It’s an unfortunate reality as we start a new school year as some children will have to face bullies in the classroom. But one local teen is turning her own painful experiences of being bullied into hope and triumph, and she’s doing it through motivational speeches.

Auburn's JaTarvious Whitlow gets up close and personal with Mississippi State mascot Bully. (CNN) - Mississippi State University's bulldog mascot, Bully, is resting up Sunday after a football player from rival Auburn crashed into him on the sidelines during Saturday's game. That's when Auburn running back JaTarvious Whitlow came flying towards him after scoring a touchdown. She and Bully are doing nothing Sunday but resting, Pritchard said. The outcome for Mississippi State on Saturday was less positive, however.