would tell them to try ignore the people that are bullying and to surround yourself with those who love and care about you unconditionally. I feel like by just surrounding yourself with family, friends and other likeminded people that enjoy the same hobbies and things that you do, helps to maintain a healthy mental frame of mind during tough times.
DtL: Why do you think people bully?
Eugenia: I think people who feel the need to bully others are probably not very happy with their own lives. I think they probably don’t understand how to deal with their own problems and take their issues out on the people around them. Sometimes it seems like one person will thrive on grouping people up on perceivably “weaker” people who might be afraid to fight back or speak up. It’s fun for them to somehow feel like they are dominating the situation. A lot of people say it’s jealousy, but I think it’s more of a way for people to feel like they’re in control and have that power and attention.
“I think people who feel the need to bully others are probably not very happy with their own lives”
DtL: What are the best and worst things about being a YouTube sensation?
Eugenia: The best thing about being a YouTuber is the fanfare. They’re awesome! I can have a bad day and see someone tweet me something super nice and it makes me feel so much better about everything. Some fans even take time to send me letters and gifts and I find that so amazing. I love my fans!
The worst thing is the haters. They can be super distracting. I do my best not let it get to me, but it can definitely be hard sometimes. I wish people could treat each other more respectfully in real life and online.
DtL: If you could go back in time, what one thing would you tell your younger self?
Eugenia: If I could go back in time I would have told myself to not let bullying affect me so much. Concentrate on your own goals and ignore negative people.
“I wish people could treat each other more respectfully in real life and online”
DtL: What motto do you live by?
Eugenia: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” I feel like if more people followed this motto the world would be a much more positive, inviting place.
DtL: What does the future hold for Eugenia?
Eugenia: The future for me includes continuing to build my Youtube career and presence online. In the future I would really like to have a small fashion line on the side, I think that would be really fun.
DtL: Is there anything you would like to add?
Eugenia: I just want to say I honestly believe that there are so many kind and wonderful people out there. Don’t let the negative ones bring you down. Stay positive and remember you are so important no matter what anyone says. Believe in yourself and life will get better!
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