One of the favorite parts of my job is speaking to classes ...



One of the favorite parts of my job is speaking to classes about how it feels to have a disability and to help people understand what bullying really is. I go back to the class of a special teacher that I had in 5th grade, and now we are friends. I talk to her students about how it feels to be different and to be bullied. Her students ask me questions and I answer them. I tell them “You are not alone. There are many people all around you in life, and some will never understand.” That is when you need to tell yourself “You got the Power” I have always been a fighter but that does not mean that I have not been hurt and wanted to give up. I was born a fighter. When I was born I fought just to live, when the doctors knew that I would make it they gave me a birthdate – 3 days after I was really born. All my life was spent fighting about being different - with doctors, teachers and other friends and even those that did not even know me. Today I value my friendship with each friend. Sometimes that’s not easy. I’d like to be a friend to lots of people; but one thing I’ve learned is that friendship goes both ways. It’s not a one-person job. In school I would be asked to do someone’s homework, and now I see I was just being taken advantage of. I know what it feels like and it’s not fair. I ask myself why? We all want to be accepted into something. Even today some will take me for granted and just pretend to be my friend. Because my heart is so big I want to be friends with everyone. I'm not perfect - no one is. If you are bullying someone or saying something hurtful to them - stop and think. I’ve been there - scared and alone. Some days it’s not so easy to fight. I hope by speaking to classes I help to make a difference by giving students an idea of what I’ve been through; and encouraging them to get involved, to stand up for someone who is being bullied, to not be a bully themselves. Bullying is much easier in today’s world with Facebook, texting and YouTube. Social media has the most impact on bullying.? Kids learn technology faster these days, and bullying is even worse because of it. They want to be accepted into the popular social groups. Some bullies know it’s wrong and feel sorry, then later realize it’s too late. You never know when one day you might be facing?what I face daily by so many.I'm 32 and some of my school friends are now sorry for the way they treated me! I’ve been pushed down by kids and made fun of so many times. Most of the time, I'm strong enough to not let it get to me; but sometimes I think “What’s wrong with me?” I hope to start my own Non-profit Organization - Jessi's Sock Monkey – I Got the Power! I want to help stop bullying with my message. My goal is to collect sock monkeys to sell and use the money to help build ramps and railings for those with special needs, to SHOW them “You Got the Power!”Jessi?HutsonCommunity Outreach AssistantButler County Board of Developmental Disabilities??jessihutson@01207008You Got the “POWER”P= Pull TogetherO= Open MindW= Welcome AllE= Encourage EveryoneR= Respect others0You Got the “POWER”P= Pull TogetherO= Open MindW= Welcome AllE= Encourage EveryoneR= Respect othersJessi’s Sock Monkey Power! ................
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