Gina is a happy 9-year-old girl with a big dream: to become a professional tennis player. She loves tennis and practices it every chance she gets. Yet, school isn’t always easy for her. She is shorter than her classmates and she belongs to the Romani ethnic minority. This makes her a target for bullies.
One day, Gina walks into the school playground, carrying her tennis racket. She feels excited about her tennis practice later that day.
Do you know what the definition of an “ethnic minority” is?
But as she passes by a group of kids, she hears them whispering and giggling. "Look, the short gypsy girl!" one of them sneers. Hearing that, Gina feels very embarrassed, but she holds her head high and keeps walking. She knows she is different, but she also knows that being different is something to be proud of.
Do you have friends who belong to the Romani ethnic minority?
Later that day, in tennis practice, Mr. Petcu, her coach, notices Gina is distracted. He worries. Gina is not playing as well as she usually does.
Mr. Petcu kneels in front of Gina, holding the girl’s hands. "What's wrong, Gina?" he asks gently. Gina hesitates, then says, "Some kids made fun of me again. They called me short and gypsy." Mr. Petcu looks her in the eyes. "Gina, do you know what makes a great tennis player?" Gina shakes her head. "It's not height or race," Mr. Petcu says. "It's heart, determination and courage. You have all of that—never forget it!"
What do you think Mr. Petcu should do?
Ask Gina what is bothering her.
Tell Gina to focus and keep practising,
reminding her that she's there to play,
not daydream.