tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post1145557412856734771..comments2024-03-21T11:50:29.630-04:00Comments on Janie Junebug Righting & Editing: BULLY FOR YOU: RACHEL'S STORY OF A STOLEN EDUCATIONJanie Junebughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10573607241326291404noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-34412832346738108792014-10-07T03:47:11.450-04:002014-10-07T03:47:11.450-04:00This is a brave, and incredibly powerful post, tha...This is a brave, and incredibly powerful post, thanks so much for sharing your experiences, and highlighting the seriousness of bullying. My eldest son was bullied at high school (because he is Gay) they made his life (and therefore mine too) hell! <br /><br />All the best to you <br /><br />Kimmie xKimmiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10974750428498873046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-45099432556798811992014-05-28T20:02:20.725-04:002014-05-28T20:02:20.725-04:00I've considering being a counselor and it'...I've considering being a counselor and it's still a possibility in the future. For now, my focus is on getting a diploma and then earning enough money to go to college. Since I'm not in high school, scholarships and loans are limited to non-existent, so I have to work for it. But I am okay with that. I like working and making people smile at the job I have now.<br /><br />As for your heartache, don't let it ache for me. I survived and I will continue to fight to be better. If it must ache, let it ache for the millions of people who haven't gotten through it yet. They're the ones I write for.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-64425273926417345642014-05-28T19:59:01.667-04:002014-05-28T19:59:01.667-04:00Thank you. The more people who are willing to stan...Thank you. The more people who are willing to stand up and speak out, the bigger change we can make. I hope that one day, I'll be able to tell my children or grandchildren that I had friends all over the world who made a big difference in putting bullying to an end.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-36413387063203185732014-05-27T21:51:22.817-04:002014-05-27T21:51:22.817-04:00Rachel, it takes a lot of courage to speak out so ...Rachel, it takes a lot of courage to speak out so other kids can maybe benefit from your experiences. My heart aches for you for what those other kids... and teachers!... put you through, but I'm so very proud of you for prevailing. The best revenge for such cruel treatment is to persevere and succeed. You're stronger than they are, and more compassionate. I agree with the other comment that you'd be a terrific counselor. Hang in there. You can do it.Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-85740722088148650562014-05-27T20:01:07.105-04:002014-05-27T20:01:07.105-04:00I also want to thank The Silver Fox for kind words...I also want to thank The Silver Fox for kind words and for reading my guest post.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-26649939028642238892014-05-27T20:00:36.612-04:002014-05-27T20:00:36.612-04:00I think encouraging music, art, writing, and other...I think encouraging music, art, writing, and other healthy outlets would help those going through tough times. Not only bullying, but also other forms of abuse, loss, and the like. Unfortunately, funding for most of those programs are being cut back. Encouraging it at home and finding local classes, like at libraries, can be a good idea though.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-76799264711856433102014-05-27T18:45:48.895-04:002014-05-27T18:45:48.895-04:00What an incredibly moving post, nobody should have...What an incredibly moving post, nobody should have to endure such pain and misery inflicted by another human being. I completely support the stand up to bullies campaign, and wherever possible stand as a voice for those who feel they don't have one. Thanks for sharing this.<br /><br />Hayley-Eszti | www.hayleyeszti.blogspot.comhayleyesztihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14517966025318167347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-88781336320525876002014-05-27T18:38:59.632-04:002014-05-27T18:38:59.632-04:00Blogging is therapeutic.Blogging is therapeutic.Janie Junebughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10573607241326291404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-29770708195500943482014-05-27T17:09:10.680-04:002014-05-27T17:09:10.680-04:00I've never had schooling in another country (o...I've never had schooling in another country (or even left this one, for that matter) so I don't know why things are so different. I do know, in England at least, that bullying is still pretty common. I'm unsure if it's as common as it is in America, though.<br /><br />If you were to look up the statistics, you would be shocked. The last time I looked at it, it was something like 3 in 4 kids admit to being bullied and 1 in 3 are scared to even use the bathroom by themselves.<br /><br />I am sorry that you were bullied. Nobody deserves that. I can't even say I wish that on the bullies themselves. I would like to believe that bullies act that way for a reason. Maybe they were bullied or maybe they have some sort of chemical imbalance that makes them angry and mean. I honestly don't know since they are all different. What I do know, is that the more of us that talk about it, the more that we can change.