Five Questions for May 6, 2013: Erica Gross

Erica Gross
Photo provided
Erica Gross Photo provided

Erica Gross of Green Island is a senior at Russell Sage College where she is studying childhood education and psychology. She plans on attending the University at Albany to get a master's in special education and literacy. She has two older brothers, an older sister, and a twin sister. She recently participated in a panel discussion about school bullying which followed the viewing of a documentary called Finding Kind.

Q How did you like the documentary and what were some of your thoughts that you voiced on the panel?

A I knew from the beginning that I was asked to be on the panel, that in some way my experiences of being bullied would connect with the documentary of Finding Kind. Although the documentary was lengthy, it was very informational, and those who don't know much about bullying can learn many things just from watching the documentary. Many parents in the audience asked questions about how to help their children deal with bullying, and many times, I told the parents that they needed to just be there for their children and remind them that they are loved. Often when individuals are being bullied they feel as if no one cares about them, and that they have no where to turn. I told the parents and other audience members to always remind those who are being bullied that there are people out there who truly love and care about them and will always be there for them.

Q Do you still see bullying in college?


A I still see bullying at the college level. Many individuals are just plain cruel to others, and no matter what age people are, it does not stop them from being bullies. When I was in Elementary school and middle school, bullying wasn't as common or recognized. However, when I was in high school, not only did I see bullying, but I experienced it. It was the worst experience in my life, and to this day I can remember every detail and everything that happened to me.

Q Advice for those being bullied? For those who are doing the bullying?

A If I were to sit down with a victim of bullying, I would first explain to them that it will not last forever. I would explain to the victim that just because they are experiencing bullying, it does not mean that everyone in the world dislikes them. I have learned from a very close friend of mine that "What doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger." Although it took me an extremely long time to gain the strength to become healthy again, I lived and still live by that saying everyday of my life. Although I wasn't strong during the horrific experience of being bullied, I have found myself much stronger now, and many people have told me that as well.

As for those who are doing the bullying, it's hard to give advice. However, one thing I can say is to always remember to put yourself in another person's shoes, and imagine if someone was being that mean, cruel, and harassing you.

Q What are you hoping to do as a job after college? Why?

A After I graduate from college in the Fall, I hope to find employment within a school district. It has always been my dream to become a teacher, and not many would call that a dream, however, it's always been one of mine. I want to become a teacher to not only teach young children in grades 1 through 6 the common subject areas, but to also guide them in the right directions to avoid the mistakes of bullying others. I want to be there for my students just like my teachers were there for me. I want to make sure every one of my students knows that he or she can turn to me in a time that they most need me just like many did for me. Many teacher candidates don't want to be a teacher for the reasons I just explained, however, I want to make a difference in the world, and I want to prepare my students for the real world, and show them what's right from what's wrong.

Q Favorite coffee place in Albany?

A Dunkin Donuts.