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Inspired by his own experience with bullying, Ciro Ortiz, 11, chose to give back through…

Inspired by his own experience with bullying, Ciro Ortiz, 11, chose to give back through counseling instead of opening a traditional lemonade stand. Every Sunday, he offered five-minute “emotional advice” sessions for $2 at a Brooklyn subway stop in New York City.
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The most common issue he encountered was adults struggling with change, to which he wisely advised: “We have to accept it. Life is always changing.”
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On productive days, Ciro earned around $50, which he used to buy food for classmates who couldn’t afford it. His parents, Jasmine Aequitas and Adam Ortiz, noticed his growing confidence through these interactions. Though initially nervous, Ciro eventually enjoyed meeting new people.
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Despite his counseling skills, he aspired to become a video game developer rather than a therapist.

h/t: NY Post
Photos: New York Post; Emotional Advice Kid / Instagram
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