AITAH for telling my class I had candy after I finished presenting?

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When Effort Meets Indifference: A High School Dilemma

In a quest for extra credit, a dedicated 16-year-old goes above and beyond by preparing adorable candy bags for her history presentation, only to be met with apathy from her classmates. As she navigates the challenge of engaging an audience glued to their phones, she faces a tough decision when it comes time to reward participation. Her choice to give candy only to those who paid attention sparks outrage among her peers, leaving her to question if she was justified or just plain petty. This relatable scenario highlights the struggle of seeking validation in a distracted world, a common experience for many students today.

Family Drama Over Candy and Presentation

A 16-year-old girl faced unexpected family drama after a history presentation that turned into a conflict resolution challenge. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Extra Credit Opportunity: The teacher announced that students could earn extra credit by bringing candy to distribute for correct answers during presentations.
Preparation: The girl dedicated her night to preparing 25 bags of sour candies, each labeled with a cheerful “Good job!” featuring Hello Kitty. She aimed to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.
Presentation Day: On the day of her presentation, she arrived with her candies in a non-transparent bag, hoping to surprise her classmates.
Lack of Engagement: During her presentation, she noticed that most of her classmates were distracted, with only three students paying attention. Despite her efforts, no one raised their hand to answer questions.
Decision Point: At the end of her presentation, she mentioned the candy, prompting her classmates to suddenly show interest. However, she felt conflicted about rewarding those who had ignored her.
Response to Requests: When classmates asked for candy, she decided to give it only to the three students who had been engaged, stating, “You chose your phones over the candy.”
Aftermath: Two days later, the girl found herself facing backlash from her peers, who were upset about not receiving candy. They continued to ask her for it, leading her to question whether her actions were petty.

This situation highlights the complexities of family drama and the challenges of conflict resolution among peers. The girl’s intention to create a positive experience was overshadowed by the lack of engagement from her classmates, leading to wedding tension in her social circle. As she navigates the aftermath, she must consider the balance between fairness and the desire to be liked.

This is Original story from Reddit

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Story

So, I16f had a presentation for history, and I really wanted extra credit. The teacher told us that if we brought candy to give out for answering questions correctly, we could get extra credit. I planned for 25 questions so that 25 people could have a chance to get candy.

The night before, I stayed up until 11 PM, putting sour candies in little bags and taping them with a cute “Good job!” label featuring Hello Kitty. I thought it looked adorable and that everyone would love it.

The next day, I brought the candies in a non-transparent bag to keep it a surprise. As I started presenting, I noticed almost everyone was on their phones. Only three people were paying attention.

I didn’t want to yell at them to put their phones away because it felt rude, and the teacher doesn’t really like me, so I knew she wouldn’t step in. At the very end of my presentation, I said, “Oh yeah, I’m done presenting. By the way, I had candy for people who answered questions.”

Suddenly, everyone looked up and said, “Oh, you had candy?” They started asking me for some, but I told them, “You chose your phones over the candy.” Then, I gave candy to the three people who weren’t on their phones.

Now it’s been two days, and everyone is still mad at me and keeps asking for candy. Was that super petty of me? What do you think?

View the Original Reddit Post Here

Summary of Reddit Comments

The top Reddit comments indicate a strong agreement that the original poster (OP) is not at fault (NTA) for their actions during the presentation. Many users express outrage at the teacher’s lack of support and the classmates’ disrespectful behavior, emphasizing that the OP’s response was justified and a necessary lesson for the disruptive students. Overall, the comments reflect a shared sentiment that the OP handled the situation well and should not feel guilty about their choices.

Verdict: NTA

Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict

Conflict in social settings, especially among peers, can be challenging to navigate. In this situation, both the girl (OP) and her classmates have valid perspectives. Here are some practical steps to address the conflict and foster a more positive environment moving forward:

Open Communication: The OP should consider having a candid conversation with her classmates. She can express her feelings about their lack of engagement during her presentation and explain her reasoning for only rewarding those who participated. This can help her peers understand her perspective and the importance of respect in a learning environment.
Empathy and Understanding: Encourage the classmates to reflect on their behavior. They should recognize that their distraction not only affected their learning but also impacted the OP’s efforts. Acknowledging this can foster a sense of accountability and encourage better behavior in the future.
Teacher Involvement: The OP might consider discussing the situation with the teacher. Sharing her experience can help the teacher understand the classroom dynamics and potentially implement strategies to keep students engaged during presentations. This could include setting clear expectations for participation or providing incentives for engagement.
Future Engagement Strategies: The OP could brainstorm ways to make future presentations more interactive. This might include incorporating games, quizzes, or group discussions that encourage participation from all classmates. By creating a more engaging atmosphere, she can help prevent similar situations from arising.
Forgiveness and Moving On: Both the OP and her classmates should strive to move past the incident. The OP can choose to forgive her classmates for their initial disrespect, while her classmates can work on being more respectful and engaged in the future. This mutual understanding can help rebuild relationships and create a more supportive classroom environment.

By taking these steps, both the OP and her classmates can learn valuable lessons about respect, engagement, and the importance of communication. Conflict can be an opportunity for growth, and with empathy and understanding, they can turn this situation into a positive experience for everyone involved.

Join the Discussion

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