In science class last Friday, we were doing an ice cream lab. While we were taking the temperature of the ice cream, this girl across the room, who I hardly know, and who I rarely talk to, randomly says, "Maddy, did anyone ever tell you how pretty you are?" This totally shocked me and definitely made my day. For the next two periods I felt like strutting my stuff down the hallway. As someone who still recalls compliments that were given to me during my teen years, I'm pretty sure Maddy is going to hold that story in her heart for a long time! Maddy also went on to write, "I read your post about being nice to other girls–not very common in 8th grade, where rumors and gossip are abound–and I've resolved to try to be nicer to my friends and other people." How mature is this girl, right?!
8th grade was definitely the toughest year of my youth. I dealt with teasing and bullying. I wish I could tell every 8th grader out there that their actions, both positive and negative, can end up affecting a person for the rest of their life.
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5 comments:
great testimonial maddy!! =)
Is that really a photo of Maddy? She looks so cool and funky. I love her outfit. And i love her outlook even more.
Melissa, have you ever thought about doing Operation Nice presentations in schools? It's so true what you say, that very mean or very beautiful things said to you at that tender age can stay with you for a long time.
I know, right? Isn't she adorable??
I actually HAVE thought about creating some sort of Operation NICE school program. I just have a bunch of random thoughts scattered, but I'm hoping that if I win the Amway Positivity Project, I can start to move forward on those things. :)
And Brava! to the girl who didn't hesitate to tell Maddy that she's pretty! Most girls that age might think it, but rarely say it. My aunt taught me early in life that it doesn't take anything away from you to speak a kind word to someone else. Many times I've had women I've complimented pull me aside and tell me how much my compliment meant to them, and that it came when they needed a kind word most. You never know how your words touch someone, so touch them with kindness.
In my family I'm the first born child, I never had anyone to stand up for me in School ever. I never realized how much difference it would make till one day, while Catching public transport, I stood up for a 14y/o called Luke (who is a friend of my sisters), who was being bulled by a 10y/o from a different school. I told the bully who was teasing him "Your a better person than that, Why are you acting that way" The bully frowned at me, and left him alone, I just took my seat and never thought about it, a few days later again on the bus Luke cam up to me and said I wish I had an older sister like you, it made me realize that I can make a difference, I can be a better sister, I can stand up to bullies, I would never have had the guts at 14, but at 20 I did.
I would do it again and Luke would not hesitate too as he said he learned how to respectfully tell someone that this is not okay.
Melissa your message is getting across to those who know about it, seeing you in my inbox affects me. So here all the way from Australia the niceness you are spreading is making a difference through me.
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