ALESANDRA D.
It’s that time again and school is in full swing. It’s an exciting time of year and it’s a great time to think about The Argos Foundation and its Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program that visits schools all over the GTA. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Huddle Up staff last season and helped to mentor young girls and boys in both high school and elementary school settings. The Argos have done so many wonderful things for the youth in the GTA including the Huddle Up program, Argo Recess and the new Level The Playing Field program. Argo Recess is a program that goes out to schools and runs a circuit of exercise activities to help kids get physically active. I also had the pleasure of volunteering with this program with several other cheerleaders and players.
Last year with the Huddle Up program, I was able to speak to several young girls about preventing bullying in schools as well as sharing my personal experiences with being bullied. I felt very honoured that I was chosen to speak to these girls. Not only did I get to be a part of the greatest cheerleading team and football club but I was able to share my life experiences with kids that needed to hear my story. I had some unfortunate circumstances with bullying when I was a child and it was a very difficult time for me. I didn’t want any other girl to go through what I did. School is stressful enough with homework and tests. When you add taunting and bullying into the mix, it makes a day at school unbearable.
Over the years, bullying in schools has increased and become far worse. Words are always hurtful but things have escalated to physical violence in schools that derived from bullying. We also have the internet and kids are constantly using things like Facebook and MySpace to create a cyber-world of bullying. I remember talking to a large group of girls at a local high school and after my speech, one of the girls asked me if my experiences with bullying made me a stronger person. I answered yes, they have. Even though I had some unpleasant times as a child with bullying, I was able to find the positive in those situations. I was able to stick up for myself and find the courage to look past the taunting and continue with my life and school career. I never let anything get in my way. If I wanted to try out for the track team or the choir, I did. That is where dancing came in. I started dancing when I was three years old and it was a constant passion of mine that was very therapeutic for me when I was having a difficult time.
Looking back on my childhood, I don’t know if I would be the strong person I am today had I not been bullied. I don’t know if I would have had the confidence to continue dancing professionally. Would I be able to cheer and dance in front of 30,000 fans at Rogers Centre for the Toronto Argonauts? I’m not sure but all I know is that I love dancing and doing what I am doing with my life. I am also content that I can help other students and young girls in the same situation I was in and make a small difference in their lives. I hope I can participate again this year with The Argos Foundation and continue to better the lives of young girls.
You can help support the programs of The Argos Foundation by making a donation here.