Young Girl Gifts Clothes And Shoes To Bullied Classmate: 'I Was Trying So Hard Not To Cry'

Feb 21, 2019

Selfless actions are ones where people see others in need of help and don't even have to think about making the right decision. Instead, it just comes to them naturally. When a classmate of hers was being bullied, this girl knew that she had to do something. The difference she made in the life of her peer is likely immeasurable.

Haley Olson is a 7th grader at Atkinson Middle School in Phoenix, Ariz. With six other siblings, Haley's family doesn't always have the resources to be able to purchase the most fashionable clothes. This has unfortunately made Haley an outcast among peers, who have taunted her for what she wears. 

The trauma of the bullying got to be so intense that Haley told her parents about her desire to be homeschooled in order to get away from the bullies. However, Haley's mistreatment was not going unnoticed. A classmate of hers, Mariah Andrew, took action to help bring love and compassion into Haley's life.

After learning from Haley about her clothes sizes, Mariah assembled an assortment of clothes and shoes for Haley to have, as well as a backpack. Haley was immediately touched and beyond excited. The compassion of Mariah was unlike anything she had ever experienced.

Stories like this can remind us of how much love and kindness still exists in the world, particularly among children. Even as adults, we can learn from the example of Mariah by showing compassion towards those who have been mistreated. Being a hero isn't about saving the world. It's about standing up against wrongdoing and doing all we can to bring brightness into someone's life.

Bullying with children has long been taken for granted. People believe that it's just part of growing up, but that doesn't mean it should be condoned. If we condition children for cruelty, it's going to be a challenge for them to ever get out of that mindset. We need to hold everyone to higher standards. Mariah and Haley show that kindness can be just as impactful as hostility. When we treat others well, we show just how much better the world can be. There's never a wrong reason to do something out of the kindness of your heart.

What do you think of Mariah's and Haley's story? Let us know if you've ever experienced a similar act of kindness and be sure to show this to any family members or friends who love hearing inspirational stories!