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-89732283082842879612014-05-27T17:05:01.150-04:002014-05-27T17:05:01.150-04:00I have to wonder the same thing. My little cousins...I have to wonder the same thing. My little cousins are homeschooled and they aren't that wonderful at dealing with people. However, one of my best friends is homeschooled and he's one of the easiest people in the world to get along with and talk to. It makes me wonder what the differences are that change things.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-21000684095222435032014-05-27T17:02:33.381-04:002014-05-27T17:02:33.381-04:00I believe Karma will take care of things. It alway...I believe Karma will take care of things. It always does. If nothing else, I at least know that they walk around with hate in their hearts and probably being disliked for the way they treat people. Or, if they grew up, then I know they'll have to suffer the guilt of what they did. Meanwhile, I'm walking around with my head held high, proud that a bunch of bullies failed in their quest to ruin my life. Life goes on and things get better, even if it's slowly.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-53344184994469732832014-05-27T16:59:26.778-04:002014-05-27T16:59:26.778-04:00Thank you for teaching GED classes. You are changi...Thank you for teaching GED classes. You are changing lives and giving people back what was stolen from them. It means the world to have a teacher who actually cares and wants you to do well, especially when you had at least one who you thought might very well be the devil.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-86542911578578718942014-05-27T16:56:45.087-04:002014-05-27T16:56:45.087-04:00My mom never knew how bad it was until I told her....My mom never knew how bad it was until I told her. We both cried that night. Sometimes people don't want to get involved and sometimes, it's just hidden too well. I look forward to reading your book. You must be an incredibly strong person to have done all the great things that you have so far.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-22223111325546609022014-05-27T16:49:10.197-04:002014-05-27T16:49:10.197-04:00I also want to thank Rachel for an incredibly movi...I also want to thank Rachel for an incredibly moving guest post.The Silver Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00730805376957629641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-80139805875758350102014-05-27T16:47:17.004-04:002014-05-27T16:47:17.004-04:00I wasn't bullied much, but I was in that limbo...I wasn't bullied much, but I was in that limbo between popular and unpopular. I suppose the over-the-top "RantZ" on my blog are a way of dealing with my inner anger now. Wish I'd had a blog then!The Silver Foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00730805376957629641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-15562477131928277582014-05-27T15:50:14.678-04:002014-05-27T15:50:14.678-04:00I considered home schooling The Hurricane, but I w...I considered home schooling The Hurricane, but I was concerned that if she didn't go to school she would have absolutely no skills for dealing with people. How do you make sure your children encounter all sorts of folks, Crystal?Janie Junebughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10573607241326291404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-24181602455268582182014-05-27T15:48:38.290-04:002014-05-27T15:48:38.290-04:00Karma has a way of getting people.Karma has a way of getting people.Janie Junebughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10573607241326291404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-32624731698581445622014-05-27T12:09:10.699-04:002014-05-27T12:09:10.699-04:00Rachael, I am so sorry you had to go through that ...Rachael, I am so sorry you had to go through that and for that length of time. It makes me wonder what in the world is wrong with schools in this country. Some children become bullies, that is not surprising, however, that the teacher join in is beyond belief.<br /><br />I was bullied in elementary school, by little boys, because I was a head taller than everyone else. But I had girlfriends, teachers, and even some boys who stood up for me. <br /><br />And when it came time for middle school, I was able to choose an all girl school where I stayed through high school. And as far as I know, in my school in Sweden, there were no mean girls. I never heard of anything like what goes on in American schools when I went to school. Great guest post, Rachel. Ingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02924736131382149056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-21335324912791408462014-05-27T11:21:24.083-04:002014-05-27T11:21:24.083-04:00And I'm reminded why we home school. There'...And I'm reminded why we home school. There's no reason why anyone should have that kind of in school. My heart breaks for those who experience similar things.Crystal Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03912469552483168148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-56187773729325379952014-05-27T09:53:11.043-04:002014-05-27T09:53:11.043-04:00Unfortunately, it's still not treated seriousl...Unfortunately, it's still not treated seriously enough or it would not happen. People still believe "kids will be kids" and that the victims are blowing things out of proportion or looking for attention. Schools typically seem to adopt a "no tolerance" policy for fighting. In other words, if you're jumped by six people in the hallway, you still get suspended too. I've seen it happen. Until things end in an all out fist fight, not much is done without cold hard proof. If it's your word against theirs, then you're usually told to talk to the councilor and that they'll have the bully talk to them to come to a solution. That makes things worse more often than it helps, since now they know that you spoke up and tried to change things. Without treating it as criminal behavior, it will be treated as playground "you're a poopy face!" behavior.