AITAH for telling my class I had candy after I finished presenting?
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When Kindness Meets Indifference: A High School Dilemma
In a quest for extra credit, a 16-year-old girl goes above and beyond by preparing adorable candy bags for her history presentation, only to be met with apathy from her classmates. As she navigates the challenge of engaging a distracted audience, she faces a tough decision when it comes time to reward participation. Her choice to give candy only to those who paid attention sparks outrage among her peers, leaving her to question whether she was justified or simply petty. This relatable scenario highlights the struggle of seeking validation in a world where distractions often take precedence over genuine effort.
Family Drama Over Candy and Presentation
A 16-year-old girl faced unexpected family drama after a history presentation that turned into a conflict resolution challenge. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
- Extra Credit Opportunity: The teacher offered extra credit for students who brought candy to distribute during a presentation. The girl planned to engage 25 classmates with 25 questions, hoping to reward correct answers with candy.
- Preparation Efforts: The night before the presentation, she dedicated time to prepare. She filled little bags with sour candies, labeling them with a cheerful “Good job!” featuring Hello Kitty. She aimed to create a fun and rewarding experience for her classmates.
- Presentation Day: On the day of the presentation, she brought the candies in a non-transparent bag to maintain an element of surprise. However, she quickly noticed that most of her classmates were distracted, focusing on their phones rather than her presentation.
- Engagement Struggles: Despite her efforts to engage the class, only three students were attentive. She hesitated to confront her peers about their phone usage, fearing it would come off as rude and knowing that the teacher was unlikely to intervene.
- Final Reveal: At the end of her presentation, she mentioned the candy, prompting a sudden interest from her classmates. However, she felt frustrated and decided to stick to her principles, stating, “You chose your phones over the candy,” and only rewarded the three attentive students.
- Aftermath: Two days later, the girl found herself facing backlash from her classmates, who were upset about not receiving candy. They continued to ask her for treats, leading her to question whether her decision was petty.
This situation highlights the complexities of family drama and peer relationships, especially in a school setting. The girl’s intention to create a positive experience was overshadowed by the lack of engagement from her classmates, leading to wedding tension in her social circle. The conflict resolution aspect comes into play as she navigates the fallout from her decision, pondering whether she should have acted differently.
In conclusion, the girl is left wondering if her response was justified or if she should have approached the situation with more leniency. This story serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in group dynamics and the importance of communication in resolving conflicts.
This is Original story from Reddit
Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)
Story
So, I16f had a presentation for history, and I really wanted extra credit. The teacher told us that if we brought candy to give out for answering questions correctly, we could get extra credit. I planned for 25 questions so that 25 people could have a chance to get candy.
The night before, I stayed up until 11 PM, putting sour candies in little bags and taping them with a cute “Good job!” label featuring Hello Kitty. I thought it looked adorable and that everyone would love it.
The next day, I brought the candies in a non-transparent bag to keep it a surprise. As I started presenting, I noticed almost everyone was on their phones. Only three people were paying attention.
I didn’t want to yell at them to put their phones away because it felt rude, and the teacher doesn’t really like me, so I knew she wouldn’t step in. At the very end of my presentation, I said, “Oh yeah, I’m done presenting. By the way, I had candy for people who answered questions.”
Suddenly, everyone looked up and said, “Oh, you had candy?” They started asking me for some, but I told them, “You chose your phones over the candy.” Then, I gave candy to the three people who weren’t on their phones.
Now it’s been two days, and everyone is still mad at me and keeps asking for candy. Was that super petty of me? What do you think?
View the Original Reddit Post Here
Summary of Reddit Comments
The top Reddit comments indicate a strong consensus that the original poster (OP) is not at fault (NTA) for their actions during the presentation. Many users express outrage at the teacher’s lack of support and the bullying behavior of the classmates, emphasizing that OP’s response was justified and a necessary lesson for the disruptive students. Overall, the comments reflect a belief that standing up against bullying and poor teaching is commendable.
Verdict: NTA
Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict
In navigating the aftermath of the presentation and the ensuing conflict, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and a focus on communication. Here are practical steps for both the girl (OP) and her classmates to help resolve the tension:
For the Girl (OP)
- Reflect on Your Feelings: Take some time to process your emotions regarding the situation. Acknowledge your frustration but also consider the perspectives of your classmates.
- Open a Dialogue: Consider reaching out to your classmates to discuss what happened. A simple message or conversation can help clear the air. You might say, “I noticed that many of you seemed distracted during my presentation, and I felt disappointed. Can we talk about it?”
- Express Your Intentions: Share your original goal of creating a fun and engaging experience. Let them know that you wanted to reward those who participated and that their distraction affected the outcome.
- Be Open to Feedback: Listen to their responses. They may have insights into why they were distracted, and understanding their perspective can foster empathy.
- Consider a Compromise: If appropriate, think about offering a small treat to everyone as a gesture of goodwill, perhaps during a future class. This can help mend relationships and show that you value their participation.
For the Classmates
- Reflect on Your Behavior: Take a moment to consider how your actions during the presentation may have affected OP. Recognize that being distracted can impact not just your learning but also the efforts of your peers.
- Apologize if Necessary: If you feel that your behavior was disrespectful, consider apologizing to OP. A simple acknowledgment can go a long way in repairing relationships.
- Engage in Future Presentations: Make a conscious effort to be more engaged in future presentations. This not only benefits your learning but also shows respect for your classmates’ hard work.
- Support Each Other: Encourage a culture of support in the classroom. If you notice someone struggling to engage the class, consider helping them by participating actively.
Conclusion
Conflict resolution often requires understanding and compromise from both sides. By fostering open communication and empathy, both OP and her classmates can work towards rebuilding their relationships and creating a more supportive classroom environment. Remember, every experience is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Join the Discussion
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What do you think? Would you have handled this differently?
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