March 14th is the day that many students across the nation chose to leave their classrooms for 17 minutes, one minute for each life lost in the Florida school shooting, and stand in silence and solidarity. I fully support this, as students unite in a just cause. However, we can take this a step further by making it a walk-up.
The idea has since become viral on social media and needs to be heard in every school. A walk-up, in summary, means to walk up to someone you don't normally talk to or someone who often sits alone and talk with them and reach out as a friend.
This is absolutely critical. Children who are isolated because of cliques and separation have more tendencies for depression, anger, and suicidal thoughts. Students across America hold the power to prevent someone from lashing out by reaching out and being truly kind.
I was often witness to bullying in high school and people naturally grouping together because of "popularity status." The best singers, athletes, student council members, and so on and so forth grouped up with others with common interests.
I wish that I could tell high-schoolers that the whole concept of popularity is a load of garbage. Popularity won't get you a job or into college or give you any excessive advantage in the real world. Every single student is uniquely gifted, and maybe the person that sits alone in the cafeteria is a brilliant artist.
Maybe the honor student is a great writer. Maybe the loud obnoxious kid in every class is struggling at home. Maybe the kid who comes to school in the same clothes can't afford anything else. Take notice, stand up for what's right, and be kind.
High school shouldn't be the place where you cause drama. It shouldn't be bullying grounds. It shouldn't be the place of judgment. You want a positive and safe atmosphere? Make it happen.
Be the person that sits at a different lunch table and makes someone smile. Be the person who says, "Thank you," in the lunch line. Be the person that helps someone when they trip and drop their books. Be the person who smiles and says, "Hello."
Maturity starts in high school. Life lessons can be learned while a student body gains an education. We learn how to treat each other, how to work hard, and how to be respectful.
However, all of those things are a choice. Teachers and future administrators, I challenge you to pass this on, to encourage unity beyond tragedy so that it can be prevented. You have the power to influence and teach your students how to love those around them and abolish the feeling of being alone. No child ever deserves to feel like they are alone and worthless. We all have the power to make a difference.
When one person becomes the light, everyone notices.
