Boston Strong

I may have been born in Franklin, Massachusetts, but I will always consider Boston my home. I love going to that city because I have always felt safe and relaxed. Seeing all of the beautiful sights around me such as Copley Square, Faneuil Hall, and the Boston Commons made me realize just how beautiful the world truly is. Bostonians are very friendly (unless you’re a Yankee’s fan) and never fail to smile at you when you walk by. Everyone who is from Boston is proud to be from there. I will always and forever love Boston. It’s one of the best places in the world.

 As long as I can remember, Marathon Monday was one of the happiest days of the year. Many people who run in the Boston Marathon were participating because they overcame a sickness or disease, running for a loved one, or they just love running. On the sidelines are their supporters. Even strangers support strangers. The people standing on the side want to cheer every single runner on and congratulate them on their accomplishment of running more than twenty-six miles.  There are a lot of signs saying “Go Dad” or “Run Mom Run!” Smiles and laughter fill the air. You can literally feel the joy run through your body. No one has a fear of one another nor does anyone expect anything to go wrong. But that all changed on April 15, 2013.

As I was standing in the grocery store in Franklin trying to decide what the difference was between Fuji and Gala apples, my loud and annoying phone buzzed in my jean pocket. With one apple in hand and trying to unlock my phone in the other, I noticed that I had a text from my boyfriend, Andrew. “I’m not by the explosions, don’t worry.” My face crinkled with confusion not knowing what this text message meant. I decided to ignore the text for the moment and finish my quest of grocery shopping. As I went through the aisles, I could not stop thinking about that text message. I hurried to get out of Stop and Shop. I quickly rang myself out at the self-checkout, and jogged to my yellow Volkswagen Beetle in the parking lot and drove home attempting to obey the speed limit. As soon as I walked through my front door, my phone rang. It was Andrew. Without hesitating, I picked up the phone and asked what happened. Out of breath, he replied, “There were two explosions at the marathon. I was standing right near one, and missed it by about five minutes. I’m okay, but I need to make more calls. Turn on the news and I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”  I was in such a state of shock that I didn’t even realize I was still holding my iPhone to my ear after he hung up. So many thoughts and questions were racing so fast through my mind that I couldn’t keep up. I just didn’t understand.

A total of two bombs exploded during the Boston Marathon. They both exploded near the finish line where many supporters were standing. The bombs exploded around the average time when most marathon runners would be finishing, which was a little bit more than four hours into the race.

But Boston was anything but defeated. Instead, Bostonians triumphed over tragedy. And it wasn’t just Bostonians. The world joined Boston and together all of us created a team: a team filled with courage, unity, and love. This team manifested itself in words on posters, the words of songs, hashtags, and speeches. And what powerful words they are, more powerful than any explosion.

The posters supporting Boston after the tragedy range from a tiny piece of paper that someone is holding at a sports game to an electronic display above the entrance to Yankee Stadium. Even though the posters differ in size and quality, they all have the same message: Boston is not alone. The words on the posters are extremely powerful and touching. For example, at a Yankees game very recently, people held signs saying, “Pray for Boston” or “NY loves Boston.” It’s incredible how two well-known enemies put aside their baseball differences to come together as one. Also, it’s just a great feeling to know that two enemies can come together and be allies. At a time like this, words mean everything to everyone.

In my opinion, the lyrics in a song mean anything and everything. That is what gives the song meaning. Lyrics have the power and ability to relate to so many people. I personally love listening to the lyrics because they have a power to change my emotions and really inspire me. After the Boston Marathon bombings, not only did the whole Yankee stadium show their loving support, but during the 7^th inning stretch the played the song “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. That was a really touching moment for Bostonians because “Sweet Caroline” is played at every Red Sox game. When the song is played, it really brings the whole stadium together. The most moving lyrics in the whole song are: “Hands touching hands/Reaching out/Touching me, touching you.” When everyone was singing along to that song in Yankees Stadium, it meant New York is extending their hands out to help support Boston and do whatever they can do help the city recover from this horrible tragedy.

Even though it’s a social media website, Twitter also extended their hands out to support Boston. On the day of the bombings, everyone tweeted “#PrayForBoston.” Believe it or not, a hashtag can go a long way, especially in a world full of teenagers. Within an hour of the explosions, “#PrayForBoston” was the number one trending topic on twitter. Tweets were composed all around the United States using that one hashtag and it brought the United States closer. Those three words attached to a hashtag ruled the Twitter world for over three days.

The day of the bombing, President Barack Obama made a nation wide speech. Of course he stated how security is going to increase in the United States and was trying his best to answer questions. However, a few words of his speech were the most powerful and moving. "Boston is a tough and resilient town," Obama continued. "So are its people. I am supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other & move forward -- as one proud city." And that is just what Boston did. The city pulled together as one and not only listened to Obama’s words, but also used them in action.

