114: Joshua Apparicio: Shameless Kid of Be Strong to Stop Bullying

Today’s episode is an extremely special one. We have our first Shameless Kid joining the show! Joshua Apparicio is a 12-year-old seventh grader who has partnered with Be Strong, an anti-bullying organization. Joshua works with Be Strong to share his story of being bullied regularly for 6 years.

In addition to working with Be Strong to help other kids impacted by bullying, Joshua is a published poet (he was first published at age 7) and he recently took his SATs – yes, the ones you’re supposed to take when you’re 16. You could say Joshua has a very bright future…

I recently saw Joshua do an interview with my friend Scott Colby (from our Say It With Gratitude SMA episode) and I was blown away. Joshua is wise and insightful well beyond his years. He is sweet and compassionate and brilliant. I knew I had to have him join us in the SMA.

I am so excited to have such a dynamic young gentleman on our show as our first Shameless Kid. I am also extremely grateful to Joshua and his mother, Shirmin, who were so enthusiastic and thoughtful about this interview.

I was fortunate enough to be able to talk to Joshua’s mom, Shirmin, after we stopped recording, and I was so touched by her grace and strength, qualities she has clearly passed down to her son.

Joshua, wherever you go in life you will make a positive difference. You already are.

Please listen in to hear Joshua share:

What it was like for Joshua to be bullied on a regular basis for 6 years
How Joshua and his mom were finally able to put an end to the bullying
How his Mayor became his mentor when his school district failed to protect him
How his mom coached him every night to help his mindset around his situation
His advice to other kids who are being bullied
The surprisingly kind and compassionate thoughts he has about kids who demonstrate bullying behaviors
Why being a victim of bullying actually positively impacted his life

Links Mentioned:

Be Strong: BeStrong.global

SMA Episode 102: Scott Colby – Say It With Gratitude