The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXI

Leanne Gordon
Selmita Russell, Teacher
Raymond Sheppard Nazarene Primary School,
Roaring Creek Village, Belize
I am a very shy girl. I do not talk much, nor do I even play much. I also do not
have many friends at school but really do love all the students.
I have always wanted to stop a boy in my class from being a bully. No one ever
tried to approach him, because he would beat them up. His name is Giovanni.
At my school, most teachers do not even try to tell Giovanni anything because
he is disrespectful to them as well.
“I have always
wanted to stop a
boy in my class from
being a bully.”
I really do not know where the courage came from, but one day I approached
him to see if he would try to beat me up. While standing up to him I was
very nervous because I knew what he was capable of doing to kids like me.
However, I had to face my fear that time because in my heart I knew I wanted
the behavior to stop. I put on a straight face and was very strong in my voice,
as if I was ready for anything. Before I knew it these words came popping out
of my mouth, “Why do you keep beating us up?” Giovanni then replied, “Who
do you think you are? No one talks to me like that!” I looked him straight in
the face and said, “You can be a very nice person, you are strong, and Jesus
loves you.” Giovanni was lost for words. I could see in his face that he was
sorry. Since that day Giovanni and I became friends, and we started getting
along much better.
The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond
Volume XXXI
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