​Overcoming Bullying – Lessons From A 7th-Grader

​Overcoming Bullying - Lessons From A 7th GraderDear Cape Community,

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the start of the new school year. I want to introduce myself and explain my story, in hopes that those of you who may be experiencing a similar situation,​ ​will know that there is help, and that you will overcome.

My name is Clara. This year I start seventh grade; my second year of middle school. Last year in sixth grade, unfortunately I was bullied through social media, as well as in school. At first, this made me very sad and nervous. I began to believe that maybe the things the person said about me were true; even though I knew deep down that they were not. I questioned why this person singled me out and chose me to treat so poorly.​ Was this person upset with me? Jealous​ for some reason? Trying to make me feel badly​ about myself? To this day I do not know the answer, but I do understand now that it was not​ ​because of ​me​ or something that I did that caused this person t​o be​ ​unkind.

​Overcoming Bullying - Lessons From A 7th GraderFortunately, I had the support of great friends and family members, who helped to guide me through these tough times. Even though I was nervous to go to family and friends at first, I knew that I couldn’t handle this all by myself. My family and friends helped me look at the situation from a different perspective. Once I saw the situation from a different point of view, I realized not to​ take it personally. Their love and guidance helped me to understand that what caused a person to bully others was most likely that person’s own insecurities. When I finally grasped this concept, my anger turned toward sympathy. It wasn’t easy to feel badly​ f​or the person who chose to hurt​ me, and it was still okay for me to be angry. However, I came to learn that I’M BETTER THAN THAT…better than this type of behavior,​ and so are you!

​Overcoming Bullying - Lessons From A 7th GraderBased on my experience, I have some tips I would like for you to consider which I hope may help you in the time of need:

  • Don’t keep it to yourself — talk to parents, friends, guidance counselors, teachers, or someone else you trust. This may be hard at first; you may be fearful or embarrassed, but please speak up;
  • Surround yourself with good friends;
  • If someone is using social media to bully you, take a screen shot of the offensive comments, then block the person on social media. Show the screenshots to an adult whom you trust;
  • ​Overcoming Bullying - Lessons From A 7th GraderDon’t allow yourself to accept or believe the unkind or untrue things being said about you or anyone else for that matter; and
  • Know that you will be okay, and that you will get through it with the passing of time.

Your parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and friends believe in you, and don’t want to see you in pain. Please don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. If you or a friend ever experiences bullying, I hope my advice helps. Have a wonderful school year.

Sincerely,

Clara

Our Life Lesson From The Best Teacher in the Universe

Educator, Mrs. Mary Tuohy teaches core-value life lessons everyday in her classroom.
Educator, Mrs. Mary Tuohy teaches core-value life lessons everyday in her classroom.

I was touched when my child came home with a “Goodie Bag” from his teacher that was filled with uncorrelated items. It wasn’t until I read the attached letter, from his teacher, Mrs. Tuohy, the most wonderful teacher in the universe, that I understood the significance of these every-day items – and my heart was overjoyed.

The simplest, seemingly insignificant, every-day items, which are listed below, should also be used, as Mrs. Tuohy so beautifully suggests, as a gentle reminder for  us to “ learn the real lessons life has to offer.”

I share this with you in hopes that when you come across these everyday items, you will take a small moment to quickly reflect on the key messages of good character and kindness, and share them with others.

  • Eraser:  To remind you everyone makes mistakes. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
  • Rubber Band: Remember to be flexible.
  • Band – Aid: In case someone’s feelings get hurt.
  • Toothpick: Remember to pick out the best qualities in everyone.
  • Pencil: Remember your blessings.
  • Tea Bag: Take time for yourself.
  • Chocolate: You will need all the energy you can get.
  • Glue: Stick with those who touch your life with love.
  • Candy Kiss: To remind you to kiss your child every day.

Mrs. Tuohy, thank you for sharing such a resourceful tool for all of us. You are the “glue”  for my children and family.

Kind Regards,
Leigh Ann Errico

*Originally found on Pinterest, tweaked with love, by Mrs. Tuohy.

My Very Own Cape Kid

Ann Ciccarelli and her son, Luke, during Appalachia Help weeks for 2016
Ann Ciccarelli and her son, Luke, during Appalachia Help weeks for 2016

Today, I write from the perspective of a Cape Kid’s Mom.  Just over a year ago, my son, Luke had just returned from a week-long service trip through St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chatham to Preston County, West Virginia.  Throughout this service week, he and about 35 other young people and parent chaperones helped the people of Preston County with home repair (most absolutely necessary) as well as support within their community.  When Luke returned, he expressed that he couldn’t wait to go back next year.  I truly saw a different young man come back on July 1, 2015 than the kid that left on June 25, 2015.  I had to know more.

When the time arose for sign-ups for the Appalachia Help weeks for 2016, Luke asked me if I would be willing to chaperone.  Did my 17-year-old son really want to spend a week with Mom?!?!?  I was jumping on this opportunity before he could even finish the question!  I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into but as the week approached, I was starting to get really excited.  So I took the shopping list and went out and purchased all of my tools, proper clothing, gear, air mattress, etc. Luke had this part down and worried aboutLuke Ciccarelli during Appalachia Help weeks for 2016 it all the day before we left.  I, on the other hand, prepared for weeks.  As June 26, 2016 arrived, I thought..here we go!  After mass at St. Patrick’s, the vans and cars were loaded and off we went on the six-hour ride to Preston County, West Virginia.  As we arrived in the town of Rowlesburg, I instantly noticed the poverty and simple living.  I wondered to myself how these teenagers from Chatham and it’s surrounding areas were going to handle this.  Were they judging?  Scared?  Nervous?

Well let me tell you, this was a life-changing week for me!  Not only was my 46-year old self changed from the stories of the people of Rowlesburg and it’s surrounding towns but what really blew my mind was these youngsters.  I was so incredibly blown away with their passion, excitement, relationships with each other and teamwork, but most importantly THEIR COMPASSION!  Their tolerance, acceptance and LOVE for the people that we helped was nothing short of amazing!  I watched boys and girls working together with adults to make the lives of these amazing people in West Virginia better.

Luke Ciccarelli during Appalachia Help weeks for 2016They worked hard physically (who knew these boys and girls were so handy with saws, hammers, nail guns, sheet rock, roofing, etc…), but the emotional connections that they made with the people at the homes where they “worked” was just incredible.  The friendships they have made with people so completely “different” from them yet so very much the same warms my heart.  As they reflected each night on their days of work, each and every story was just incredible.  There is no question that all of these teens came back different from when they left but after 2 years of my son, Luke really putting it all out there emotionally and physically for others I can honestly say that he not only “wears the cape” but I believe it will be a permanent part of his wardrobe.

This crazy world that we live in these days constantly is rearing it’s ugly head of bullying, racism, inequality, profiling and unfortunately I could go on and on…but the change starts with the young people in this world.  I can only hope that the good work that Luke and his peers are doing will be infectious and this Cape Kid will take his cape and run with it!  I couldn’t be more proud of my very own Cape Kid!

xo  Ann Ciccarelli