Chloe

• School/Year in School: Stanford University, Class of 2021
• What do you like to do for fun: I like to hang out with my friends and family, read, drink a lot of tea, and watch Netflix! 
• Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I’ve dreamed of developing a mental health center like this since I was a freshman in high school.  So many of my peers are unable to access the services they need, despite seeking treatment
• What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I’m relentlessly optimistic and have a very deep sense of gratitude for my loved ones
• What are you most proud of: overcoming the challenges and tragedies in my life with resilience and optimism for the future; turning grief and pain into something meaningful that gives me a sense of purpose
• 10 years from now, you imagine a world that is: I imagine a world that is a kinder, more accepting place because all the YAG members went out into the world and did their thing!

Danny

School/Year in School: Gunn High School, Class of 2018, Brandeis Class of 2022

What do you like to do for fun: I like to read, hang out with friends, run or go to the gym, drive, go on walks, sit on the beach, and watch sunsets and sunrises.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: In my freshman year of high school there were several suicides.  In the aftermath, I was at a loss of what to do to help and saw that my friends needed help, but that the systems we had in place were failing them. After learning about the headspace model, I thought about how much good it can do to help the youth in the area and wanted to become more involved in something that I thought was going to greatly help the community.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I think they tend to think that I’m a very compassionate person that wants to help others as much as possible.

What are you most proud of: I’m proud of this work and the positive impact it has on other people’s lives, because at the end of the day even if it only helps some people then it will have been worth all the time and effort.

10 years from now, I imagine a world that is: I suppose that depends.  From a more pessimistic lens, it seems as if this country and the world tend to be regressing back into past social tendencies. However, based on what I’ve seen of much of the youth voice today, it seems like maybe as our voice grows and we take more initiative, the world will once again begin to progress.

Ellie

School/Year in School: Palo Alto High, Sophomore

What do you like to do for fun: I like to hang out with friends, listen to music, paint/draw and garden.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group:  I joined because I’m passionate about the project we are working towards and loved that I would get to work with people with similar passions.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I’m a good friend and I will always be there for you.

What are you most proud of: I’m most proud of my ability to generally connect with others and speak my mind easily.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is more compassionate and willing to help youth with their personal wellness.

Lia

School/Year in School: Palo Alto High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun:  I love to hike/travel to the mountains, paint, do yoga and try new restaurants.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group:  I joined the joined the youth group because I am largely involved in ending the stigma around mental health, but find that once youth decide to reach out for help, they are limited, or intimidated by their options.  I was really excited to be a part of designing this new center, as well as engaging in other community action projects surrounding mental health, with many passionate and talented individuals.

 What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I think my friends would say I am driven, dedicated and compassionate. 

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of how I continue to do new things :)

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is overpoweringly smart and has to decide what to use it for. 

Manognya

School/Year in School: Monte Vista High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I like to read and listen to music.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the group to make in difference in the wellbeing of youth today,

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: My friends say I am very mature and confident.

What are you most proud of:  I am proud of being trilingual.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is non-judgmental and free.

Nadia

School/Year in School: Los Altos High Senior, Senior

What do you like to do for fun: I like to listen to music, watch Netflix, play tennis, spend time with family, explore new places/restaurants, watch Trevor Noah videos.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the YAG because I believe that the best way to support youth mental health is to actively involved youth in the conversation and innovation around mental health.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I am a very good listener!

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of spearheading the 2017 Teen Wellness Conference and seeing the conference’s positive impact on young people in the community. J

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is open-minded, youth-focused and proactive.  A world that supports all people (especially young people) and their rights to mental/physical healthcare, rights to education, safety opportunity, and freedom.

Nikol

School/Year in School: Gunn High School, Sophomore

What do you like to do for fun: I like to play sports and hang out with friends.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I think that mental health is very important and it’s critical to get rid of the stigma that it surrounds.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I am nice and funny!

What are you most proud of: I am most proud that I have accomplished so much in different areas of my life.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is even more focused and dependent on technology.

Nura

School/Year in School: Palo Alto High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, going for hikes at local parks, and spending time in nature.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the YAG because I wanted to hear more student voice and opinions about mental health.  Also, I wanted to get involved in a position in which I had more of a role in the official decision making rather than just sharing ideas. I think that youth are the largest advocates of for one another; and I wanted to get involved in YAG so I could speak out for my fellow peers.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: My friends say that I have a big heart and that I am very thoughtful of what I say and how I act. They say I am caring for other people even to those I just met.  I think that the way you treat others goes beyond a single interaction and that it is of utmost importance for people to treat all individuals with respect and care.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of my family and how accomplished they are and how they are so humble about their accomplishments. They are all so well composed and are the greatest role models in my life.  I am proud to be related to them and grateful for all the things they do and sacrifice for me and my sister.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that that is even more technologically savvy and has youth at the forefront of all the change taking place. In the future, I see more equality between genders and less prejudice among people of different racial backgrounds.  Social media will play a more positive role in promoting positive ideas/concepts/tools in society.  Our world will be more hopeful and bright in 10 years.

