Chelsea Marie Photography

Meet Serenity 🤍

When I first learned about her story, my heart broke.

Not because her story was identical to mine.

But because it wasn't.

In many ways, it was worse.

The kind of relentless bullying that nearly broke me happened when I was in high school.

Serenity is experiencing it in the fourth grade.

Fourth grade.

Let that sink in.

At an age when children should be worrying about playground games, sleepovers, and what they're going to be when they grow up, Serenity has been dealing with relentless bullying and harassment.

And far too often, the response has been one I've heard before.

"There's only so much we can do."

As someone who lived through that response, I know exactly how damaging those words can be.

Because when adults fail to act, children often begin to believe they deserve what's happening to them.

They begin to believe the lies.

They begin to believe they aren't enough.

But after spending time with Serenity, I can tell you this:

Those bullies are wrong.

She is one of the sweetest children I have ever met.

She is kind.

She is funny.

She is thoughtful.

She is brave.

And she carries herself with a strength that many adults don't possess.

I had the privilege of meeting her aunt, Crystal, who has fought tirelessly to bring attention to Serenity's story and advocate for her when others wouldn't.

It was because Crystal refused to stay silent that I learned about Serenity in the first place.

And the moment I did, I knew I wanted to help.

Not because I'm a photographer.

But because I was once a child who desperately needed someone to remind me that what was happening to me wasn't my fault.

Yesterday, I got to spend time with Serenity creating images that I hope she will look back on for years to come.

Images that remind her of who she truly is.

Not what the bullies say she is.

Not what the cruelty says she is.

But who she really is.

Beautiful.

Worthy.

Loved.

Strong.

Enough.

My greatest hope is that when Serenity sees these photographs, she sees herself the way the people who love her see her.

Because bullying leaves scars.

Some of mine are decades old.

But kindness leaves marks, too.

And sometimes all it takes is one person willing to stand up and say:

"I see you. I believe you. And you matter."

Serenity, if you ever read this, I want you to know something.

The people who hurt you do not get to define you.

They never did.

You are so much more than the things they have said about you.

And I hope one day you see yourself the way I saw you through my lens.

Absolutely beautiful. ❤️