While the new year has everyone thinking of the best moments in the past 12 months, we're looking forward to a huge stand up to bullying that will be happening in 2012.

In the spring, The Bully Project will be released in major movie theaters across the country. The documentary follows five American families as they confront and stand up to the bullying epidemic that affects 18 million students annually.

DoSomething.org had the chance to speak with one of the brave young people followed in the film, Kelby Johnson. Instead of dropping out of school after encountering numerous incidents of disrespect and harassment, Kelby and her family chose to fight for the rights of all students. Here's what she had to say:

What was it like to have cameras follow you around in The Bully Project?

It was the most exciting thing that really ever came into my life. When I got nervous I just had to remind myself that there are kids out there that need to hear what I have to say.

What was your reaction to the film the first time you saw it completed? 

I saw the emotion in the audience and I saw the actual lives of the families that I had been talking to. I saw the movie itself was life changing, but seeing how everyone reacted to it was absolutely amazing! 

Looking back, what was a challenging moment you faced in regards to bullying that made you stronger?

I came into my algebra class late and everyone had already taken their seats. I sat down at the far side of the room and noticed everyone around me started to grab their things and move. Pretty soon it was just me.

I thought about how many other kids this happens to on a daily basis. No one should ever feel that alone.

Where've you found the greatest support while confronted with bullying and who've been your greatest allies in stepping up to bullying?

My mom and dad. They didnt let me run away. We fought together. We fought the school and the city. They had my back the whole time, giving me comfort and support whenever needed.

The few friends I did have, I noticed a change in when they saw what was happening [to me]. They had my back.

What would you say to people who think bullying is just inevitable or a given part of life?

To say bullying in inevitable is partially correct. You are going to have those people you just can't reach. [But] if we put our hearts and our words out there, then something will get done. Change is inevitable. 

What have you learned from the other families portrayed in the film and being a part of this Bully Project community?

I was not alone. These are children and parents who feel the exact same way my family did. I learned that if you can get a group of amazing people like this together that big things happen.

What's your advice to young people who are experiencing bullying? 

Realize your self worth now. You know better than anyone what it means to be strong. Don't give up. The world is going to change. It's going to get better and you should be around to see it. 

What's your advice to young people who have the opportunity to be an "upstander", to step up and stop bullying when they see it?

Take it. You could save a life. You could make a new friend. We need every child and adult to be upstanders against this horrible situation young kids are placed in.

What Can You Do?

Join the movement. Follow The Bully Project on Facebook for updates on its theatrical release. In the meantime, you can tell us how you take a stand to bullying. Later this year, you'll even have the opportunity to be part of a national movement that will get America one step closer to stepping up to end bullying.