Local teen ‘Dares to be Different’ to deal with bullying

“That class was not my first pick, but I decided to stay in it because I had problems with my inner-self, plus I was too scared to go talk to the counselor. The class was almost over when we were given the assignment-- find a way to educate others about bullying,” she said causing some painful memories to resurface. “Middle school was a hell-hole for me. I was bullied all the time because I ‘wasn’t pretty enough.’ “ Ultimately, the girl, who was afraid to talk to the counselor about changing a class, took a stand against bullying and developed a program called Dare to be Different addressing breaking down stereotypes and biases among girls. Welch met with the counselors at Copperas Cove Junior High and scheduled presentations with all the 8th grade girls in two sessions. Targeting junior high girls to share her message was key for Welch—not only because of her own experience but the fact that bullying surges during middle school. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 29.3 percent of middle school students experienced bullying compared to 20 percent in high school. Welch’s message promoted self-esteem, self-awareness, and an “it’s okay to be you message. “ CCJHS Counselor Janet Carlton said junior high is a tough time in young girls’ lives. “They are often plagued with self-doubt and if one girl left the presentation feeling a little bit better about herself, then the program was a success. The girls I spoke with after the assembly really seemed encouraged.” Carlton said. CCJHS 8th graders Aquajanai Williams and Alexis Carr responded positively to Welch’s message. “The presentation was a very unique way to show students that being themselves is perfectly fine.” Williams said. “I feel it was positive and will help girls have a better perspective of themselves and others,” Carr said. Welch’s presentation included having the student write positive adjectives about their classmates who reinforced the message, said Whitney Doverspike, 8th grade teacher and coach. “The presentation was both enlightening and eye opening for our girls to participate. I think that they took away much more since it was interactive,” she said. “I am certain the girls left with a better sense of self-worth and confidence.” Welch’s Dare to be Different campaign has become a priority project for her through Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and she will continue to share her message with pre-teen girls. “All of these stupid stereotypes keep telling me who I had to be. Well, that’s not me, and not anyone else,” Welch said. “As shown in my presentation, those girls on magazine covers aren’t real. We are comparing ourselves to an idea of what beauty is. That’s not right. That is my point behind my presentation. We can break this unrealistic mold. We are the future.”

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.