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Discrimination, harassment,
intimidation, bullying, call it what you want to. Bottom line
is almost everyone has experienced some form of this abuse.
Not to mention, the same people have watched
someone be abused and have done nothing about it. This must
change.
America is “The Land of Freedom”
so why is so many United States citizens verbally and physically
abused daily. They say it takes a village to raise a child.
In my opinion, it going to take a lot more than a village
to stop this crime. Yes, I meant crime; a crime that many
times goes unpunished or even worse accepted.
Have you ever been scared to go to school
or go to the bathroom or walk in the halls of your school?
Have you ever witnessed someone being physically beat up or
taken to jail from your school? Well I have. Even though I
was
not the direct target, I’ve witnessed
it and been too afraid to do anything about it. Doesn’t
that make me just as guilty as the person literal doing it?
How can we stop this exploitation? Haven’t
you heard the phrase “United We Stand”? I want to
try to make a difference is someone life. I know what it is
going to take; BRAVERY.
I firmly believe that I should start with
developing character in elementary school aged children. Students
of Character is a program that I’m designing to instill
six pillars of character education into children at a young
age so they will carry out these traits as they grow up to
be adults. I will focus on respect, responsibility, citizenship,
caring, trustworthiness and fairness. I truly believe building
these traits in people will band bullying. My plan is to utilize
my after school time to visit elementary campuses, student
groups; such as girl and boy scouts, dance studios, and sports
groups. I’m creating real life situational lessons that
include all children to identify with and assist them in making
the right choices.
I envision strong character traits as being
prerequisites for student participating in extracurricular
activities and eligibility in the future. I have spoken with
the Facilitator of Character Development for our district
and she has shared my philosophy and ideas with the Humble
ISD Superintendent and he is in favor of this initiative.
It is a human trait to want to be accepted,
even bullies. Research shows that a bully suffers too. They
are not only hurting inside but as they get older, many fail
to keep jobs of have positive interpersonal relationships.
So many are convicted of crimes by the age of twenty-four.
Having strong character is a LIFE skill
and is imperative in creating a safer nation. Please consider
joining me and model good character. Remember, the person
that is bullying you is really hurting inside. We must stop
this vicious cycle.
I’ve always been somewhat shy
and quite. Therefore, it is going to take a lot of bravery
for me to accomplish this endeavor. If everyone could find
it in their heart to strive to possess this type of bravery,
good character would prevail. Compromises could be reached
among people of differing cultures and beliefs. I’m ready
for the challenge. Are you?
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