All of these words used in different forms showed that no one is going to take our Boston pride away from us. With help from around the world, Boston is now more confident as ever. All of this shows that good overcomes evil. Even though I am from Franklin, I consider myself a true Bostonian. “There’s strong, but then there’s Boston strong.”

I got this photo from here!

A Bully World

Sure, Facebook connects old friends and family and holds old memories forever in the form of pictures and comments. Yeah, it helps boost your confidence when someone “likes” a picture or comment you’ve posted. But Facebook is a wide-open opportunity to tear someone down while hiding behind a computer screen. It allows a person to make stupid, hurtful remarks whenever they feel like it. That’s what bullies do.

Whether in cyberspace or at a schoolyard, a bully is still a bully and bullies should be stopped.

That is proven true by a recent story about a fourteen-year-old girl in Georgia who found a fake Facebook profile of herself (“Teen Sues Classmates for Libel Over Facebook Page”, April 26, 2012). A fake Facebook profile page consists of false information about an individual. The person who creates the fake profile only has bad intentions. He or she does it to make a person feel bad and to bring attention to themself for being “gutsy.” This particular fake profile made fun of the Georgia teenager in very malicious ways. It made her face seem bloated and enlarged. It posted that she smoked marijuana. It posted demeaning things about her, and said she spoke in a “retardish” language. When the teen told officials about what had happened, they said there was not much they could do. They could not prosecute bullying off of school grounds.      

That is completely ridiculous. It is the responsibility of the school to keep kids safe. Even though the bullying does not happen in the classroom, it still involves classmates, and that is the school’s responsibility. Cyberbullying causes kids to do horrible things such as cut themselves, and even commit suicide. Not only does this case prove that the problem of cyberbullying is being ignored, but not a lot of action is being taken to help prevent it from happening. In fact, Alex Boston, the Georgia teen, has decided to take matters into her own hands. She is suing the kids responsible.

Alex is also raising awareness about cyberbullying. She may be interested in the campaign against bullying called “Be More than a Bystander.” The campaign encourages witnesses of bullying to help stop it. Another initiative Alex should check out is the Foundation for a Better Life’s Pass It On campaign that promotes positive values that one should find within him or herself. She could also log on to a webpage (link webpage when post on blog) called “The Bully Project.” She can order the film “Bully” available on the website and bring it to her school to raise awareness.

Clearly, bullying among teens and younger children has grown in the last decade. According to this website, about 42 percent of kids have been bullied online, while 35 percent have been threatened online. 58 percent of kids and teens have reported that something rude has been said about them online. 77 percent of kids reported that he or she have been a victim of bullying. 

In Massachusetts, there is now an anti-bullying law that includes cyberbullying. The law prohibits bullying in schools. It’s really great that Massachusetts is really taking a stand against verbal and physical bullying. Georgia should follow along Massachusetts and do the same thing, so Alex Boston can live a normal life. No child or teenager should live their life in fear, and be afraid of simply living their life. A kid does not need to be bullied to be stronger nor do they need to grow up with it. A life without a bully is a healthier one.

Bullying Statistics

News Story

The Journey of Transformation

“For me, middle school was a struggle. I liked boys and not girls. I hated dressing in guys’ clothing because I was more appealed to girls’ clothing.” In 8^th grade, Ryan Trufant had become fed up with living a lie. Trufant knew what he wanted to be -- and do: to follow his dreams and live life without anyone judging him. And that is what he did. As high school began Trufant started his journey. He slowly transformed into a woman. His shorts got shorter and his shirts got tighter. He started to wear wigs of all colors and put on make up. But he still felt like he wasn’t the person he wanted to be. “I was confused. I had no idea what was missing from my life, but I knew it was something that I had to fix.” The day he turned eighteen years old, he figured out how to make his transformation complete. He got a tattoo. It reads, “All the World’s a Stage.” These are the words he wears and the words he lives.

First off, I know you’ve struggled with your self-image. How do you feel about yourself today now that you are almost 20 years old?

I love myself today. Does that sound weird? Because it’s true. I have never been more confident. I know who I’m supposed to be and I don’t care that anyone has a problem with me. I know I am supposed to be who I am for a reason. I mean, I may not know that reason yet, but I know there definitely is one.

Good for you! I’m very happy for you. So after your big transformation in high school, why were you still not happy with your image?

(Pause) This is a really tough question. I was confused. I had no idea what was missing from my life, but I knew it was something that I had to fix. I just wanted to express myself more, I guess. I needed that extra push, if that makes any sense. I was already happy with my hair, clothes, make up, etc., but I wanted something else that made me stand out more. I wanted the whole world to see who I am.

That’s when you decided you wanted tattoos?

Yeah, I wanted a lot of them.

What made you attracted to tattoos?

