Fifth Harmony fan Juliana from Brazil received a video message from her idol Normani Kordei after she thanked her for saving her life.
Juliana contemplated suicide after facing endless cyberbullying, and had been diagnosed with depression. She then discovered Normani’s work with The Cybersmile Foundation and she began turning her life around.
“My name is Juliana, I’m 18 years old and I’ve been a victim of internet abuse,” wrote Juliana in letter published on Cybersmile’s blog. "All this started because I published a picture of me on my Twitter, and I was greeted with hateful comments – I just became sad, and I was diagnosed with depression, 1 year and a half later, I was more isolated in my room and had my thoughts of suicide…the internet was my refuge… And even then I received messages of hate that hurt me so much …
“I’m a Harmonizer and when it came to me that Normani was also receiving abuse, I tried to find a way to stop people from sending hate and to live a good life. That’s when I started to see news about cyberbullying and I found Cybersmile.
“I saw her in the same situations and how love always prevails and I applied that for myself. I remember the quote: “love will always overcome hatred”, and then came the news that Normani became an Ambassador of Cybersmile. I simply had no words to describe my great admiration for you.
“She simply with her words made me have the willpower to stand up, fight and spread love, and I am so grateful to her and to you, for every tweet you share – it’s a way of refuge for people who feel offended by the abuse.
“Today I can say that I am a new person and two people who abused me on social networks, today they are my friends and with me, spread love, so I thank you for all the support and love you give to each person on Twitter. I hope that God blesses each one of your team very much and that you continue to save lives, as you have saved mine.”
Normani was touched by Juliana’s letter and has reached out to her directly to thank her and encourage her to continue to be strong and to love herself.
Normani joined Cybersmile as an Official Diversity Ambassador last year after receiving a torrent of abuse online. She wanted to raise awareness of her experiences with online abuse and harassment while giving hope and encouragement to others that are affected.
Each year, Cybersmile work with a host of Ambassadors across the world to encourage a positive and safer internet – free from fear, threats and abuse. Thanks to their global network of Cybersmilers and Official Ambassadors, they continue the Cybersmile mission for a truly diverse and inclusive internet – celebrating and promoting the power of the internet when used for positive purpose!
To find out more about Cybersmile, click here.