<br /><br />I would like to make it clear that I'm not saying victims should stay quiet. I think victims should be the loudest people in the room until things get better. For younger kids, talking to a teacher or principle or even higher up tends to help. For teenagers, if that doesn't improve things, being prepared to delete social media accounts and transfer schools may be the best bet. But staying silent is the worst option.<br /><br />Think of it this way: A bully is like a snake and the damage a bully does is like a snake's poison. If a snake bites you, what do you do? You get as loud as possible until you get the help you need. Bullying should be seen the same way.<br /><br />I am glad that you came back to read this post though. Thank you.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-677208892280129632014-05-27T09:47:58.031-04:002014-05-27T09:47:58.031-04:00My heart hurts that she went through that. And at ...My heart hurts that she went through that. And at the hands of educators as well? Really makes my blood boil. I hope they realize what goes around comes around.Shellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04930262815304757150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-72869445507454068962014-05-27T09:40:15.610-04:002014-05-27T09:40:15.610-04:00Most of it has to do with the laws preventing them...Most of it has to do with the laws preventing them from doing anything. Teachers can only do so much to protect the students when they have all of the parents breathing down their necks. One shout of favoritism towards a student or even protecting them too much, could end up with both the teacher's job on the line and the victim getting treated even worse for being a "snitch". I can't blame them for that, as much as I would like to. I can, however, blame the ones who simply turned away or assisted in the bullying. It's one thing for my English teacher to at least try. It's another thing for my math teacher to pretend it wasn't happening or my reading teacher to help make things worse for me. I would like to believe most teachers are like my English teacher but from my personal experience, I'm unsure if that's true. I wouldn't mind hearing other opinions on this though.<br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-70314394985831712572014-05-27T09:32:28.266-04:002014-05-27T09:32:28.266-04:00Much like an addiction, the first step is admittin...Much like an addiction, the first step is admitting that there is a problem and that you want to change things. The second step is opening your big mouth as much as possible and screaming, "I will NOT stand for this shit anymore!" The more people who start screaming that, the more we can get schools to actually do something about this problem and get the laws to be more strict for underage bullies. Other than that, the absolute best thing in the world that you can do, is let a victim know that you will be there to support them, no matter what. <br /><br />Love,<br />RachelRachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07507642753163503531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-63363675102503407552014-05-27T00:38:52.830-04:002014-05-27T00:38:52.830-04:00"...we never really know what is going on in ..."...we never really know what is going on in somebody else's mind or heart. I wore a smile on my face every day when I planned ways to kill myself."<br /><br />You're so right about this, tho sime moms and therapists can almost read minds. Many people who knew me during the experiences I related in CLEFT HEART are amazed that I hid my fear and turmoil so well. As for secret planning re ways to kill oneself, I'll let CLEFT HEART speak to that point.Karl Schonbornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08513261815995488779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501852053743373610.post-20996339863038663252014-05-26T23:23:03.586-04:002014-05-26T23:23:03.586-04:00I taught GED. I believed those students who told m...I taught GED. I believed those students who told me they left school because of bullying from teachers, guidance counselors, and principals. While their stories were appalling, no one can fake the emotions they showed as they talked to me. In the school classrooms, I saw how teachers mistreated some students and favored others. Only one teacher ever came close to being a bully. She did use me as an example of how not to type. I hated that typing teacher and still do.Practical Parsimonyhttp://www.practical-parsimony.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com