From Bully to Advocate: A Transformation Story

I transferred to a new school expecting the worst. Everyone warned me about Jake,

the guy who made kids' lives miserable. First day, he cornered me by the lockers.

I braced myself. But instead of threats, he whispered, can you teach me to read?

Turns out, Jake's aggression was a shield. He was 16 and could barely read past

a third grade level. His parents never noticed, teachers passed him along,

and he lashed out because he felt stupid. Every lunch period for months,

we met in the library. I helped him sound out words while he helped me with math.

Slowly, his anger melted. Other kids noticed the change. By spring,