Meet Ashley (14) from Texas - Summer 2025 Friend Mail Recipient 💝

jennifer2156
May 31
3 min read

Updated: Jun 9

Talented 8th Grader says "no one listened" or took action at school during years of traumatic physical, verbal and cyber bullying.

Ashley's mom says her 8th Grade daughter is “hilarious - a funny kid who could do stand-up comedy!” In fact, Ashley amazes her mom with her many talents. She is musically-gifted, playing by ear on piano, trumpet and guitar - and she is very artistic! A favorite pastime is to paint on canvas. Ashley also loves doing make-up and skincare. She is obsessed with collecting "pop-its" and a huge fan of Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch." The 14-year-old enjoys a "strong relationship with God" according to her mom who says her daughter loves reading her Bible and going to church events.

Ashley also loves animals and takes care of many pets at home - a dog, cat and a bird - but her favorite? ...a bearded dragon named BRUNO for whom she is 100% responsible! Ashley is leaning towards becoming a Marine Biologist when she grows up, but she's also considering going into the U.S. Air Force. She likes the idea of a structured routine and looks up to people who serve the country - in fact, hoping to become the first in her family.

Ashley hopes to become a marine biologist🐬 or join the Air Force!🛩️

Unfortunately for this caring, multi-talented and fun 8th Grader, her mom reports school has not provided the routine and safety that all children deserve. Ashley first experienced bullying in 1st Grade; the family moved to a new district to get away from it, but without longterm success. By 5th Grade, bullying escalated again. In 8th Grade, beautiful Ashley endured name-calling, death threats and humiliation every day - targeting her appearance and the extra help she receives for learning disabilities. One of the hardest moments was when Ashley shared a private picture of herself to a boy she thought was a close friend, but instead, he immediately shared it with everyone else. The picture went viral among classmates and is still used to bully her today. On the school bus and in class, Ashley has been physically hit.

Years of verbal, physical and cyber bullying became too much to bear this past school year. Ashley is working courageously to live and thrive through the trauma. Hospitalization provided therapy and new coping skills. Her parents have pulled her out of school for her own protection, and she is finishing 8th Grade on homebound instruction.

Making matters worse, according to Ashley, was that "nobody was listening" or taking action at school about the bullying - and she says some teachers even accused her of lying.