As
the SSS mom, I don’t participate in the workshops, so I have been
able to sit back quietly and watch the interaction between the
volunteers and the girls on occasion. I really enjoy seeing the
variety of girls that participate. It’s like people watching, but
on a smaller scale. Not only are they different physically, but the
personalities of the girls vary greatly as you can imagine. In
our Good Friend vs Bad Friend station and our Personalities station,
we really try to emphasize that it’s okay to be unique. We
want them to realize that not only is it okay for them to be
different, but it’s okay for them to be accepting of others who are
different. It’s okay to have friends that don’t always
like the same things as you. It’s okay to go outside of your normal
middle school “clique” and make a new friend. It’s okay
to reach out to someone that may appear to be a little lonely at
school.Don't hesitate to SHARE YOUR SPARKLE in unique ways.
As
I write this, old sayings like “You can’t judge a book by its
cover” and “It’s not what’s on the outside that counts, it’s
what’s on the inside” keep coming to mind. It’s so basic, yet
so hard to remember at times for adults and kids. Someone who you
think is the ultimate friend may let you down and someone you would
never normally reach out to may end up being the best friend you ever
had. Funny thing is, you’ll never know unless you try.
Sometimes it may take you introducing yourself and just saying Hi.
Sometimes it may only take a smile to break the barrier. Other times,
it may require you really being aware of your surroundings and
reaching out with an action to someone who appears to need a little
boost. Sometimes you’ll be successful on the first attempt.
Other times, you may not get the response you expected or wanted.
Heck, you may not get any response at all and that’s okay. I still
struggle with this myself, but have tried really hard recently to
make new friends and have been thankful I did. Remaining open to
differences and looking for the good in others, is just one small
piece of the work it takes to be a “Good Friend”.
Michelle
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