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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Guard Your Heart (06/08/12)
Every day before I get on the bus, my mom always says to me, "Remember Who loves you, Sweet Pea." Sweet Pea is my nickname, 'cause I'm sweet, and my name is Paige.

I know God loves me, and I know my mom and dad love me too, but it doesn't make school much easier.

I just wish my classmates would see me for who I was, and I wish they didn't judge me by my looks. Yeah, I look a little bit different. I have Down Syndrome. But that doesn't mean I'm dumb.

I always sit by myself at the lunch table. It's almost like I'm invisible. But I know better, because I hear them talking about me and laughing at me as I walk down the halls and when they walk past my table.

The "R" word is the worst. I can't even make myself think it. I have to stop myself before I think the whole word or it sends shivers down my spine... Retar.... I hate it.

Do they think I'm deaf too? That I can't hear them? Or do they think I'm too stupid to know what they're saying? Do they think I don't know they're talking about me? Maybe they just think I don't have any feelings like they do. Or maybe they just like to be mean. They think it's cool, because the other kids laugh.

Sometimes at the end of the day there will be a note stuffed in a crack in my locker. I always hope it’s a message from one of my few friends, but it never is. Obviously they think I can't read either. Have they noticed I'm in the regular classes just like them? It may take me a little bit longer to learn things and to do my assignments and take tests, but I'm doing the same work they are.

I wish they wouldn't make stereotypes and judge me before they know me.

It doesn't help that I'm a little bit over weight. They call me "Plushy Paige," or, "Porky Pig." Then they snort like a pig. I try to just walk away and ignore them, but it's hard.

Whoever said "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me," obviously was never bullied very much. 'Cause they do hurt. I try to guard my heart against the pain. Sometimes as I'm walking down the hall, I whisper to myself, "Remember Who loves you. Remember Who loves you." The only probably is it makes the kids laugh at me even more, 'cause I'm talking to myself.

Well, there's the bell. It's lunch time. Another day sitting alone, trying to ignore all the comments.

Someone's tapping on my shoulder. Oh great. It's a cheerleader. I'm sure she's going to make some mean comment. But I'll turn around anyway, I guess. Just to be nice.

"Hi. I'm Danielle, but you can call me Dani if you want. I noticed you normally sit by yourself at lunch. Would you like to sit with my friends and me today?"

Stunned, I nod my head and follow her to the table. They all look so nice, and they greet me. By name. My real name. Maybe the rest of the year won't be so bad after all.

And to think I thought she was going to say something mean. I guess stereotypes go both ways.


*******
Fictional, but too many students today could tell similar stories about bullying in school.
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This article has been read 1221 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Deborah Engle 
06/16/12
What a touching story. If only the "popular" girls truly would offer their friendship.It might be the beginning of much brighter prospects for this world.
Anne Warden 
06/17/12
Thank you for the reminder that stereotypes exist on all levels.

Parents, please teach your children that bullying causes pain, and that acceptance is the only true love.
Loren T. Lowery
06/18/12
I think, by the way you've told Sweet Pea's story, I've learned a little about stereotyping today. You did a great job with the POV of the main character - very easy to identify and sympathize with her.
lynn gipson 
06/18/12
I loved, loved this story, thank you so much for giving it a happy ending...my son was bullied because he was a "geek" back then. now he's a cop. This was excellent!
Laura Manley
06/19/12
This was a wonderful story of just how we all can be when we decide to judge another person or group of people. It was a very heart-warming story and I absolutely loved the ending. I saw toward the beginning of your entry where you had changed tenses in the beginning of a paragraph. Also, I came across the following: The only probably is it makes the kids laugh at me even more, 'cause I'm talking to myself. As you can see, spellcheck wouldn't pick up on "probably" versus "problem." So, just a courtesy comment on being sure to proof your work before submission. Other than that, I really enjoyed this look into the world of judging.
Colin Swann
06/19/12
This is excellent!
I love your writing, it's so interestin!
I love this story - sooo interesting!
Thanks!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
06/19/12
This is a great story! I loved it.
C D Swanson 
06/20/12
Great message. Many emotional levels and truths resonate throughout this outstanding piece.

Excellent job. Thank you so much for this important message. God Bless~
Sarah Elisabeth
06/21/12
Great story!

Not sure Paige's age, but the vocab sounded a bit adult in places, but overall, great job getting inside the feelings of a bullied child.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/22/12
Oh I love this story. You grabbed my heart on the first line and held it the whole way. Why as humans are we afraid of someone who is different while simultaneously striving to be above average, to be special? Congratulations on ranking 11 in Masters and 14 overall!