It is very typical on Twitter or Instagram to see comments and posts that tear down others. It could be about their looks or how they present themselves on social media or who their friends are etc. While it is common for both genders, it tends to happen arguably more to young girls and women.

As social media has grown, the act of tearing down others has become much easier because there is an element of anonymity that allows people to say things they would never think of saying out loud. In Rochester MN, my old high school, as well as the other two public high schools, have decided to do something about it.

It started with Mayo High School in November. Their page is called “mhsgirllove” and asks for private messages from its followers containing pictures and descriptions about a girl that goes to the school and why they deserve some love. Within the two months they have been active, they have posted nearly 50 pictures! They plan to post once a week throughout the year and all of the posts are anonymous. Since its beginning, this Instagram page has inspired the other high schools to follow suit.

Currently, all three public high schools have pages dedicated to lifting up the amazing, talented, creative, funny, smart girls. There are countless posts that go into detail about how these girls have impacted others in a positive way and created a loving environment and have been really caring friends to others. While I do not currently attend the high school, I can imagine this type of positivity has changed the atmosphere within the school.

Knowing that people care about you and praise you for your personality is a game changer. Students are able to confidently go to school and have a positive outlook because they know there are girls who support them and want the best for them. A few years ago, the atmosphere was not like this. Sometimes it could feel like you were in constant competition with other girls to be the most kind or the prettiest or the most athletic. However, the creation of these pages completely alters girls outlooks and allows them to appreciate other girls and build them up when they are wearing a bomb outfit or when they speak their mind.

Since coming across these Instagram pages, I find that it is a lot easier to compliment another person on something they do well or their personality rather than find fault. It definitely makes me feel better when I give others a compliment. Plus, when I get a compliment from a random girl or a friend I am super close with about my clothes or a different way I did my hair, it is an immediate confidence boost and creates a positive, healthy environment to feel good about myself.

The theme of positivity has become more mainstream since coming into the new year. As these ideas of inclusion and acceptance grow, I hope that you embrace it and are inspired to find the best in others and build up other people! 2018 is YOUR year, so make it a positive one!

P.S. If you want to follow any of these Instagram pages, here are the links!
@mhsgirllove @chsgirllove @jmhsgirllove