Bridge to Terabithia Through New Eyes

Hello guys! I wanted to share something that I think will help us see the whole picture in relation to bullying. Recently, I watched "Bridge to Terabithia" for what seems like the tenth time. Despite this fact, I saw the movie with new eyes. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, here is a synopsis of it. I found that the scenes when Scott Hoger kept taunting Jess with "Beep....beep...loser alert" and some girls making fun of Leslie's essay hit home for me because growing up kids did similar things to me.

One of the things I love about this movie is that it shows Janice Avery, a bully at the beginning, change when she realizes what it's like to be on the otherside. I strongly believe that if we stop and think carefully about how other people feel when we mock them, we will change our behavior. I've yet to see this happen with those who bullied me, but regardless of that I've made a vow to never be like them.

As you watch this film, you'll see the changes in the main characters...well...except for Scott. Scott still has some growing up to do. The more you get to know someone, the more you see how human they are, fragile and want to feel love and acceptance, just like you do. I'm crying already just thinking about the scene where Mrs. Myers tells Jess her story. At the beginning, the kids all call her "Monster Myers." No one has a clue as to the pain she's hiding.

We don't know the story about the girl who's always quiet or the boy who'd rather play by himself than kickball with other kids. Bridge to Terabithia made me cry, but also made me smile because even though this is a fiction story, we can learn from it.

Here is the trailer, if you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it!

--Ruth Jackson