On April 5, Gaynor welcomed Aija Mayrock to campus to speak to Silver Cluster students during a special assembly. Mayrock is a 21-year-old author and activist who speaks extensively about bullying. She has been on The View, Good Morning America, and has spoken to more than 3 million students, spreading her message. Mayrock experienced bullying and cyber bullying for more than six years before ultimately turning her memories into a powerful message.
Before writing her bestselling book, A Survival Guide to Bullying – which is now published in 13 countries – Mayrock was looking for a way to express her thoughts before getting into the thick of writing. She found a therapeutic way to do this was with a “roem” or rap poem. She shared an 8-minute long “roem” with the Middle School students before speaking for 30 minutes and then wrapping up her presentation with a 10 minute Q&A session.
Mayrock’s presentation was warmly received by students and faculty alike, who went onto to discuss it for the remainder of the day.
Gaynor’s community director, Sue Sortino said, “Mayrock is now a member of the Gaynor community and part of our family. She touched the kids’ hearts and spoke in a way that was so respectful and empathetic. All of us at Gaynor wish her continued luck in all that she does.”
Aija Mayrock’s interview on The View: