Cyber-Bully

    I remember once in fourth grade when  I was the subject of cyber bullying. I didn't know how dangerous social networking sites were until that particular day, when I was called into the Principal's office...

    I stood side by side to the friend of the bully. Suddenly, the principal questioned me, "Abhi, why did you send this nasty email to her?" I didn't know what to say! I had no idea what he was talking about. First of all I didn't even know why I was called into the principal office! "I don't know what to say!" I said quickly, stumbling over my words. What, that's the best you can think of Abhi? Well what else am I supposed to say? Try something better, perhaps. "I sorry, I don't know what you are talking about." I could feel my palms starting to sweat. I glanced over at the girl, she didn't seem nervous at all. In fact she looked and acted like she was the one who was being BULLIED!
   The Principal calmly explained the email and situation in detail, I then realised what was going on. First, I had to process it. Ok Abhi apparently you have sent a mean email to this girl, now it wasn't me but it was sent on my email account. Well, I am actually the real victim but, in the principals eyes, she was the VICTIM! As I focused back on to the conversation, I think the principal must have realised I kept zooming out and then zooming in, because at that moment we were dismissed and were allowed to go back to lunch. I went home still upset by the whole incident.
    After I changed into my pajamas and had brushed my teeth I revisited the situation. Great, now my dad has been called into the principals office to defend me. Now I will have have two enemies and one of them thinks I am bulling her but really it is the other bully who is doing it not ME! I tried to take my mind off of that topic and focus on getting enough sleep to help me make it through tomorrow.

    In the morning, my dad and I checked the email again, I felt like we were detectives trying to solve a crime scene. The message was sent at 7:00pm on a Tuesday night. Aha the first piece of evidence that I didn't send it (I go to Kumon every Tuesday). "I guess that's the only piece of evidence I need" My dad told me. "Don't worry Abhi, I have total belief that you didn't do it." I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that both of them had so easily stabbed me in the back.

    Even to this day I still feel very hurt and sad inside, knowing that a friend I trusted did it to me. But, if I had to change something, I would have not have created an account. Why? Thinking back on it I was only 8 or 9, I don't think I was mature enough to handle it.

    The two goals that I have would be:

1. To continue to be friendly and considerate to others.
2. Associate with people I trust and that I think are honest and that will help me grow as a person

   

   Images courtesy of:

• http://digiteen10-1.flatclassroomproject.org/Health_Wellness_and_Entertainment
• http://ahscrowsnest.com/category/view-from-the-crew/
• http://www.hipsterrunoff.com/2009/01/is-hro-a-cyber-bully.html

When have I showed courage?

Even though, I have not experienced the same life-threatening journey as Mafatu, as the main character in the current novel “Call It Courage”, I know that he showed courage to overcome the storm and survive.

In life courage can take on many different forms. For me, courage means having the ability to face your fears and do something that frightens you. I look at courage like a cave with two paths. You have to make a choice. Which one will you pursue. The right path or the left path? 

Reflecting back on experiences, I remember a time when I showed courage, I was in third grade and there was a grade bully. This person would randomly choose a different person to pick on each day. Anyway, at recess he would play on this big toy boat (which was basically the only thing we had to play with). This also happened to be the favourite piece of equipment for all the kids. He would make that boat his own special property and only allow, kids the he classed as “V.I.P” (Very Important People) on the boat. Incidentally most of the VIPs’ were boys. Sometimes he would let a few of the girls on the boat, but we politely declined because we felt it was really unfair.

The V.I.P boat scene went on for more than two weeks, until finally everyone was sick and tired of the bully, ordering us all around. We had even complained to teachers, but nothing was done. So, all of my friends knew that I was able to stand up to the bully and asked me to do that exact thing. I new I couldn’t let my peers down but, I didn’t want to get into trouble. I told them that I would make my decision that night and tell them tomorrow.

I am one of those people who can’t keep secrets from their parents, no matter how hard I try. So as soon as I got home I told my mum and dad. They told me that I should be courageous and stand up to the bully, to stand up for what is fair.

I told my friends the next day at recess and they were elated to hear that I was willing to take a stand. As I approached the bully I went over what to say. I wasn’t very nervous at all until, I saw the expression on his face. Angrier than usual, I didn’t ponder over it I just kept rehearsing my lines.

Finally, the moment had arrived. I tried to keep my cool and stay calm during the whole conversation. Amazingly he was willing to listen and thought it was cool that a girl was willing to have courage and face him. I personally thought it went well because, after our conversation he jumped off the boat and announced that anyone who wanted to jump on the boat was free to.

All it took was courage and the chance to talk.

Image Courtesy of:

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