I thought they made each individual unique. Yes, they are permanent and they’ll be there with me until I’m old and dead. But when I’m old, I won’t care what I look like. I probably won’t even be able to do anything cause I’ll be so old. I decided to get tattoos while I’m young. I think they make my body look a lot better.

So I understand that your favorite tattoo is the first one you got?

Yep. I immediately got it on my birthday. It’s right across my chest and it says, “All the World’s a Stage.”

Where is that from? Or did you make it up yourself?

(Laughs) I wish I were that creative. It’s from a play that William Shakespeare wrote back in the day. Remember in 8^th grade when we were studying Shakespeare? Yeah, that’s where I got it from. That one line has helped me become who I am today.

Why does it mean so much to you?

My interpretation to you might be confusing, but I’ll try to explain this the best way I can. As you know, I do like to dress as a woman, and I decided to name her Anaol Fetale. That’s considered her stage name (pause) and the whole world is my stage, literally. I feel like I’m a movie star minus the being famous part. I have to be ready to perform everyday, even if it’s not on an actual wooden stage in a theater. I must look fierce all the time because I am one fierce woman. The world is my audience. I am ready to show off who I am to my audience.

So that word tattoo helped you see all of that and improve your self-image?

Of course. It has inspired me to be who I want to be.

Do you think words tattooed on a person in general can help improve his or her self-image?

Most definitely. Since they’re permanently there on your body, those words will never leave you. They’ll help you when you need them. It’s like they’re a little reminder of who you are. The best part is that you’re going to have that reminder for the rest of your life. You’re never going to forget about it.

Ryan Trufant

Anaol Fetale            

How to Print Words onto a T-Shirt (For Kids)

One exciting moment that you will have in your lifetime is learning how to write. You first learn how to count to ten, and then you learn your ABC’s. Soon enough, you’re learning how to spell small words such as “dog” or “cat.”  The words slowly get bigger, and learn the trick of how to spell “Mississippi.” You have all of your spelling tests hanging on the refrigerator, and you get a high-five from Dad while Mom kisses your cheek with pride. You’re so happy that you want to show the whole world that you can write, and what better way to show that than printing on your clothing.

What you will need is a plain T-shirt of any color you choose, but remember the lighter color, the better. Find colorful fabric markers. Don’t forget to have a tablecloth. The last thing you want is getting in trouble for getting marker all over your nice kitchen table. Since you’re not old enough to drive, your mom or dad will need to drive you to the nearest craft store.

Step 1. Place the tablecloth on top of the kitchen table. Make sure it covers the whole table and doesn’t move easily.

Step 2. Place your t-shirt down and push those wrinkles away. A smooth t-shirt will work best.

Step 3. Pick out the words you want to put on the t-shirt. It can be anything you want.

Step 4. If you’re a righty, use your left hand to hold down the t-shirt. If you’re a lefty, use your right hand to hold down the t-shirt.

Step 5. With your writing hand, pick up the fabric marker and begin writing the words slowly and try to print the best you ever have done.

Step 6. Let it dry for about 5 minutes.

Step 7. Put the t-shirt on and be proud of your words on that t-shirt. 

One Action Can Start A Chain Reaction

People always use the expression “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” But that’s not true. Words matter. They have the power to make our days great or completely destroy our moods. I have had many experiences with this word battle. Not only did I win the word battle, but I won the word war.

Being a fifteen-year-old girl is harder than it seems. Girls are constantly trying to fit it and compare themselves to others. For me, going to school every day was a struggle. During the end of my sophomore year, I was bullied verbally. Girls who thought they were better used words to tear me down.  They called me “fat”, “ugly”, “useless”, etc. It was their goal to make me feel horrible. For a while, they won. My life revolved around negativity and I didn’t try to stop it. But one morning I watched the sun rise. I then thought of the word “beautiful.” I went over to the mirror and repeated the same word. I then started a personal ritual. I would look in the mirror and say a positive adjective about myself: “Courageous, funny, confident, caring, loveable.” The words just flowed out. The positive outweighed the negative. The ritual showed me that all words may have power but encouraging words were much more powerful. This helped me overcome my bullies and I won this word war with pride.

My experience has helped me to never forget that words have an unstoppable power. Words can hurt, but they have the ability to heal and help. Only humans have language that captures emotion. With the world that we have today, positive words have the ability to make a huge impact and can turn anyone’s day around. Positive and encouraging words create great energy that everyone should have.

            Right now in the year 2013, America is going through tremendous struggles. With problems like a damaging economy to bullying in high school, people are looking for positive words and energy right around the corner. Positive words mean more to us now that ever. Foundation for a Better Life’s goal is to send positive energy and vibes to the American population by using simple words that easily captivate the human eye. The creators send motivational vibes through billboards and TV commercials that rely on a few words and a straightforward image to lift people up instead of knock them down.

