Lynelle Cantwell from Newfoundland discovered that she was part of an "ugliest girl in high school" poll that a group of unidentified bullies created online via the anonymous community site ask.FM. The grade 12 student from Holy Trinity High in Torbay was upset about the matter, so she posted a response to the bullies online.
"To the person that made the 'ugliest girls in grade 12 at hth' ask.FM straw poll. I'm sorry that your life is so miserable that you have to try to bring others down. To the 12 people that voted for me to bring me to 4th place. I'm sorry for you too. I'm sorry that you don't get to know me as a person. I know that i'm not the prettiest thing to look at," Cantwell wrote on her Facebook.
To the person that made the "ugliest girls in grade 12 at hth" ask.FM straw poll. I'm sorry that your life is so...
Posted by Lynelle Cantwell on Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Cantwell's response has since received more than 3,000 shares and nearly 300 likes, but outside of the social media site, the young girl has been receiving praise and support from strangers, according to CTV News. "I was a little bit hurt, I'm not going to lie," she told the news outlet. "It kind of crushed me on the inside a little bit." Cantwell also said that she was outraged for the other girls on the poll.
She anguished about the poll for a day before writing her reply. However, after receiving hundreds of messages, including texts and calls, Cantwell felt encouraged. Some even sent her flowers, according to CBC. "Everyone is coming up to me and saying, 'Oh my gosh, your Facebook status, it's so beautifully written and doing such a good job and I'm so proud of you,'" she said. "Everything is just so positive."
Cantwell also revealed that there have been similar incidents in her school, which the authorities are addressing, according to Globe and Mail. While she feels sorry for the bullies and those who participated in the poll, Cantwell would rather take the high road and offer her friendship. "I know that sometimes when you do stuff like this to people it's because you are either not confident in yourself or you have a bad home life," she said. "I'd probably tell them if they need help with anything, with any confidence, that I'm there for them."
