Study Smart:Stand Out at School

Tolerance: Making School Fun for Everyone

At my school, we have lots of goals we try to reach. We talk a lot about respecting each other and being different. We have a Peacemaker's Club, a Christian Youth Alliance Club, a Black and Hispanic and Asian students club. I think we do a good job at our school at respecting everyone's different cultures.

I know kids who would never, ever say something racist. But the same kids think it's okay to bash, trash and harrass the "fattys" in the hall.

I am one of those fattys. I bet you know someone like me at your school. I am bigger than most of my friends. But I am healthy. I can eat a lot less than my thin friends and still be fat. It's something in my genes. Like me, lots of fat kids can't help being fat.

This school year, for "What's Hot", here's something new. Let Tolerance be Hot. Accept people. Support kids who aren't like you. Be open-minded. Go make a friend with a kid in a wheelchair. Say hi to the one with braces. Let smart be cool. You might meet the one friend who'll be true to the end for life.

And while you're at it, let your fat friends walk into a gym without being teased or punched or hit. Find other things to laugh about with other kids, not at them. No fat jokes. No chasing, or nicknaming or blaming. See me, not my weight. Everyone wants to be unique. I'm unique too. All you have to do is look at my eyes and my smile to know that I'm someone worthwhile to know too. --Good luck and be cool.

Submitted to "What's Hot" by Sandra.p, 12 and Anna.p, her mom.