Being different can be difficult, especially when you’re a student heading off to school each day. If anyone knows what it’s like to be different, it’s Lady Gaga. She celebrates individuality and encourages others to do the same by being an inspiration both through music and actions.
In today’s school environment, expressing individuality and originality can be a challenge. So just in-time for the new school year, Office Depot has announced a partnership with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, to inspiring students to be kinder this year, help put an end to bullying in schools and spread a message of kindness.
The partnership will provide students, parents, and teachers with insights and limited-edition products that support the Born This Way Foundation’s mission of encouraging the youth of today to grow up feeling confident about their individuality.
To help spread this message, Office Depot and the Born This Way Foundation have created several special, limited-edition products for Back-To-School this year. These products include: empowerment gift cards (with a face value of $20), “Kindness Sticks” Post-It® Notes, limited-edition Sharpie® pens , and unique “Bravery Bracelets,” each of which feature one of six messages from Lady Gaga: “Be Brave,” “Be Amazing,” “Be Yourself,” “Be Kind,” “Be Accepting,” and “Be Involved,” in addition to the Born This Way Foundation’s logo.
Anonymous says
A friend dealing with a hard divorce, restarting her life..she said goo friends gave her the courage ma
Serenap95 says
One of my friends was in an abusive relationship. One night she had enough and managed to get out of their house and filed for divorce.
Anonymous says
I know people who have accepted their children’s
gay lifestyle in spite of their previously held
beliefs.
Amy Z says
A few years back, I escaped an abusive relationship and managed to get a full time position and apartment – just for me. I have never felt so free!
rabbitycat says
I stood up to an abuser and left
June M. says
My 18 year old niece has a close friend who is gay. He has sometimes had some difficulties but for the most part people treat him fairly well. And he has lots of close friends that he can always count on.
llinda29 says
My volunteer work with DV has open my eyes to all the trama. I love to see a women after a while who makes it. When they thank me for helping them through it I feel proud. I am proud they can standup for themselves,
Anonymous says
2 years ago i have a really hard time a sufer depresion and my daughter being bulley at school was really hard for me and my family
Ellen C. says
A friend of mine was raped while in a hospital. She;s been able to handle her day to day tasks as best as she can. I think she’s been very brave.
sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com
notartar says
encourage children everyday to be who they are at work
suealong says
I think that it takes alot of confidence and self worth to survive the harsh judgements by your peers, and teachers. I see my granddaughter who will be 8 in a couple of months struggling with it already. I would like to guide her down the road of empowerment, so she will be strong enough to be proud of who she is.
Tracey says
I finally left the drug addict that I was married to for 34 years. He was never physically abusive but verbally and emotionally abusive. I ask myself now why did I wait so long.
traymona[at]aol.com
cristal78 says
I have left 2 abusive relationships and now I dont even put up with a threat for violence.Love doesnt hurt.
Kelly N. says
Share a “Bravery Story” of your own or that of a close friend or relative.
have none..my family is yella
Renski17 says
As a bi-racial child, growing up amongst adults whispering about you and your family was a challenge. There are just some people who think they “know” everything ` what’s right and wrong; good and bad. Truth is, they don’t know. They are frightened, frustrated people, who, ironically, don’t trust themselves and look to charlatains (posing as leaders) to tell them what to do. Only YOU know what’s best for you. Listen and trust yourself = take back your power and your voice. Women, especially, need to trust their “voices”.
CindyWindy2003 says
my sister just her her first baby with no drugs all natural, i think that’s pretty brave and tough of her. carawling(at)hotmail(dot)com
bison61 says
my sister was in an awful marriage-she started drinking. after a few years she had enough, moved out and started going to AA
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Shannon Hamner says
My son was being bullied at school and there was never any teachers around when it happened. He stood up to his bully finally. Of course he got in trouble too, but I will never be mad at my son for defending himself.
Wild N Mild $$$ says
my son was being bullied and beat up daily. I got him a punching bag and gave him some boxing lessons. he hasn’t been beat up since.
Jennifer Rote
wildnmild4u at yahoo dot com
Daniella Young says
My sister left an abusive relationship the minute that man hit her son.
Tabathia says
A friend of mine was in a relationship that wasn’t healthy and found the strength and courage to leave after giving birth to her first child
Helen Keeler says
I encouraged a friend to state AA.
Carolyn G says
My friend Susan is the bravest person I know. She is fighting breast cancer.
Denise M says
i work at a cancer center and everyday i am see patients and their families living tough lives with smiles on their faces
bb says
I have a friend whose 12 year old daughter has recently undergone a bone marrow transplant. She is my hero! Never imagined what she has to go thru as she recovers.
bb says
The special need kids I teach everyday are my heroes.
