Jasmine (left) and Jennifer
Bringing awareness to bullying
Everyone knows the stereotype. If you’re Asian, you must be good at math. But not all Asians are the same. In junior high, I got the lowest class mark on a math test, and when my peers found out, they would bug me about what I got every time we got a math test back. It pressures you to fit into a mould of their expectations of you. It shows that sometimes bullying is not one just one person, but an environment where bullying can happen.
Pink Shirt Day at MacEwan brings awareness of bullying to students and it sends out a message that MacEwan is an inclusive space in which everyone is accepted, and that it’s safe for us to express ourselves.
Pink Shirt Day also ties into the importance of mental health, which is what MacEwan is advocating for with Changing Minds. Bullying in school, on campus or in the workplace does play a role in students' mental health. Students might think that if they seek help that they can’t handle it or that they’re just weak — but really, addressing their concerns is so brave. Seeking help to figure out your problems or being there for another person makes you stronger. Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it because bullying is a mental health issue.
— Jennifer and Jasmine, 4th year Bachelor of Science students and members of the Change Making Initiative
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