Sleeping Beauty confided in me this Monday that a boy at her new school was coming on too strongly to her, which made her uncomfortable. But her form teachers were male, so she was reluctant to seek help. I told her that it was not as difficult as she imagined and typed a sentence that she could use.  

Of course, knowing her, I didn’t expect her to overcome the inertia so easily. But I couldn’t exactly let this slide because it could escalate into harassment and cause her to withdraw emotionally from school. So I texted her on Tuesday morning and suggested that she tell her form teacher about speaking to a female counsellor.  

We exchanged some pleasantries that afternoon but nothing happened.  

This afternoon, she told me that she had spoken to her form teacher and sent me a screenshot of his reply. The consummate professional in me knew that I should use positive praise and tell her exactly what I was proud of, but I decided that my hearty, booming voice would be best. So, I sent a voice message “Well done, you!” with all my heart. I mean, I haven’t even drunk my TGIF! can of Asahi yet, but she already took action!  

She replied, “I feel very calm when you say well done u!” This already sounds like the best thing that will happen to me this work week.  

I also like to think that all my letter-writing exercises last year helped - once, I raised my voice at her to force her to write a letter to me - because when she felt cornered against the wall, she found within her the will as well as the words to stand up for herself.