'X Factor' contestant to speak out against bullying in Naperville
In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, "The X Factor" and "American Idol" contestant Jillian Jensen will showcase her musical talents at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at Naperville's 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive.
Jensen, a fan favorite, delivered a powerful singing performance in 2012 on "The X Factor" in front of judges Simon Cowell, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.
Jensen's memorable segment focused on how she was bullied in school. By the end of her song, not even the intimidating Cowell had a dry eye.
"It was definitely the most emotional moment of my life," said the 22-year-old Massachusetts native, who went on to compete on "American Idol" in 2014. "It was one of those things where I was trying to be composed."
Today, Jensen is playing gigs, making music videos and promoting her new album "Stages."
From junior high to high school, Jensen knew firsthand about the effects of bullying.
"It started out with me making a decision that kind of exiled me from anyone else," Jensen said. "Sometimes making the right decision, you'll be standing alone."
In later years, once the singer started posting videos of her songs on the Internet, she was hit with harsh cyberbullying.
"I was an easy target. I was always putting myself out there," she said, adding that she had to find the confidence to further her music. "Regardless about what people are saying about you, you are going to soar."
According to PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, nearly one in three students report being bullied during the school year. And with the increase of social media use with today's youth, cyberbullying is on the rise.
However, Jensen believes during hard times, individuals who pursue what they most love to do - whether it is sports, science or art - will shine.
"You have to put all your focus into that. For me, it was music," she said. "My main slogan is 'success will be your greatest revenge.'"
While Jensen's music has helped her move on and even make amends with some individuals who bullied her in the past, she still is dedicated to speaking out at libraries and schools against bullying.
"Every school, there's always kids that will stay afterward," she said. "I tell them, if you want to stay, I will talk to you until the bell rings. I think helping others that have gone through the same thing as yourself (is) very cleansing."
The library program is funded by the SECA grant from the city of Naperville as well as Naperville Park District, Edward Hospital-Linden Oaks, Hilton-Lisle Naperville hotel, Naperville Exchange Club and DuPage Child Abuse Prevention Coalition.
"A program like this helps to acknowledge that bullying occurs; that it is not OK; and that there are ways to address it," said Julie Rothenfluh, executive director of the Naperville Public Library. "I see the library's role as creating greater awareness, recognizing that bullying is a problem and providing a safe environment to discuss the problem. Then, as with other issues, the library can help provide resources our community needs to address the problem."
After Jensen's performance, a question-and-answer session will take place. Attendees also can stick around after the all-ages program to meet Jensen and eat pizza. The first 75 teens in attendance will win free movie passes, and a drawing at the end of the event will send one lucky teen home with a $100 Amazon gift card.