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