Each October I am invited to speak at BYU for elementary school student council leaders. I look forward to this experience all year long. Elementary students from all over the state come to this conference to be instructed on leadership and teamwork. My presentation is on Positive Communication and the Dangers of Labeling. I share some personal stories, relate some points to The Incredibles, and make comparisons to Anne Frank, Stargirl and The Wizard of Oz. This conference lasts three days and I am able to share this presentation 12 different times (it can get exhausting, but is so rewarding).
One of my points is about the dangers in labeling students by what they look like or their interests (something I know I did when I was younger, but am happy to say I have learned from and changed). I share some quotes from Stargirl and show some pictures of kids that can be easily labeled (nerd, jock, emo, etc.) It's so easy to judge someone on how they look or their actions in class.
Fortunately there are kids with enough courage that they refuse to be labeled (like Stargirl--if you haven't read the book, READ IT!). Unfortunately, there are far too many kids who believe the labels; they believe what others say about them. That's why we have student council. That's why we choose these kids to help others and wave a flag to offer help and friendship.
The article below came up on KSL today. SO SO GREAT! I love this father and what he did for his girl. It brought tears to my eyes.
READ THE ARTICLE HERE
