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From: Pam
Date: 08 Oct 2009
Time: 20:32:49 -0500
Remote Name: 24.195.248.126
Thanks Michael for sharing that. Since last year, I have periodically visited middle schools and talked to students about teasing and bullying prevention, using my stuttering story as an example of how kids are teased and bullied. I can so totally relate to what you share. As a girl, I didn't have those instinctual responses to being picked on. But I always rememeber feeling disappointed with myself for NOT standing up for myself. I just didn't know how, and like you, felt fear. I feared standing up for me would make things worse. . . . . . . I don't think your story is politically incorrect. It is what it is. It was a life moment that has stayed with you. I would think kids and teens who stutter could benefit gretly from hearing your story. Yeah, using our fists is not the answer, and you paid a consequence. But that is a life lesson. And kids who don't stutter can learn fromthis aas well. Bullying is so pervasive in the schools. It is often hidden, or right under our noses. In my community, at a high school last year, 5 teens killed themselves. It was determined that at least 4 of the 5 had been bullied. I am going to be co-facilitating a training for school staff in the Spring on Bullying. The schools are requesting that training be made available to staff. My assistant principal and myself volunteered to run an in-service,a nd we were asked to open it up to all 10 school districts. We will cover: bullying in schools, work shouldn't hurt (bullying in the workplace), and how to reclaim yur dignity if you are a victim. I am still incredulous that I can do this - as the one who stutters! But it will offer real life context, and trainings are always better when there is a personal connection. Thanks so much for sharing ths. I posted a couple of entries on bullying on my blog. Check it out when you can. If OK with you, I would love to post your story, with full credit to you, of course. Pam