High school drama is getting ridiculous. People spread rumors like wildfire and by senior year, it becomes incredibly overwhelming. No one likes being talked about in a negative way, but it happens every day.

Why is it so hard for people to keep to themselves and mind their own business? Rumors these days can be so destructive to another student, and for some it becomes too hard to handle.

Bullying leads to suicide in many cases for young teens. A simple rumor can seem like the end of the world for many kids in high school for the simple reason that kids spend more than half their lifetime in a school setting.

In a small town like Monument, many of us have been surrounded by the same people since elementary school. Kids like to talk, and as soon as something small happens, rumors start growing and leading to a chain of less than fortunate events.

Feeling alone and helpless in an instance of bullying is terrifying. Feeling as though there is no one to talk to can push a person over the edge and tear them apart. How beautiful would it be if we could live in a world where people were lifting each other up rather than tearing each other down?

In a similar way, spreading a rumor or making fun of someone is equally as cruel as being bullied. Going along with a hurtful joke is just as bad as being the one to tell it.

Take this as a challenge … in the remainder of your day, make an effort to smile at someone you don’t know, or ask someone how they’re doing. If you are able to care about others and show compassion to them, then they will do the same for you one day.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Gandhi