Abby Wright – Active Minds

The last place I volunteered was at the Active Minds Organization. This organization supports ending the stigma that surrounds mental health and mental health conversations on college campuses and among young adults. I think that with our generation this is one of the biggest struggles in young adults and deserves to be recognized.

Active Minds has chapters on college campuses (including OSU) and we participate in walks to raise awareness, mental health keynote speakers, and a program called “Send Silence Packing” where personal stories are shared that bring awareness to issues surrounding mental health and provide resources for those struggling.

Active Minds is making an impact on people everywhere and in big ways. Bringing awareness to mental health battles and the signs that are present when someone is having trouble. This organization has saved lives and helped thousands of friends and family members support those who need it.

 I have seen firsthand how this organization and its cause can save a life and protect those who are silently struggling. It is a reminder that no one is alone and allows you to be there for people who might not think they have anyone to go to. I encourage everyone to get involved with Active Minds and see the impact it can have!

Christy Fanning – Girls Club

In a girls club in a mentorship role at the school where I was a teacher.

I wanted to be able to mentor the kids there because so many of them have no belief in themselves or their abilities. I wanted to be able to push them to their fullest growth and potential.

I helped so many kids build their self confidence as well as push them to do more than what is expected of them. I was able to have so many impactful conversations about mental health and practical skills they could apply in their own lives to become the best version of themselves.

So many of the girls came to me and told me I gave them a space to feel supported, safe, loved, and accepted. Many of them had ambitions to go onto college or be leaders within the school to impact change. I was rewarded by being able to witness my efforts come to fruition when I saw how the mentalities of the girls changed over the months that I worked with them.

Michelle Burns – Homeless Shelters

I owe a lot to my parents for raising my siblings in a hard-working, service-oriented home. Growing up, my family would serve food at a local homeless shelter quite often. I learned how much of a connection you can have with someone who seems to live so differently than me.

What I found was that either I was not that different from that individual, or if I was, I could learn a lot from their experiences. From then on, my heart has always been in serving those in impoverished communities. I did research on positive youth development during undergrad and graduate school, so I generally gravitate towards programs centered around youth and families—whether that be supporting relationships, sharing resources, or coaching in education and career goals.

Nothing makes me happier than finding that moment with someone where a wall is taken down and vulnerability is welcome—that is when a true relationship forms and you are able to challenge and fuel that individual in so many ways.