Meet Kendra, Be Strong’s October 2024 National Student of the Month!
Join us in celebrating Kendra, a kind and thoughtful 12-year-old leader from Jackson, Mississippi. She became a Be Strong Student Representative in 2021, wanting to leverage her voice and talents to make her community a safer, happier place, and help her peers to be happy with who they are.
As a toddler, Kendra was diagnosed with a rare and complex neurological disorder, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions that can cause often painful repetitive movements. While she’s doing well now, her fellow students noticed.
“I’ve experienced bullying and I don’t like seeing other kids getting bullied,” she shared. “At school, I like to stand up for others – it’s wrong to treat other people badly. I want to do more to prevent bullying and I want to make a big difference in the world to make it a better place for all.”
But Kendra possesses wisdom and heart that can be difficult to live out while being disrespected. She strives to be kind and loving, even to her peers when they’re bullying others. “They’re hurting, just like the victims,” she explained. “We are all human and we should love one another and respect each other’s beliefs, feelings, and treat each other equally.”
As a Be Strong Student Rep for the last three years, Kendra has grown more aware that even though she’s only one person, she can make a big impact on people’s lives through her actions – big and small. As a highly social and creative person, she loves to uplift others through her short stories, art, and presence.
“I like to be kind and encouraging – I sing to others to cheer them up – it’s really needed,” Kendra shared.
Kendra sees everyone around her. When she notices a classmate feeling down, she makes it a priority to go to them and offer positive encouragement. She explained, “I want to see people happy by showing love and showing them that I care. I want kids to know that they are special and to not allow anyone to tell them any different.”
On being a Be Strong Student Rep, Kendra proudly shared, “My favorite part is learning and being part of a community where I get to meet others who are also trying to make a difference in the world. It has helped me discover new ways to help people and given me the tools and skills to handle bullying.”
To learn more about Be Strong’s free programs, email getstarted@bestrong.org. To nominate a student to lead change with Be Strong’s innovative student volunteer program, visit nominate.bestrong.global today.
