Creating a kinder community

Everywhere you go, you see people sitting alone. Some of these people must be happy sitting alone, but I have to think that some aren’t. This has always bothered me. When I was in elementary school, I would see kids sitting by themselves at lunch, and it bothered me. I would say to my friends, “Y’all, let’s go sit over there so that (insert a name) has someone to sit with.”

Now, seven years later, I don’t physically go sit with the kids who sit alone at lunch. That feels silly and intrusive in high school. But I always look at those kids, smile and wonder whether or not they are happy sitting alone. Last year, I started thinking about those kids sitting alone, kids who might not have the easiest time in high school. I decided that it was time for my school to become No Place for Hate.

I spoke with my friends about the idea, and they all loved it and sort of teased me about it saying things like, “That’s so you.” I sat down and contacted the Anti-Defamation League, and with just a little effort and help from friends, we have now organized a school club that anyone can join. The club has meetings throughout the year and puts together activities that create an environment to meet new people or learn about someone else’s culture. Our goal is that by bringing No Place for Hate to our high school, we will create awareness about being respectful and tolerant, about those of us who might be having a hard time and about those of us sitting alone.

I hope that No Place for Hate will continue at my school after I leave, and that it can be the start of a kinder community. Maybe now when I walk by people who are sitting alone, it won’t be completely out of place to sit with them.

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