Bullying Victim Finds Confidence Through Volunteerism
Bullying Victim Finds Confidence Through Volunteerism
Fourteen-year-old Lucas Smith clearly remembers one of the first times he was bullied. He recalls being just four or five years old when some kids picked on him, taking off his glasses and throwing them in a sandpit.
“It was not a fun day,” said Lucas. “I felt really sad after that, and I had to call my parents to get more glasses because I can’t really see that well without glasses.”
Lucas felt down after being bullied, but he soon found an outlet to channel his emotions into something positive. At age 6, he began volunteering. By getting involved with his community, he was able to change how he felt about himself and ultimately, how others would come to see him.
He began by helping at the Lakeshore Humane Society, fostering animals until they were able to be adopted into a permanent home. (Although, sometimes the Smith home ended up being that permanent home for Lucas’ furry friends.)
Lucas’ mother, Wendy, said her son – who is autistic – showed an affinity for animals with special needs, including a cat with asthma and a puppy with a heart condition.
“He shut down because of the bullying,” Wendy said. “Then he started connecting with the animals a lot and helping in the community. Knowing that he was doing good in the community and he was connected to something, kept motivating him more.”
