Why I wanted to start this program

When I was in the fifth grade, my family moved from West Virginia to Virginia. Going to a new school was especially difficult because I had a lot of friends at my previous school. I felt like an outcast each day as I walked through the school. Some kids would pick on me because I came from WV or just because I was different. Life was hard for me, and I began to slip into deep depression. I sat by myself at lunch, did not talk to anyone, and tried not to be noticed so I would not give them a chance to pick on me.

Then, one day the school counselor asked to speak with me. She said she had noticed how quiet I had been and wanted to know what was wrong. With tears in my eyes, I told her how life was hard, how I didn't fit in anywhere, and how the kids were picking on me. I left her office thankful that at least one person in the school cared about how I felt. To this day, I thank God for that counselor.

After I left that day, she called five boys into her office. She told the boys about me, and asked if they would befriend me and stand up for me if I was being bullied. The next day, I remember sitting at lunch by myself eating my PB&J when these five boys came and sat down beside me. At first I was embarrassed because I realized the counselor had set this up, but then I didn't care because these boys were genuinely nice to me. They befriended me and helped me realize that I was a fun person. The way I describe it to others is they cracked open the door to my happiness and I kicked it open the rest of the way. From that time on, my focus has been on positive things and to help motivate others to do the same. I use my childhood experiences and life lessons to be a role model to others.

As a Police officer and Prevention Resource Officer in Liberty, my motto is this: “Every great success story has a troubled past. You’re just a success story waiting to happen, and today can be the start of your story.”

Helping others and standing up for them is not only my passion but what I believe I was created to do; however, I can't do it alone.  That's where YOU come in.

SHARE YOUR STORY. Encourage others. Maybe your story will help others to Take A Stand.