Three Years Ago, I Got Fired for Teenage Social Media Posts

Post written on July 17, 2020

It’s been three years since I made the front page of the newspaper for all the wrong reasons.

For those who don’t know my story, I was fired on my first day from a job as a personal assistant to the former Governor of Illinois. The reason? Inappropriate social media posts I made as a teenager.

I had done pretty much everything right up to that point - double-majored, college athlete, great resume - but none of that mattered in that moment. My reputation was ruined.

But it was my fault. I felt a tremendous amount of embarrassment, shame and guilt. I felt like I let my family, friends and myself down. I wondered if I would ever get a job again.

Then one day I made the decision to own it, apologize, never do it again, be better and encourage others to do the same. I saw others making the same mistakes I made and decided to do something about it.

Since then, I’ve shared this story with nearly 200,000 people across the country. I’ve helped kids who were contemplating suicide due to cyberbullying. I’ve assisted parents with reporting online predators. I’ve raised thousands of dollars for an organization that fights all forms of bias, hate and discrimination. I’m fulfilled in a way I never could have been working in government and politics.

I share this only because I know many people are struggling right now. Trust me when I say there are better days ahead. Stay in the fight. As Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

- Ben Tracy, Founder, Safe Social Network