Phebe

School/Year in School: Gunn High School, Sophomore

What do you like to do for fun: I play soccer, hike, explore, read, write and watch Netflix.  I spend time with friends and family.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: Mental health affects everyone. I’ve been lucky to be raised by supportive family and everyone deserves to have access to information and resources.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I am a good listener and can provide advice.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of the way I connect with people and learn more about the world.  The way I hold myself with confidence and have pride in what I do.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is safe for everyone, a place that we can communicate effectively.

Samhita

School/Year in School: Monte Vista High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I like to dance, read, hang out with my friends, watch/read Harry Potter.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: As a youth, I wanted to make a difference in my community around me and I was also deeply interested in mental health, so YAG combined both.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I think my friends would say that I’m a really caring person who is ready to do whatever to make their day a little better.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of two things, my arangetram (a 2 hour solo dance recital) and being a winner in the SMHIC competition.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is more accepting of people and the fact that differences are ok and what us unique.

Siddhi

School/Year in School: Monte Vista High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I like to dance, get food with friends, and travel.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I want to help reduce the stigma around mental illness after meeting so many different individuals with different illnesses.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I am always super excited about learning new things, especially about people!

What are you most proud of: I take time out to give back to the community!  Currently, I started an initiative to teach neuro science to elementary schoolers due to the lack of resources on teaching about the brain.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that that is more accepting of all the different people that are a part of it.

Virginia

School/Year in School: Stanford University alum! (BS with Honors ’16, MS ’16)

What do you like to do for fun: I like to play music, fold origami, learn new languages, spend time with friends, pet dogs, take long walks on the beach.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: Having observed and participated in the healthcare system at multiple levels from many different angles, and having had various experiences with several facets of mental health (including awareness, care, and treatment), I have seen firsthand how deeply our society’s collective failure to adequately educate everyone about mental health and the stigma against openly discussing mental illness can harm people of all ages. (I have more than one friend who has contemplated or attempted suicide before.) I have also seen how challenging various transitions into young adulthood can be in my age group. A myriad of factors that are not always discussed in depth in the healthcare space, including struggles with gender identity or sexual orientation, the job search and quest for financial independence, and acclimation to the working life and workplace culture, can strongly impact mental health. I hope that by creating a judgment-free, culturally sensitive and inclusive space, and by implementing programming to combat stigma and raise awareness, we can turn the tide and empower teens and young adults to feel less adrift and less alone during times of far-reaching and often difficult personal change in their (our) lives.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: My friends would say that I am a good active listener, great at organizing logistics, can keep cool and handle high-pressure situations/crisis well.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of being a nominally functional/self-sufficient adult in this crazy world!

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that kinder, less depersonalizing, and continuing to incorporate new scientific knowledge and technological innovation to advance progress and justice for all.

Zoe

School/Year in School: Gunn High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I love to play soccer.  I also really enjoy writing.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the YAG because I know that headspace could be an incredible resource and change a lot of people’s lives, and I want to help to make that a reality.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I think that my friends would say that I am a good listener and do my best to be supportive.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud that I work really hard to be a good, honest person.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is much more kind and way more equal.

Christie

School/Year in School: Notre Dame High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I like to walk in my park and bike around my neighborhood if I have tie.  I also like to go to the library and check out new books as relaxation/fun.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the Youth Advisory Group, so that I could work with other youth who are passionate about mental illness to collaborate on ways that we can help youth in our communities who have mental illness.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: My friends say that one of my best traits is my loyalty to those I love.  I always make sure to be there for my friends when they need me and stick up for them if the occasion calls for it.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of the way I have gained confidence in myself and in my abilities.  This is really important to me because used to be really doubtful of myself and questions my goals but over time, I have started to believe in myself and my talks, and my ability to achieve my goals.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that has no divisiveness.  Where people no matter their religion, ethnicity, and sexuality can come together out of a share humanity. I also imagine a world that is compassionate to those who need help the most (e.g. the homeless) and people with mental illness do not feel shame in asking for help.  Finally, I imagine a world where people can come together to solve pressing issues such as climate change.

