Today began like any other day for me. I ran out to the mall to buy some things I needed, I went to Barnes and Noble to finish up some homework and look at new books, and later on, I started to get hungry. So, I thought, what better way to fight off my hunger than sweets? I quickly ran over to Great American Cookies, only to be met with the everlasting dilemma of what cookie to get. Out of the ordinary though, I was met with this extremely positive aura and laughter-filled air.

When I was having trouble deciding on what kind of cookie I should get, Great American Cookies worker Josh Beitler greeted me and persuaded me to have my usual: a sugar double doozie cookie.

I could immediately tell he was incredibly kind and patient with me since I was so indecisive about what I wanted. He continued on to help me by letting me ask him a question:

“Do you mind if I take your photograph? I’d like to know more about you.”

This is what happened:

Elise Fong: “What was your happiest memory?”

Josh Beitler: “My happiest memory I think was meeting my best friend. He works here actually. We’ve been friends for almost eleven years. I met him in a park in Memphis, and we’ve been friends since middle school.”

EF: “How did you two become friends?”

JB: “We became friends because we were sorta similar. We were both bullied in school.”

EF: “When did it start?”

JB: “Actually, it started in second grade. It went on until sixth grade, and that’s when I met my friend. But one day I decided to stand up to them because I couldn’t take their comments anymore.”

EF: “Any advice to someone who’s being bullied now?”

JB: “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Just remember that you have to prove those guys wrong. Don’t ever listen to them.”