Bullying is an unfortunate reality for millions of people around the world, and school children are particularly vulnerable to it. According to national statistics, 28% of pupils in grades six to 12 experience it.
And the consequences of bullying can be devastating. In the most extreme cases, people have taken their lives, and even after its end, it can have long-lasting psychological effects, something which 15-year-old Azrael Robinson knows all too well. The teen is a former bullying victim who has been struggling recently.
But his trauma didn't go unnoticed by his classmates who decided to surprise him with a heartfelt gift:The touching incident took place at LaVergne High School in La Vergne, Tennessee. Azrael had been transferred to this school after being bullied at his previous one.
In the clip, the 15-year-old is presented heartfelt gifts which were obtained by his generous classmates who wanted to show him how loved he now is.
"We got you some stuff because of how generous you are and everything you do," classmate Kerolos Girgis told him in the video.
After opening his first gift, the 15-year-old immediately broke down in tears.
"This is nothing Azie," Kerolos told him. "All the stuff you've done for everyone in the class, you deserve way more than this."
"Thank you," Azrael replied. "I really appreciate it."
The clip was posted to Facebook Stephanie Myers, whose younger sister had sent her the clip, the Daily Mail reports and has been viewed more than a million times.
In an interview with Today, Azrael's teacher said of the incident that the 15-year-old has garnered a reputation at the school for going out of his way to help others; whether it's with their schoolwork or their general wellbeing.
"They just wanted to give to him to make him feel better about himself," the teacher said. "[Azrael] was so grateful and so full of love. He just appreciated it so much."
A testament to the fact that small acts of kindness can have monumental effects on people's lives!
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