Hello my fellow do-gooders! 

My name is Capri Abdo, and I am Miss Mississippi 2009-2010.  Now, I do not say this in the sense of "Oh wow, look at me!" - not in the least bit; I write you with this information to encourage you to pursue your dreams no matter what!  Stay tuned :)

You see, I realize a lot of you have joined U Hatin? University because you were the product of someone's fun.  I'm willing to say that at some point in your life you may have even shed a few tears due to the awful harassment from a bully.  You may have even nearly convinced yourself that you are worthless and will not get anywhere in life because "no one believes in you".

My friends, I write you to tell you that that though process HAS GOT TO GO!

You were created with a plan and a purpose that only you can fulfill!  How cool is that!?

When others make fun of you- TAKE IT HAS A COMPLIMENT!

What?? Surely you are thinking I have lost my mind, but on the contrary, I have not.

When others make fun of you it is because they feel threatened by a certain "it" factor that you have.  That's right!  You've got "it!" 

What is "it"? 

Each of us were created differently.  Each of us will be bullied differently. 

You see, if someone who is making poor grades comes to the realization that you are making successful grades they may become jealous because you are "getting ahead of them in life". You may be dubbed as a nerd, geek, freak, socially awkward, book worm, loser, etc.

They are upset because you have "it" ("it" in this case being intelligence).  I am NOT saying the person making fun of you does not have intelligence because that would simply be an ugly thing to say; I am; however, saying that they are upset because the subject you are studying comes with ease for you and they have to work at it a little harder.

Just because someone calls you something does NOT make it true!

I could shout at the top of my lungs while jumping up and down frantically shaking my fists, nearly popping a blood vessel in my neck, at a beautiful Ferarri recently purchased off the market that it is an OLD PIECE OF CHEAPLY MADE POO THAT WILL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING!

The fact of the matter is, perhaps I am screaming this because I am jealous that I do not own a car so luxurious.  I could shake my fists and scream until my face turns blue, but this car is clearly not cheaply made or will it ever be.  (For kicks and giggles, I don't scream at inanimate objects or animate ones for that matter)

The point in me saying this is for you to realize that just because someone dubs you something does not make it true. 

Why do you think they call it "making fun?"  Because the bully is having NO fun therefore he or she feels as though he or she has to "create" it by tearing you down.

It would be so miserable to choose and feel as though your only option is for you to have to bring others down to raise yourself up.

Our bullies are the ones who really need our help the most. 

How can we minimize hate the quickest? 

By going to the source!

Reach out to your enemies.

Scripture lets us know that we should love our neighbor as our self.

Yes, even an enemy can be your neighbor.

Encourage those making fun of others to stop.  How can you do this?

You can do this by taking an interest in this person.  Realize the pain behind their eyes that they are allowing to drive them to make them weak by preying on others instead of using their pain to make them stronger.

Reach out also to those being made fun of.

If you are struggling today with being bullied or with bullying someone else (we've all done it at some point unfortunately), realize that the future starts now.

You can achieve your dreams.  No matter what people tell you, you do have a plan and a purpose; do not let anyone steal that from you.  Do not give them your dreams! 

The best way to encourage those around you is to witness by example.  Wear a contagious smile...Compliment people...Shrug it off when someone makes fun of you... and don't take it to heart because it is not true!

I was called ugly for years in school.  I even had rocks thrown at me a few times for no reason! 

If I would have believed this, I would not have ever ran for Miss Mississippi. 

I now have a soon-to-be non-profit organization called Creativity for a Cure that allows people like you and me to use our creative talents to manifest the dreams of children with life threatening and/or life-long illnesses! 

U Hatin? University has been amazing to the Creativity for a Cure children.

You truly will feel at home here at U Hatin? University, and I would like to invite you to be a part of Creativity for a Cure as well!

Don't let anyone steal your dreams. 

I believe in you!

Remember, we can change this world together!

Holler at me if I can do anything for you!

All the blessings,

Capri Abdo

Miss MS 2009-2010

and

Creativity for a Cure

Founder