(Miss Raider is an anonymous advice column with answers provided by multiple expert sources including counselors, administrators and teachers)

Hi Rider Raiders. I am Miss Raider. I’m a silent character who walks the halls, but no one knows my identity. I closely examine the way students look at others and the way they treat each other, and I’m here to lend a helping hand, whether it’ll be personal problems, fashion advice, or anything else. Nothing’s too big or too small. Besides, I’m Miss Raider, and I can do anything I set my mind to.

Our first topic was brought up by the counselors and everyone who is helping with Bully Free week. It really inspired me to dig deep and do my part in helping out and spreading the word.

Here’s a helpful tip from the counselors. Bullying is a serious problem that happens every day. Many of us deal with problems on Facebook or Twitter that can travel over to a school environment. Most people have been bullied at least once in their lives whether it was in
public or on the internet. It’s always good to talk to someone about events like this that are happening in your life. Counselors are here for that reason. They all have been in your situation, or they have known someone who has. They are here to help you, not to judge you. That’s what they do everyday with students who come in just for someone to talk to. We all have friends, yes, but how many of them would sit down and listen to every single one of your problems that happened during the day, THEN would give you GOOD advice on what to do? That’s rare, but the counselors do this all the time.

If you’re ever too scared to go and talk to someone about being bullied, DON’T BE! The best thing you can do is just that. Then ignore the bullies. All they want is the satisfaction of knowing they got under your skin and made you feel like you’re not good enough for something. All my Rider Raiders ARE good enough. We take chances every day, and by you taking these chances you’re proving to the bullies that you are the bigger person.

In the end, bullying is just letting the bullies know your insecurities and letting them take advantage of that. It’s not fair, but you will always be able to get through whatever happens in your life, as long as you take it one step at a time. Keep your head up, brush off your clothes, and keep on trying till you succeed.

(Miss Raider will soon have a question box outside of the counselors office, if any student would like to ask for advice. So be watching for my columns to tell you when you will be able to ask questions.)

Now my darlings, I must go. I’m signing off with lots of love for my Raiders.

-Miss Raider