Annie was a tall girl like me, maybe even taller, and had very curly short brown hair. She was plain and wore clean clothes but they were not what I would have called in style. When we went into the classroom she chose a seat by me. I remember feeling glad that I had made her feel good but then I started worrying that my new friend might cramp my style with my "popular" friends. I, unfortunately, didn't make many more efforts to be her friend.
Later in the year I was with my group of friends and they were making fun of Annie. Although I wasn't an active participant, I wasn't defending her either. I was worried about what my friends would think if I stood up for her. I did nothing. When my teacher saw Annie crying she approached me, not the others but me. What she said to me that day changed my life forever. She said that she was shocked that I would have allowed something like that to happen. She said that she might expect that type of behavior from the other girls but not from me because I was different from them.
My teacher was right. I was different. I had the Holy Ghost with me and I had been taught at church and by my parents to treat others with kindness, no matter how they look or act. I apologized to Annie and made a personal vow to myself to always be inclusive and kind. I ended up finding another group of friends the next year that were all Mormon like me. Whenever I had a party I would invite everyone in our Sunday School class, active or not. Whenever there was a movie to go to or a dance to attend I tried my best to get everyone involved. I hope to always be an inclusive person and to treat others with kindness, for that is what Christ would have us do.
4 comments:
And that, my friend, is why you are such a great friend. If it wasn't for your "inclusive" attitude, my time spent in O'vale would've been miserable not to mention the first few years of college.
Love ya!
BTW, just got back from Eugene and really enjoyed it. It looks like we'll be there in late June or early July. Can't wait to get together!
Thank you for posting this story. My daughter is on the receiving end of three bullies at school--girls who used to be her friends, so it is extra hurtful. It breaks my heart when she tells me how they treat her, but it's been a good opportunity for her to learn to choose her friends carefully and to have empathy for others who also get bullied. It takes courage to be the all-inclusive one when so may "popular" kids maintain an exclusive group.
Julienne you have proved that your teacher was right over and over again throughout your life as you have included so many in your circle of friends. I am so glad that I know you!
I love you! You have always been the kind person who everyone wants to be around. You're an example to be of getting out of my comfort zone and including more people. Who doesn't want to be included?
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