Michelle Macaluso says
My mom stayed with my dad for 17 years and he cheated on her and verbally abused her. She finally got up the courage to leave even though she had no money or job. That was the bravest thing she ever did and I admire her so much for it!
[email protected]
ellie says
I have a gay nephew and a gay niece. Both came out to their families when they were in their teens. They both live their lives on their own terms. And our family has supported them all the way.
Renea Greathouse says
My oldest niece that lives with me (17 yrs old) has struggled with MS over half her life, Lost her mom to breast cancer 5 years ago, Her dad has a head injury and cannot care for himself any longer. I watch my niece growing into a young lady who doesn’t dwell on what she can’t do or who is not in her life anymore. She holds her head high, makes friends every where she goes and if she has a seizure at school or an after school activity, she doesn’t get upset and cry about it. Her friends and teachers all know she has MS. and even though her teachers have given us more grief about her absences from school, the kids in her school are just awesome about understanding what it must be like for her and being true friends.
I would say when I grow up I want to be just like her, but seeings how I just turned 41…..
I do admire my niece, though. She is definitely a brave girl.
pbcups @ gmx . com
wigget says
facing the death of her own mother
Billie says
My Mom raised us on her own and I think that is brave.
Betty Wojnar says
I grew up loving all people, Their struggles are my struggles. I am very empathetic to others it hurts me when people are cruel. I will forever stand up for the trodden on.
Cujo hmb says
I stand up against racist and sexist jokes told in my office.
michelle r says
I think starting a new school or job requires bravery.. so I bet everyone has a story. Even just going to a job interview could require bravery.
sweetsue says
My niece is in high school and last year formed a group called the lunch bunch. They invite anybody eating alone to sit at their table. I think this was brave of her because she is so shy:)
smchester at gmail dot com
Anonymous says
my friend overcoming leukemia [email protected] jen gersch
dario moniz says
A friend of the family has fought cancer twice and each time he comes back stronger and more dedicated than before I wish I had half the drive he has
[email protected]
rachel b. says
my mother left my father 20+ years ago. he was physically and emotionally abusive. once she received her inheritance she took all 5 kids and left nyc
Wendy says
My dad died of cancer and my mom, although devastated, has continued with her life very bravely!
hiwendyhi at yahoo dot com
ky2here says
I’m the oldest son from a traditional southern baptist family. I came out of the closet in the early 80s and I’m proud of myself for that.
playswithclay says
My mother led an active life despite having a devastating disease that eventually took her life.
Savingwith Saveone says
My bravery story is when my mom and I were homeless and had to stay on the street and stay in shelters but we stayed braved and made it out of that situation.
[email protected]
Debbie C says
My dad left a tiny town to join the Army and fight a war in a strange country half the world away. Millions of men and now women have done the same, yes, but still, I think he and they are very brave. I am grateful
Carole Ingram says
I was bullied terribly as a child..for years in school ! The thought of suicide crossed my mind at a very young age! I entered a pageant in 1994 by peer pressure, I didn’t want to enter but they weren’t going to have pageant if they couldn’t have more then 5 girls to enter (I was the fifth!). I was so afraid of making a fool of myself that all summer, I spent hours and hours working on my talent and building my confidence. This helped me tremendously, even though it was peer pressure that got me in, I’m thankful for this experience, it helped me be more confident about myself.
creslanwilliams says
My story is a little different my youngest son was born with autism our other children were born without any problems. My wife and I had to be “Brave” and learn how to help him
Karen F says
I escaped an abusive relationship, the man is now serving a 40 yr sentence for abuse of others. I was lucky to get out, if only I had more courage I would have reported him for things he did to me, but I never did, maybe if I had it could have saved others from being hurt.
Anonymous says
My friend leaving abusive relationship after many years.
[email protected]
Emmy Coffee says
My young, teenage brother just had to deal with Steven Johnson Syndrome. He was so strong and tough and polite and kind throughout this hospital stay. I was so proud of him.
Jennifer Hiles says
Not sure my comment went thru, google hiccuped as i published but My mom, when my dad left, she went and got 3 jobs and went back to school to be a nurse. Now she is a hospital supervisor
Vera says
Survived cancer
lilbabypug says
we moved from a very progressive, large city to a backwoods town of 25000 people when my son was 15. he has always been openly gay, but being out in rural Ohio is not easy. he never wavered, never hid who he was and ended up after a long struggle being one of the most popular kids in school. he is 20 now and we still live in that same small town. everyone knows him, and we can’t leave the house without someone stopping us to talk to him because he has so many friends. he’s my hero
Teresa H. says
My sister lost her daughter at the age of 3 and somehow picked herself up and carried on. She now has a 3 year old son whom she loves dearly.
channallocks says
my sister helping raise her grandson do to drug problems with parents
Anonymous says
My 18 year old niece was #Brave enough to leave her mom’s house while 6 months pregnant to start a better abuse free life. I am proud of her. She has since had the baby, got off welfare, has her own apartment, got a job and has an amazing 1 year old son. The only person from the family that did not give up on her was me. I have made enemies because of it but I feel she deserved to be free from the verbal abuse. She is in a better place.
