Eloise awarded #WorldChanger
One of my favorite annual events is the UNITY AWARDS, in which we honor and recognize individuals and groups at the local and national level, who have made a difference in the lives of others.
This year I was thrilled to present our first ever #WorldChanger award to Eloise, a recent high school graduate.
In my speech, I shared background of how we met, which was at the first Unity Awards in 2015. She attended with her sister Audrey. In our conversation I invited her to visit our organization, which she accepted. It was at that meeting in which Eloise shared some of her own story about being bullied. It was very clear that she was on a journey of self-reflection, growth and redefining herself. I was incredibly impressed with her wisdom, insight and empathy. We talked about ways for her to get involved, which is when she shared that she loved to write. From that conversation, we developed a teen advice column which Eloise titled, "Ask Jamie."
Now fast forward to two years later as we stood on stage together. During that time, Eloise generously shared her time and talents by responding to hundreds of questions from young people around the world.
Each response was
unique, thoughtful, articulate, helpful
written just for the individual reaching out to her
shared with so much heart and kindness
crafted with so much empathy
signed with LOVE, JAMIE
Eloise touched hundreds of young people with her individual advice and thousands with those who visited the site to read her thoughtful wisdom.
Nelson Mandela was quoted saying: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." And yes, Eloise has educated, but she has given so much more than simple information. She channeled her own personal experience through her writers voice, then added in her compassion, introspection, and intuitively tops it off with poise, grace and elegance. She has inspired, she gave hope, and she changed the world and those in it.
It was an honor to bestow on Eloise the award of #WorldChanger!
Read advice from Eloise at ASK JAMIE on PACER's Teens Against Bullying website.
