A smile can break the ice and deter bullying, an author and motivational speaker told students at a Nanaimo elementary school this week.
Michael Bortolotto was at Departure Bay Elementary School on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the day before Pink Shirt Day, to talk about his experiences and teach students about inclusion. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy early in his life and while he was excited for his first day of school, found that children didn’t accept him because he was different.
Now married with children, Bortolotto said a person’s demeanour can dictate how people react.
“A smile opens up all kinds of possibilities to build friendships,” Bortolotto told the News Bulletin. “I have a family and I can personally tell you my family is a direct byproduct of a smile.”
Bortolotto authored the book The Truth about Apples and Pineapples to aid in the anti-bullying effort. It’s based an experience with his grandfather when he was younger. His grandfather said he had a surprise for him in a bag, while Bortolotto was hopeful for a toy car, the surprise was a piece of fruit, something that disappointed the boy the time. However, it was meant to be a teaching tool.
“He taught me that pineapples are a lot like people, they come in different sizes … it’s not just about what you say, but how you are inside,” said Bortolotto.”
Pink Shirt Day has its origins in Nova Scotia, when a pair of Grade 12 students, Travis Price and David Shepherd, bought and handed out shirts after hearing about a younger student who had been bullied for wearing a pink polo. It is now observed across the country on the last Wednesday in February.
