Lecture Notes: From Bullying Victim to Nonprofit CEO

Introduction

• Speaker shares a personal story of transformation from a victim of bullying to the CEO of a nonprofit.
• Key message: One act of kindness can change the world.

Personal Story

• Background: Started at a new prestigious all-girls private school in seventh grade with high expectations.
  • Hoped to make friends, enjoy classes, and graduate successfully.
• Initial Experience: Gradually realized a lack of belonging and faced minor bullying incidents (e.g., exclusion from groups).
• Escalation: Became a victim of severe bullying, marked by physical attacks and isolation.
  • Examples include being attacked, cyberbullied, and ostracized.
• Critical Incident: A serious threat with scissors in a science class was ignored by peers and faculty.

Turning Point

• Despite administration's inaction, the speaker sought a new school.
• Acceptance to a new school marked a turning point.
• Positive Change: Immediate support and kindness from new peers.

Realization and Response

• Reflects on why personal escape was possible while others continue to suffer.
• Determined to speak out against bullying to prevent future incidents.
• Began practicing acts of kindness, like inviting people to join during lunch.

Creation of the "Sit With Us" App

• Developed an app to promote school inclusion by connecting lonely students with welcoming groups.
• App Details:
  • Users create profiles and can become "Sit With Us Ambassadors" pledging to host open lunches.
  • Provides a list of available tables for students seeking company.
• Impact: Over 100,000 users across seven countries within a year.

Broader Message

• Encourages everyone to make a difference in their communities.
• Call to Action:
  • Small actions, like inviting someone to sit with you, can have significant impacts.
  • Each person has the potential to change the world with kindness.

Conclusion

• Challenge to the audience: What will you do next to make a difference?
• Emphasizes the importance of being perceptive and kind in everyday interactions.

Final Thought

• Highlight: Simple acts of kindness can save lives and foster inclusion.