Every morning, six-year-old Calvin eagerly boarded the school bus, clutching his favorite toy dinosaur. However, his enthusiasm waned over time, replaced by stomachaches and silent rides. His once-vibrant drawings became mere scribbles or blank pages.
Concerned, his mother accompanied him to the bus one morning and overheard a cruel comment from a fellow passenger. Calvin pulled his hat low, wiping away a tear. The bus remained stationary. Miss Carmen, the bus driver, reached out her hand. Calvin took it, seeking comfort.
That afternoon, Miss Carmen addressed the parents, stating, “Some of your kids are hurting others. It’s not teasing—it’s bullying. And we fix it. Today.” Following this, Calvin opened up about his experiences. The school intervened, apologies were made, and Calvin was invited to sit in the front—Miss Carmen’s “VIP section.”
Weeks later, Calvin’s drawings returned, depicting a rocket bus, a smiling boy, and a driver. He extended kindness to a nervous new student, asking, “Wanna sit with me?”
This story highlights the profound impact of attentive adults in addressing bullying and fostering a supportive environment for children.