An event of cyberbullying occurred on the third day of school. Students took pictures and posted pictures on social media mocking a students she was dressed. The event has spread to other high schools, expanding this conversation beyond just the students at Willis High School.
This is just the first week of school, and if events like this are occurring on only the third day of school, a change needs to be made. Over the past few days, Principal Stephanie Hodgins has been making announcements over the intercom to reiterate the core principles of the school; greatness, respect, integrity and tolerance, or the acronym, GRIT. The principal and staff have been emphasizing the importance of tolerance and respect in relation to the case of cyberbullying. With over 2300 students on campus, it is guaranteed that not every student will agree with the words, beliefs and actions of other students. However, that does not mean that students can resort to taking a picture and posting it online with hateful comments.
Tolerance is the ability to tolerate the different beliefs and actions of those around you. This life skill is applicable to any situation that anyone can experience in any environment but is especially applied in high school. With the new era of social media, it is easy for anyone to snap a picture and put a caption that they may deem funny but it is actually at the expense of another. Disagreeing with someone solely based on what they are wearing or how they choose to express themselves does not excuse talking about them online.
While the acronym GRIT may seem cheesy, it still holds an important message for everyone. Simply put, at the end of the day, be a decent human. Respect and tolerate the differences of others, in fact, embrace them. There is a long road ahead, with a little over 35 weeks left remaining in the year and a lifetime left to live. The likeliness of having to be around or even closely work with someone who has a different view is almost guaranteed. No one can control the actions or words of another, but everyone can control their own actions and words. Choose kindness.
