By: Monica Aviles
1 in 3 students in the U.S. say they have been bullied in school. October became National Bullying Prevention Month in 2006. Schools and organizations across the country join in on this campaign and create posters, complete marches and hold assemblies to spread awareness of bullying.
This year, Redwood is participating. The school is putting in a large effort to expose students to this subject. Blue ribbons flooded the school, as well as posters, and even compliment boxes. But how did these ideas surface in our campus?
In the beginning of October, Mr. Lor, the assistant principal, brought in Cambri Rodriguez 20’, to the new Culture and Climate class (student activities) to share her ideas. At first, he was unaware of this anti – bullying awareness month until Cambri came to him and told him all about it. “It was pretty awesome to see a student takes initiative, it wasn’t something that we the school came up with, It was a student who came to us,” explained Lor. He liked the idea of Cambri passing out blue ribbons because of the exposure it can bring to other students by wearing them around campus. He hopes these new ideas can make students, “Be aware of what they say or do, because sometimes kids don’t know if they’re bullying…some kids don’t really think about the consequences of it.”
“For a teenager to feel that passionate about an issue, and wanting other students to feel included or connected, is completely inspirational. ” – Mr. Lor
The ASB & Culture and Climate class teacher, Mrs. Aston, has just started teaching this year. She is brand new to Redwood, but is very motivated to making Redwood better. Cambri was not the only one who had ideas for this month, “I had a few students come in before, saying they would love for the school to do something about anti – bullying,” says Aston. She hopes that student’s spirits are lifted and wants every student to know, “(That) there is a place for them on campus.” Aston is excited about where Redwood is right now, and is looking forward for other students, clubs, teachers, etc. getting involved.
“You matter. You are important. There’s always a place for you on campus, or in my class.” – Mrs. Aston
Cambri Rodriguez, a huge advocate for anti – bullying, is very passionate about the cause and is willing to lend a hand. “I hope students will learn to not be a bully, and if you are a bully or victim, there is help for you.” Rodriguez began to pass out blue ribbons to students and teachers on campus on October 7th. She had made them on the weekend with only her mother. “The blue ribbons are to honor those victims who have suffered through those horrific situations and to spread more awareness.” In fact, she has experienced bullying before, and claims it was “One of the most difficult experiences in her life.” She believes “Redwood is great as it is, but can be better if everyone gets more involved.”
“I just want people to feel safe, and for the victims to know that they are not alone.” – Cambri Rodriguez
Mr. Lor also brought in Kenia Cabrera ‘22, to the Culture and Climate class to share her moving story because, “In a way, the culture and climate class was designed to spread positivity. I thought inspiration from their own peers would be helpful, because knowing that other students want change as well is very motivating.”
Kenia shyly told her story of how she brought a smile onto a student’s face who had sat alone during lunch, all year. “At first I was nervous and scared of what his reaction would be because I didn’t know if he wanted someone to sit next to him, but I wanted to talk to him. It looked like he could use a friend.” This is not the first time Kenia has done this, she says it was, “Just like any other day,” because she loves to, “Make people happy, or feel better about themselves.” Her experience has motivated her to spot other students who need a friend, “I know it will be difficult to do because you don’t know what their reactions are going to be, but everyone should have a friend.” Kenia encourages other students to reach out to anyone they see alone, and take the opportunity to make someone’s day.
“You don’t have to stay in silence, there is always help…Don’t be afraid to stand up for others.” – Kenia Cabrera
Kenia’s story moved many students in the Culture and Climate class, and motivated them to spread even more positivity throughout campus. Josiah Villarrearl ‘22, a student from the class said her story really, “Touched my heart, because it is very sad to see people alone or getting bullied. It really does make a difference when you step out of your comfort zone to make a difference”
Mr. Lor. was also touched by Kenia’s actions, he noticed the same kid eat alone at lunch, in the same spot, for more than a year, “I talked to other kids to talk to him, but for Kenia to take it upon herself…I knew I had to share her story.”
“I think that’s something that makes Redwood stand out, it’s what the students do on campus.” – Mr. Lor
Bullying is a universal issue. It can affect anyone, and most effects can even last into adulthood. Lend a hand, speak out, make a difference.