Sexy actress Sarah Michelle Gellar has paid tribute to her fellow High School students for bullying her - because they inspired her to be a success.

The BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER star was made fun of by her fellow students when growing up because her single parent mother was unable to pay her school fees - so she had to survive on a scholarship.

However, her struggles made her more determined to prove her detractors wrong by making something of her life.

She explains, "There were a lot of rich kids who made my life hell. They soon got to know that I was there on a scholarship and could hardly afford to make up the fees.

"I've always thought of high school as being a breeding ground for evil. It made me more determined to make something of my life."

15/01/2004 13:53