Today’s Brilliance from Ashley Berry

Bullying is a problem that affects too many people and it needs to stop.

To those being bullied, know that it’s ok to talk to someone: a parent, friend, trusted adult, teacher, sibling or anyone else that you feel safe with. Even if you’re scared at first, it will pay off in the long run.

I believe it’s important for everyone to be themselves. Other people need to accept you for you and not someone you’re trying to be. The world would be really boring if we were all alike, but think of how wonderful it is with so many different personalities, styles and interests! Dr. Suess said it best, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

Think of the kid who is quiet and shy and gets picked on for being a “nerd.” Shouldn’t he be allowed to enjoy his own interests without being afraid of what others think about him? What about the student who is popular and excels in and out of school?

Many people think those are the kids that have it made, but I learned from personal experience what jealousy can do among your peers. Or the student who gets straight A’s and is singled out and picked on for being “Teacher’s Pet.” Everyone (kids, teens and adults) should be able to feel comfortable being themselves and know that they will be accepted by their peers.

Every form of bullying (physical, emotional and cyber) is just as bad as the rest. They all cause hurt to another person. Every day, 1 out of every 6 students is bullied and 1 out of every 6 of those students leave their school due to the negative impact bullying has had on their life.

So next time you see someone being bullied, please speak up and say something. Although it may seem like a small thing to do, I can assure you it will mean a lot to that student that you were willing to stand up and help them. Again, I bring up the great words of wisdom from Dr. Suess, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.”

If you don’t feel accepted or find your friends turning on you, be strong enough to walk away and make new friends who DO accept you for who you are. My personal experiences taught me that just because someone calls themselves your best friend doesn’t mean that their actions always back that up.

A TRUE friend accepts you for who you are, is genuinely excited for your accomplishments, doesn’t talk about you behind your back, and is someone that you can confide in without fear that they will share your secrets.