Torn Souls
Page 17
“Throughout my ordeal, I thought about other kids. At first it was just the kids at my school. A lot of them walked the halls with fear in their eyes. No one should have to go to school with fear. Kids should be able to get an education without someone bullying them. Everyone is entitled to the same opportunity. A person’s differences, such as the color of someone’s skin or their religion should not matter. Neither should someone’s sexuality or if they have a disability. We need to respect each other and embrace the things that make us unique, instead of fearing that we will be tortured because of them.”
“It breaks my heart to know that kids like me still fear going to school. I read recently that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people. Bully victims are between two to three times more likely to consider suicide, than non-victims. I’m sure that no parent wants their child to be added to that statistic.”
“This law that the president will put into effect is not just about me. It’s about every other kid that has been or will be bullied in their lifetime. It’s about parents, teachers, counselors, principals, churches, friends and family coming together for one common goal. Putting an end to bullying, and to knowing your child is going to be safe at school while they are trying to get an education. Our children are this nation’s future, and without a proper education, what kind of future can they have? It is our job to make sure that nothing, especially fear of being bullied, will ever stand in their way. Thank you.”
I couldn’t believe I got through it. Everyone in the room stood up and cheered while chanting, “No more bullying.” The president rose from his chair and walked over to me. He leaned in and said, “Wait here, don’t go anywhere.”
“Okay everyone, please settle down and take your seat. I have one more announcement and then I’ll be adding the final signature for the bill to officially become a law.”
“I’d like to say that I’m extremely humbled to know Ms. Julia Stone. Because of her, other children will know that their voice has been heard.”
The president extended his hand out toward the desk, so I walked on over. A secret serviceman pulled out his chair as he sat. Looking up at me he smiled then he picked up the pen and began to sign the bill. When he was done, he pushed his chair back to get up. While everyone was clapping and taking pictures, the president said one last thing before we wrapped up. “Today, I say with great honor, that this paper that I am holding in my hand is now officially, Julia’s Law.”
In that exact moment, I knew my life had changed. This day would forever define who I am, and who I want to be someday. It also changed my mind about my future career choice. I no longer wanted to be a freelance columnist like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City. As good as that sounds, I would prefer a position where I could actually make a difference, just as I did today. I think that maybe being the first female President of the United States would be the perfect choice for me.
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