This piece was written by the author for a contest run by Sailing Leaf in January, 2018.

“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”

                                                                                         ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

It was one of those uneventful days you have at school. The same old routine and the same old classes. Until the student council was pulled out to discuss a 'major problem'. The student council consisted of twelve members of which I was proudly a part of. We all were called in the councillors’ office. The councillors were the teachers who were there to talk to you about anything and everything. Be it personal or related to school. We closely worked with them over the issues faced by students. I was curious as to what this meeting would be about. "So, children" Miss Tess began, " Today I met a boy in sixth grade who told me something very interesting. He said his younger brother had been late for the morning bus for the last two weeks. He found that odd since his brother was pretty punctual. So, he decided to talk to him. Turned out that a ninth grader was verbally bullying the 10-year-old. That to, for no apparent reason." Everybody collectively gasped. I found my own eyes widening. "Well, even though the bully was punished, we can't let this happen again. The problem is -how?" she added. Everybody was silent for few long minutes. Miss Tess sighed, "I can see you need time. Meet me at lunch tomorrow and we will discuss this. We all nodded and left in a state of half shock and half determination. 

The next day I had set my mind on one idea. I wasn't so sure about it, so I decided to share it with my friend- Natalie who was also in the council.  As soon as I dropped my bag on the chair I made a beeline for her desk. She was arranging some books when I reached. She snapped up and greeted me with a smile which I mirrored. "Hey Nats, I need some feedback on my idea for the bullying problem. Be brutally honest, okay?" I asked. She firmly nodded and motioned for me to continue. "So, I thought giving a voice to the victim will really help. Most of them won't come forward because of the fear of the bully but what if we could make them heard but be anonymous at the same time?" Her eyes were sparkling with curiosity as she told me to go on. "Let's place bully boxes around the school in which a person can tell their story through a note and remain unnamed." Suddenly the spark died. There was a long pause before she flatly said, “Well, I don't think this would actually work, you know." I felt like she just punched me in the gut. I softly reminded myself that I was the one who told her to be honest. Also, she was my friend and she would only say this if she meant it. "Oh.... okay, never mind. Maybe I would just think of something else. Thanks anyway!" I said as I sadly walked away.

The lessons passed and soon it was time for lunch. Which meant the meeting was next and I was still idea-less. Well maybe I could just listen to all the ideas. I took my food from the counters and headed towards the table we had decided on. Just like that the meeting began. Miss Tess began, "I'm so glad to see everyone on time. Now let’s start with the strategies." Silence once again met her. "Well then I will have to with the idea Natalie had presented just before lunch." Everybody's eyes shifted to Natalie. She was smiling clearly proud of herself but under that I saw fear. It was oddly directed at me. Before I could comprehend Miss Tess asked Natalie to share her idea. Natalie's fear was evident now and she stuttered while saying, “Well why-why don't we keep bully boxes. They can b-be used by the victims of bullying to voice their the-thoughts anonymously." My eyes narrowed as the feeling of being punched in the gut returned. She just stared at me expecting me to react. But even if owning up for my work was the right thing to do, I remained quiet and watched everyone clap for her. Smiling I congratulated her as warmly as the others.

I avoided her for the rest of the day. Till we filled into the buses and she caught up to me breathing heavily. "Yashvarya, yashvarya stop!", she called. I calmly stopped and turned to face her and said, " Yes, Natalie. How can I help you?" She just stared at me and then finally asked, "Why didn’t you tell them it was your idea, not mine?" She sounded almost angry. Slightly puzzled I replied," I couldn't get myself to humiliate you as you did to me by rejecting my idea. It wasn't right, and it still isn't. Even if done for revenge." I don't know what I expected but certainly not for her to break down at once. Quietly sobbing apologies and scolding herself for being a bad friend. That was the day I learned that being right can win an argument but being kind can win hearts.

Yashvarya Goyal, Grade 7, DPS, Faridabad  

“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”

                                                                                         ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder