Eight year old bullied for love of bugs lands a spot in scientific journal

This little girl is testimony to the fact that all kids' loves and fascinations need to be encouraged.

Eight-year-old Sofia Spencer is a little girl from Ontario Canada who is absolutely fascinated with bugs. For many people finding a job or hobby that they love so much takes years, but Sophia was one of the lucky ones. She knew she had a knack for the outdoors and insects at an incredibly young age.

From earlier this summer. Sophia's Dragonfly friend #BugsR4Girls pic.twitter.com/Fa7bTlRoPA

— Nicole&SophiaSpencer (@sigalmummy775) September 4, 2016

However, schoolmates and bullies found her fascination with the creatures odd and yuck and Sophia ended up being bullied for bringing her insects to school. Sophia’s mum, Nicole Spencer knew something had to be done because she was fearful her little girl would stop doing what she loved. Mum decided to write a letter to the Entomological Society of Canada (ESC) asking for suggestions on how to nurture her daughter’s passion. Little did she know how big things would get from here.

A young girl who loves insects is being bullied & needs our support. DM your email & we'll connect you! #BugsR4Girls pic.twitter.com/kjtfSJSlre

— Ent Soc of Canada (@CanEntomologist) August 25, 2016

Nicole’s email was forwarded to Morgan Jackson who runs ESC’s social media platforms and he took to tweeting the email to his colleagues. From here, the inspiration, support and encouragement absolutely plummeted for Sophia.

she can contact my lab anytime! We are happy to send her papers, nets, whatever will keep her entomology passion going!

— Jessica L Ware Lab (@JessicaLWareLab) August 25, 2016

I am not an entomologist but have a bug mad kid (7yo) in Australia if she would like a pen pal - let me know!

— Jacki Liddle (@jacki_liddle) August 25, 2016

@docaroe For our insect loving friend! Jobs exploring insects are cool!!!! #BugsR4Girls pic.twitter.com/lnquyOWSZF

— Emily Owenz (@emilyowenz) August 27, 2016

In the world of high school banality, being called weird is like a badge of honor. I loved being the weird bug girl.

— Judy Schmidt (@SpaceGeck) August 25, 2016

Later in the year, Jackson decided he would write a scientific paper on the experience focusing on how social media can make such a difference. Just this month it was published in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America, AND best of all, little Sophia got the spot of co-author. A very BIG deal indeed!

#Bugsr4girls out and learning about aqua bug collecting pic.twitter.com/Rdp3qA2p76

— Nicole&SophiaSpencer (@sigalmummy775) May 20, 2017

Not only was her obsession and enthusiasm for insects amplified, she’s now pretty much a full-blown scientist! We can be sure this is one giant step in the right direction for an eight-year-old who wants to pursue her very cool and important goals.