Asking someone on a date can be intimidating, especially for a shy, unpopular high school student who has never done it before. Dakota Nelton, a sophomore from Gray, Louisiana, mustered up the courage to ask his friend to the homecoming dance, but was rejected in front of their classmates, who laughed and mocked him. The rejection was caught on camera and posted on Facebook, where it received thousands of views. People all over the country watched Dakota being ridiculed and humiliated. He described the experience as “a pretty tough moment standing in a small circle with that one shake of the head and you just got to find your way out of that circle.”

Making matters worse, Dakota had to endure the embarrassment and heartbreak of being rejected in front of his peers. The incident was no doubt a difficult and painful one for him, and it is understandable that he would have felt devastated and wanting to disappear. It is never easy to be rejected, especially in a public setting where it is easy to feel exposed and vulnerable.

However, a few days later, Dakota was in for a surprise when he arrived at school. He was stopped by a group of 13 girls, each one holding a sign, turning the tables on Dakota’s bullies and making him the one getting the last laugh. This act of kindness and support from his peers no doubt helped Dakota to feel more confident and resilient in the face of rejection. It is a reminder that we all experience difficult moments and setbacks, but with the support of others, we can bounce back and find the strength to keep going. Overall, Dakota’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and support in helping others to overcome challenges and setbacks.