Alexis Szemplinski - Essay

​Alexis Szemplinski – New York
Photography by Sandy Szemplinski

Hi, my name is Alexis Szemplinski and I am a member of Inspiring Teens issue 68.  If I were to sit down and have a conversation with my peers, what I would want to talk to them about is the importance of kindness. From a very early age, I was taught to help those who cannot help themselves and to stand up for people who need it the most.  As kids we are surrounded by the pressures of school, our peers, social media, and just simply navigating the many challenges associated with growing up.  I think there is definitely room for improvement in what I see and witness in high school as it relates to how students treat each other.  A child going to school should be in a safe environment for learning and flourishing their mind; opening them up to the unlimited possibilities that exist for them, but unfortunately for some it is a breeding ground for unwanted and harsh treatment by their peers.  Kindness starts at home however.  Kids are watching and learning from their families how to treat each other.  Sadly, bullying doesn't only occur in schools, but also can happen when social media is used for this purpose. With devices at nearly everyone's disposal at any hour of the day, kids can be targeted, making it difficult to shift their focus to things that they enjoy and that make them happy.  Social media when used negatively creates a platform for unnecessary exposure to bullying.  Wouldn't it be great to someday see courses provided in schools that teach and encourage basic human decency and how we treat each other.  We don't lift ourselves up by tearing others down.  We are not defined by what others think of us.  We are all valuable and have the potential to do great things in this lifetime.  It's often said that people who are mean and bully others have more of a problem with themselves than the actual target of their anger and hatred.  Most of us can probably say that they too have been on the receiving end of unwanted or hurtful behavior.  My advice to anyone who is experiencing bullying of any kind is to please tell someone.  You can tell a parent, sibling, or you can talk to a teacher you trust.  Not speaking up is not the answer because when you do this you are making a choice to protect the bullies and allowing things to continue.  I was very lucky in this regard as I knew I had teachers that were paying close attention to their students.  I am personally grateful for them noticing when I needed them the most.  I want kids to remember you will never be sorry for being kind. You will never regret random acts of kindness.  Kindness has a ripple effect.  When we are kind to others it leaves an impact. A person will never forget when someone made them feel good or helped them with something they were struggling with.  When thinking about this they are more likely to want to carry out the same kind of kindness that they were shown to someone else.  Learning to pay attention to others is a step in the right direction towards creating a more empathetic environment.  Small actions can make a huge difference.  The person sitting alone at the lunch table, sit with them.  You may find that you have more in common with them than you realized.  The kid crying in the bathroom, talk to them.  You may just be lending them the listening ear they so badly needed.  The boy or girl threatening to hurt themselves, take them seriously and tell a trusted adult.  Your actions could potentially save a life.  The kids you hear being mean to someone, stop them by letting them know that you don't condone their behavior.  Treat others the way we want to be treated.  Lead by example, create your own path, and never follow the crowd.  If I can instill just one thought in kids, it is to know that you will never be sorry for being kind and that kindness always wins.