On March 12, 2013, my life changed.
My best friend passed away from suicide because she was being bullied on Facebook. The next day, no one was aware of this tragic situation. I had to hear rumors from students until I was called down to the Guidance Office.
It broke my heart hearing about my friend's passing. I was very upset and was wondering why our principal did not have a moment of silence for my best friend.
Suicide and bullying is an issue at my high school. I am trying to address these horrible tragedies. But no one is listening. What will it take for people to listen?
A dear friend of mine Sean Mooi passed away last year March 24, 2012.
Unfortunately, when he was found, it was too late. The following Monday, we had a moment of silence in Sean's memory during morning announcements.
Suicide is also another tragic thing not just in high school, but everywhere. A few years back, a football player at my high school passed away from suicide.
I went to my principal last year (Fabby Williams) and spoke with him about many concerns I had. He was very understanding; he understood where I was coming from. But this year, he did not return to my high school.
A few months into the new school year, I went down to my current principal’s (Michael White) office to talk to him about the things I had talked to my past principal about. He was not available at the time, so his secretary told me to come back at a later time. I waited one week and got the same
response.
I went to his office numerous times to address my concerns and opinions. I had written down my name, phone number and email on a post-it note for him to get a hold of me. I have not heard anything from him.
If you are not sagging your pants, being tardy or not behaving, it seems
like he wants nothing to do with you. Which I believe is wrong.
Bullying is a problem nationwide. Bullying happens in other countries, towns, states and cities. School is a place of learning and is supposed to be safe for students.
Teachers are here to help guide us in the right direction, not turn their heads and look away. They need to confront a conflict, ask if everything is okay, call security or a dean if the conflict escalates.
I have seen with my own eyes teachers who walk away when I know they have heard name calling or have seen a situation. Teachers are not doing their jobs to the best of their ability if they walk away, or pretend they did not hear anything. Teachers should seek help if they do not know how to handle a situation.
I am stepping forward on behalf of myself, my friends who are no longer with me and their families and parents who are not ready to step forward (and I respect their decision).
Bullying as a whole has become an epidemic wreaking havoc on the lives of the victims and their families. Some children and adults become so desperate for peace and solace that they take their own lives. Others continue on with life but walk around bearing the mental, physical and emotional scares for the rest of their lives. Something needs to be done to address this.
Editor's note: This article was written by a Bolingbrook High School student.