First of all, THANK YOU so much, all of you who took the time to comment on my post about Olivia, and her sixth-grade challenges. They meant so much to me and to her, and really, truly helped to put this whole thing in perspective. (Jared and I both realized that sixth and seventh grade were our hardest years, too. Man. It's rough.)
But, we found out this morning that she didn't win her election. The principal said that it was very close between Olivia and the girl who won (yes, the girl who has been so unkind). Perhaps if Olivia's campaign posters had not disappeared when she was home sick from school for two days last week (the two days directly before the election), it would have all come out differently. Perhaps not. We'll never know...
She'll be fine. We love her so, and she knows it. She'll actually have a much easier and less stressful year now, so there's that...
But you guys? You rock. Thanks so much for your good thought and wishes. That was the silver lining of this whole crazy learning experience.
Thank you!
Here's the thing about sixth graders—half of them don't even like themselves, much less anyone else. So from what I can tell from your blog, Olivia is ahead of the game. The meanest girls are the most insecure girls. And no matter how bad things are, they won't stay that way. Your Olivia will soar, she will absolutely soar when the time is right.
Olivia: Be kind to everyone, even the meanies. Eventually, they'll be coming to you for help. Pretty is as pretty does, sweet girl.
Posted by: amy | August 25, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I didn't see your original post until just now. But oh my can I relate!! 6th and 7th grade was probably THE worst, most socially awkward time of my whole school career, and that's saying a lot considering I was never popular or had many friends or... I digress.
Anyway- I am SO proud of her for having the courage to put herself out there, to raise her hand in class and run for a class office even...that takes guts and she's got them. :-)
Posted by: paula | August 25, 2009 at 12:29 PM
I'm a momma named Olivia and feel kinship to all those little ones who share my name (especially Olivia the Pig--I love those stories), so, "Go Olivia!" It takes so much courage to lose well. If you can learn that lesson, you have way more knowledge to take forward than even if you win!
Posted by: Olivia | August 26, 2009 at 11:30 AM