If chosen I would give these to her to get supplies for her house to help her organize her life.
Thank you for listening.
Shannon
creslanwilliams says
My son was born with autism we had to be brave for him and learn how to help him develop and I must say it was hard but he is a great kid and doing well
creslanwilliams says
My son was born with autism and we had to be brave and learn how to help him develop. It was very hard but we did it he is a great kid!
Annette Doggett says
My mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when I was only 14 and she was 44. She had surgery, endured radiation and chemotherapy all while continuing to work to keep her insurance. She battled this horrible disease for 5 years and finally lost her life to Cancer. She was a good person and a loving mother, she fought a courageous battle. She would be proud of her 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren if she were alive today. It has been 33 years since we lost her to Cancer and we miss her everyday.
MMcCrea says
I try to always be there for my family. When my best friend, and cousin, was getting picked on for her beliefs, I made sure to stand up for her. If everyone was the same, it would be a boring, super dull world. We need to embrace differences!
melmorgan4 says
I walked away from a relationship that made me miserable even though others thought I was off my rocker for doing so.
Karen says
My mom came out as a lesbian when my sister and I were in highschool.
President(dot)peaches(at)hotmail(dot)com
Jenny says
A really good friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was amazing to see how she could be so strong..
Kate says
My friend just called out a person who date raped her..that requires a lot of bravery.
[email protected]
Erica C. says
My mom hiked the Appalachian trail on her own.
ericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com
Lori says
My sister is a Lt. in the NYPD and works in the subways. In summer, that is BRAVE! 🙂
Kendra Warstler says
I was involved in a heavily abusive marriage for 9 years. It was very hard for me to find the strength to get out. He physically and emotionally wounded me beyond repair, or so i thought. Day by day i get stronger and better because of the abuse he put on me. When my two babies were born i finally found the strength(long story short there) to get out and get away from him. I feel liberated and free. I have since started writing a book of the horrible nightmare he put me through for ten years of my life and i join every domestic violence cause i can find. Thank you for the opportunity.
8aff85b2-e286-11e1-9069-000bcdcb2996 says
I would love to win this to share with my brother.He was diagnosed with leukemia and I was the donor for his bone marrow transplant. He will remain in the hospital for a few months and it remains touch and go. He has five children
katybaby says
When I was 17 I was drugged at a party and raped by a friend’s older brother. I was so ashamed, hurt, and terrified I kept to myself for 4 years. It ate me up inside and I let it ruin my life for 4 years. I finally broke down and told my Mom. I immediately felt like a massive weight was lifted off my shoulders. I remember when I was 14 and 15 watching Oprah with my Mom when she did a segment about rape and teenage girls. I used to get angry and didn’t understand why none of them ever came forward to get help. After living the nightmare myself, I understood more what the girls were going through and why they didn’t come forward. I don’t condone holding onto something like that, I wish I had developed the courage right away to get help. Today, it has made me the strong person I am!
katyjv1988(@)yahoo(dot)com
Jammie Morey says
I have bad anxiety so whenever I would hear noises outside my daughter would tell me she would protect us if someone was out there.
brich2222 says
Our son was getting picked on during his bus ride to school and coming home crying. He confronted the bully and the kid finally stopped picking on him
brich22 at earthlink dot net
April says
My mother survived being born with club feet, losing her parents early and having to be mom to the rest. Then she survived her first abusive marriage, the second adulterous marriage, the death of her third marriage, multiple surgeries on her neck, hips and ankle, one son in and out of prison and being broke. She is the bravest person I know.
I don’t see an entry form so here is my email:
april dot vrugtman at gmail dot com
wendy says
Would have to be one of my best friends who kicked breast cancer a few years ago!
itsrob says
i survived the west warwick, RI night club fire by keeping my train of thought, not panicking, and doing everything i could to get out.
Ashley Morrissey says
I am a survivor of past abuse from my ex boyfriend. I won’t go too much into details but there were three major incidents that happened and finally after the 3rd time I had the courage to walk away. That was nearly 2 1/2 years ago. 6 months later I met the man of my dreams and now 2 years later we are engaged and expecting our first child (a baby boy) this month!
I couldn’t be happier. No man will ever hurt me again.
