Let’s talk about why Safety Tip Tuesday is so meaningful to me!
B.R.A.V.E. is the national initiative of
@misshighschoolamericaorg this acronym stands for Building Respect And Values for Everyone.
I have personally faced bullying throughout my life, but it reached its peak when I was in high school being bullied by not only some of my classmates but also teammates. I felt helpless and sad that people who I had respect for and wanted friendship with chose to be mean and disrespectful towards myself and others.
I let the bullying overtake much of my life. I remember crying to my mom after practice and feeling incredibly small as I would walk the hallways at school. It ruined my confidence and I truly felt like I was stuck.
This all changed however, when I returned to my roots in martial arts. At the time I was a fourth degree black belt in Taekwondo, but it had been a while since I had stepped on the mats as an athlete rather than a coach. As I trained I felt my confidence return. Every punch and kick made me remember my power.
With my confidence restored, I slowly but surely gathered the bravery to talk to trusted adults like my coaches and teachers to help combat the bullying. And I eventually was able to confront the mean girls face to face to finally bring an end to it once and for all.
This year as Miss Ohio Collegiate America, my mission is to inspire those who may be facing bullying in school or in extracurriculars just as I was to find their confidence.
As I said, my confidence came back after stepping back on the mats but this is no coincidence, the five tenets of martial arts are, Respect, Humility, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. Through mastering these skills, not only does one become a strong martial artist, but also a stronger person with a stronger will and of course, a stronger sense of confidence. Essentially it is the best way to feel empowered and Brave.
(CONTINUED IN COMMENTS!!)
