T4T
Teens 4 Tolerance
Welcome to Teens 4 Tolerance
We're committed to raising awareness to the growing epidemic of bullying in high schools everywhere.
"The girl you just called fat?
She's overdosing on diet pills.
The boy you just tripped?
He gets abused enough at home.
The cheerleader you just called stupid?
She struggles with dyslexia.
The boy you just made fun of for crying?
His mother is dying."
Hello! My name is Olivia Clair O'Rourke and I am the creator and founder of Teens 4 Tolerance. I am sophomore in high school. I enjoy competing in pageants as well as singing, acting, spending time with my family, and cheerleading. Many girls who do pageants have a specific cause or platform...mine is bullying.
No, I did not just randomly pick a current issue to address in hopes that I can somehow make a difference. I have been dealing with bullying since 6th grade. I have even transferred schools; in hopes things will get better. And I have learned that things DO get better, and I want to share this message with as many people as I can.
I remember dumb teasing on the playground, but I can vividly remember my first time being cyber-bullied. I was 12 years old and created a Formspring, a site where people can ask anonymous questions; also a website I strongly encourage NO ONE to sign up for.
Well, I logged on and saw some weird stuff. Some questions I got were asking my favorite color, my crush, etc. But I scrolled down to the bottom and read this:
"You are fat and super gross. You should get an eating disorder because it will make your body look better. We would all be happier if you were dead."
I remember this tearing me apart. I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and really hurt. It is the most awful feeling in the world. That was the first major event.
I used to cry to my mom and ask “why me? Why is it me that everyone loves to hate?” She would just sit me down and explain that people need someone to hate and I put myself in situations and activities that are very subjective. But this answer wasn’t good enough for me. I needed a reason. Unfortunately, there isn’t one. We can all agree to disagree but there is absolutely no rational reason for hate. The last time I had to change schools was two months ago…and I decided right then and there that I was going to make a difference.
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Teens 4 Tolerance ® , Portland, OR
