Last week my school had a “field day.” Though it’s no longer called that in high school. There was a bounce-around, free food, face-painting, fun games, a cool DJ, etc. 

Anyways, one of my sweetest students decided to start a dance party… By himself… Keep in mind, this particular student is one of my special education students… Anyways, he was having the time of his life dancing to the coolest new rap and hip hop songs, busting out all of the latest moves. I was proud for him. Until I looked around…

As the other students started to make fun of him and record him, my heart started to break for him. This poor, innocent soul who was just trying to have some fun…

Right when I was about to start shaming my other students for being so cruel, two of the “popular” girls jumped out and started dancing with him. My heart burst with an overflow of emotion as these two girls changed the outlook of the whole student population.

The whole crowd then circled around and shouted his name. Students would take turns jumping in to dance with him. Instead of making fun of him, they accepted him by cheering him on and giving him a moment he will never forget. Needless to say, I lost it. Literally, guys, I started crying.

I don’t know what came over me. Maybe it was because I saw a light in the darkness, I saw two girls who thought more of someone else than they did of themselves, I saw two examples of kids who are kind, humble, compassionate, gentle, and loving.

And I immediately started praying that my kids would grow to be just as brave. Brave enough to make a stand against the “cool crowd,” if need be, for what is right. Strong enough to take up for someone who can’t take up for themselves. Courageous enough to actually treat others as they wish to be treated. A light shining for all to see. And full of enough love for others to be selfless themselves… Even if it means looking like a fool so someone else has the chance to fit in.