            Philip Anshutz founded the Foundation for a Better Life in the year 2000 when he threw down 700 million dollars to start up the “Pass It On” campaign. The non-profit organization is all about promoting positive values. The employees of the Foundation for a Better Life want their viewers to pass on these amazing values to others. From the start, they wanted to simply make a difference in the world. Their messages are communicated through billboards, television, radio, and Internet. The first campaign launch was on November 9, 2001, a couple months after the September 11^th attacks. More than 10 million dollars was spent on the first campaign and 10,000 billboards, posters, and signs were put up all around the world. The “Pass It On” campaign became an instant hit and 12 years later the campaign still lives on and has now 55 billboard values and a total of 92 inspirational values. The Foundation for a Better Life has been recognized and received many awards and recognitions from non-profit organizations such as Cine, Creativity Awards, Gabriel, and Parents’ Choice Award. The organization has been growing with their advertisements and website, but the most effective form of advertisement has been their billboards placed on highways in America and Times Square in New York City.

            Even though the physical design of the billboards is simple, the meaning behind it is the opposite. On the left side, the designers put a picture of someone who is a role model. It is usually someone who is famous. But the campaign doesn’t use celebrities just because they’re famous. The campaign wants to make people see that the celebrities go through daily struggles just like everyone else. Not only do the celebrities take on those challenges, they work through them and conquer them. On the right of the billboard is a very short caption that describes an achievement that particular celebrity has accomplished.

Underneath the caption is a single word or a few words that sum the whole billboard up. The word is outlined in red and stands out. That word is the most important part of the billboard because it brings everything together. That single word or few words has the ability to make the viewers have a more positive outlook. The best part about it all is that it makes the viewer think. The whole idea of adding a word in each billboard is to help the viewers realize all of the good they have in them and what they can accomplish. It emphasizes just how important words are and how they help us really believe in ourselves. On the Foundation’s website, The Outdoor America Association stated that the “Pass It On” campaign billboards are “...the most successful public service campaign in the history of outdoor advertising.”

One billboard that has 38,871 views is a picture of Mia Hamm in mid scream, with a caption to the right saying, “Kicked her way to the top.” The value that was chosen for that billboard was “passion.” That value really does bring the whole billboard together. With Mia Hamm’s facial expression and the caption, it is clear to see that passion is the word that fits best. The website quotes Hamm’s words. “Her wise words to live by are simple… ‘If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion.’”

What is fabulous about the Foundation for a Better Life is that they have resources that their viewers and supporters can use to get more involved with the “Pass It On” campaign. Their website offers people to write their own inspirational stories and create their own billboards with personal values that are important to them.

Values must be actionable, freely given, and internal. Values are morals that inspire behavior. What must be on every viewer’s mind when they see the billboards is why do they choose those certain values? Well, I wondered that very question, too. I took the liberty of emailing the Foundation, and I received a very thorough response from a Foundation employee who would like to remain anonymous. “Our goal is to select values we feel most individuals will find inspiring and relevant. These values reflect the input of a large and diverse group of people. The Foundation does not have any political or religious agenda, so that people from all backgrounds might feel uplifted by these messages of encouragement and hope. Our objective is simply to promote a wide spectrum of values by providing an uplifting message around each one.” The anonymous Foundation employee’s overall point is that they want the values to relate to their viewers in a really positive way. Also, when reading this e-mail, the words that stood out were “inspiring,” “relevant,” “encouragement,” and “hope.” Those four words are what the Foundation wants to pass on to their supporters and viewers.

The main message of this campaign really struck home for me. As a girl who has conquered her demons and is beginning a new journey in life, I sometimes forget what my main values are. The Foundation for a Better Life’s “Pass It On” campaign helped remind me about the positive aspects about myself. In fact, I did a little exercise that really helped me discover my core values that I will have for the rest of my lifetime. I went to the Foundation for a Better Life’s website and looked through the list of values they chose. I chose twenty-one values that stood out. Next, I narrowed down the list to seven. After, I chose one that really described me. That value happened to be “believe.” I wasn’t surprised. If you believe in yourself, you have confidence, and if you have confidence, then you can overcome your personal challenges. When I was in front of my mirror listing all of my good qualities, it was because I started to believe in myself. I believed that I could do anything that I want to do.

The campaign clearly has great energy and has impacted many people, not just me. People have posted YouTube videos about their own take about the “Pass It On” campaign. Others posted videos sharing the idea of the campaign and made their own commercials. The videos are either very professional or not professional at all. But the message of the videos is the same, which is to pass on all of the positive values to everyone.

Whether through radio, Internet, television, or billboards, the Foundation for a Better Life has made their mission the world’s mission. The “Pass It On” campaign has clearly been very influential and is continuing to spread. The campaign’s positivity shines through and has already helped me in a very short time. I hope more people will seize the opportunity to become more involved with the Foundation for a Better Life because the world could always needs more optimism.