-Ashley Marie Morrissey
[email protected]
babytrees says
my girls and I….I decided to leave my husband and my girls both showed bravery…the oldest by going to another state for school and a fresh start. I gave my youngest 3 options, stay in the same town we had been, move to one state to be near my sister or move across country for a true fresh start. She chose the last one and although it took awhile I have seen my daughters flourish in ways that make me cry with joy. A reminder that we ALL made the right decision.
theresa _ heppner at yahoo dot com
Carolyn Daley says
My friend Joey was in a tragic car accident a few years ago because a stupid teenager was driving under the influence and ran a red light. My friend lost his wonderful fiance who was pronounced dead at the scene. Joey was in a coma for nearly a month, his dad had a broken collar bone, and he no longer had the love of his life by his side. Today he is a marine. I cannot imagine the strength it takes to move on with life after losing your fiance and being able to fight for our country.
Kelly King says
Mine would be when I ended a bad relationship 2 weeks after I found out I was pregnant and decided that I could do it myself. And I did.
Deborah Hogue says
My only bravery story is also my worst memory. When I was 17, I got my first job. No one else was working in our family of six. My mother was sick so my dad had to stay home and care for her. I worked and gave my parents all the money I made so that there would be food in the house and so we could keep a roof over my head. A couple of years later, my mom had me leave home because I wasn’t able to find a job. After leaving home, I got caught up in an abusive relationship. Even though the guy threatened to harm my family, I finally managed to get free of his abuse, and I haven’t looked back since. In the past seven years, I fought for my life so that I would be here to raise my children and I was able to beat the odds and watch my children turn into responsible adults and for that, I am thankful.
Jennifer Reed says
I am parenting a child with emotional issues and it is a continual struggle but i am in it for the long haul.
Tammy Mauk says
My daughter’s friend, just came out of the closet. My daughter and the rest of their friends, have no problems with it. I think that is brave!
Tammy Mauk says
oops forgot my email, tammymaukatyahoodotcom
Tanya Bartlett says
I was in an abusive relationship and left him
Re says
despite having a mental disability and job hunting for several months, my friend’s son goes out everyday to find a job with the hopes of getting a yes.
susansmoaks says
the other day we saw our cats looking at something in the yard. upon further investigation we discovered it was a rattle snake. my dad was brave enough to kill the rattle snake with a hoe.
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
melmorgan4 says
Ending an unhealthy long-term relationship was my bravest moment.
kathy pease says
I can only think of a time when my son was sledding at school with friends and a kid that always gets picked on was kicked in the shin by another kid. he was crying and my son felt very bad and pulled him to his house on the sled.The boy later called my house to tell me what a nice kid I had and what had happened.I had never been so proud of him 🙂
Kellie Conklin says
I watch a family dealing with many custody issues for their children (who have special needs) but continue to fight for the children while trying to stabilize the kids’ lives as much as possible. I think their commitment is brave and powerful! Thanks!
Harold D says
My mother taking in neglected kids to help the community.
[email protected]
Jennifer Peaslee says
I always thought my husband was brave for coming out to Indiana with me. At the time we were just dating – regular dating for three months and then long distance for about 5 months when I moved to Indiana to attend school. After 5 months of long-distance dating he decided to move out to Indiana. He had never really been away from home, and all his family and friends lived in Maine – over 18 hours away by car. He came out to Indiana without a vehicle or a job or anything, without a friend in the state beyond me. Eight years later, we’ve been married for five years (anniversary in October), he has a great job, and he just bought our first ever home! I really think his bravery paid off 🙂
Trisha McKee says
My nephew is gay. He is such a unique soul, and it shows on the outside. He wears makeup (expertly) and extensions. He went through so much torture in school- not bullying but torture! I admire him that he has the courage to be who he truly is, to be so true to himself despite the hardships he faces every day. And his parents are so supportive and loving. I admire the bravery they all exhibit.
tridingermckee at gmail dot com
Melanie Montgomery says
I’ve been homeless and lived in my car, I think thats pretty brave.
cassandra says
My best friend was gay and came out to me which I thought was very brave!
fb: rab pom
kelley roach says
My dog died when i was a kid and it tore me apart
[email protected]
Gianna says
My husband saves lives all the time.
Clair says
When i quit my job a year ago to take of my grandmother with dementia was truely a bravery moment
Michael says
I helped a friend of mine come out to our conservative, christian high school, even though he knew all the trouble her would have. He was younger than me, but braver than most people I have met.
Michelle Spayde says
I find it very impressive when I see a young lady go out of her way to be kind and help the children that are different or not liked. I know such a young lady, and bravery in children amazes me; especially when there’s so much peer pressure to be cruel.
kathy pease says
WOOOHOOO!! Thank you so very much 🙂