Grace

School/Year in School: Lynbrook High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I like to listen to music and/or playing with my cats.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I wanted to make a positive impact on the other youth of my community and provide a safe space for those in need while working towards the larger goal of reducing the stigma around mental health.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: My friends would say that I am passionate and dedicated.

What are you most proud of: I began a Toiletry Drive to support survivors of domestic violence with the Santa Clara County Office of Women's Policy. To support the project, I received a $750 grant from the Commission on the Status of Women and a $250 donation from the City of San Jose. We collected a total of 900 family-size toiletry items, almost twice the number of our original goal, as well as over 1,000 individual items.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: Peaceful, inspirational, and never without hope or happiness. 

Isabel

School/Year in School: CET, Medical Assisting

What do you like to do for fun: I like to go to the movies and eat popcorn.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the Youth Advisory Group to impact and change lives, share with them my experiences that teens will or are going through.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I’m funny and always happy, very hardworking, and a strong woman!

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of the opportunities that have crossed my path.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is green, friendly, and people say hi everywhere you go.

Jessica  

School/Year in School: Lynbrook High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I enjoy journaling, playing piano and guitar-music in general, hiking, eating good food, talking with close friends and writing and learning.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group:  Having witnessed first-hand the debilitating effects of not talking about mental health in so many close family and friends; I want to use my skills, knowledge to change that; I am also interested in psychology/people in general. J

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: I genuinely care about them and make sure that they’re doing good.

What are you most proud of: My growth/development over the years (i.e. mustering the confidence to sing in front of a crowd of people)-this is subject to change as life happens…

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is filled with people who are incredibly different in terms of upbringing and beliefs but can put these aside to have more mature conversations and get along and not judge others for being different. TLOR: a world that is ACCEPTING of even the most eccentric misfits.

Jose

School/Year in School: San Jose State University, Class of 2018

What do you like to do for fun: Like to play video games and guitar

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I want to help other who seek or are in need of mental health services.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: They would say that I am good at listening to them when they vent.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of my growth as an individual

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is more tolerant of the differences of others.

Kasey

School/Year in School: Piedmont Hills High School, Class of 2011 and UCLA class of 2014

What do you like to do for fun: I enjoy dancing, running, spin classes, and trying new foods!

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the YAG because it's important that we provide resources at an earlier age and that the community knows it's okay to talk about mental health and wellbeing.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: They would say that I am Positive Polly.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of graduating from UCLA in 3 years with a double major and minor while staying involved in student orgs and studying abroad.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world that is encouraging, inclusive, and thoughtful.

Martin

School/Year in School: De Anza College, 1^st year

What do you like to do for fun: I like to work out.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined because I want to help out the youth.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: My friends will say I'm a hard worker

What are you most proud of:  I am most proud of the person my parents have shaped me into 

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world where there will be equality.

Sahithi

School/Year in School: Notre Dame High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: For fun, I like to watch Netflix and spend time with my sister.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the Youth Advisory Group because I am passionate about promoting youth advocacy regarding mental health.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: My friends would say that I am a thoughtful and caring person.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of the fact that I will be researching at a cancer lab this summer in San Jose.

10 years from now, you imagine a world:  that is kinder, more inclusive, and bound together by compassion.

Shruthi

School/Year in School: Notre Dame High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I love to dance; I’m on my school Bollywood dance team and president of our South Asian Student Association.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I am very interested in ways to advocate for mental health; I always says that it is as important to take care of your mind as it is to take care of your body. I thought it was time to make my words actions and be part of a group ready to create change in the world.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: That I am energetic; my friends also say that I’m myself and that I don’t care what others think.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of having been able to put together a successful dance show for 440 people while doing science projects and research-it was extremely gratifying when it was all over.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: I imagine a world inclusive of all people and understanding of the dignity of all people and their unique circumstances.

Subrina

School/Year in School: De Anza Community College, 2^nd year

What do you like to do for fun: Hanging out with friends, spend time with my two beautiful nieces!

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the Youth Advisory Group in hopes to create and be a part of something that will help people.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: That I am wild and loud.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud that I am still striving to reach my goals.

10 years from now, you imagine a world:  I imagine a world that is full of positivity and opportunity.

Tiffany C.

School/Year in School: Monte Vista High School, Junior

What do you like to do for fun: I love to golf, work on new ideas for my two Monte Vista High Science Clubs, innovate with my headspace team, and scout for the trendiest foods!

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined to bring real change to our community, to have the opportunity to create with inspirational peers, and above all, to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and offer help to those in need.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: A diligent friend who strives to make a positive impact.

What are you most proud of: My three patents and ongoing research with a gyroscope glove as a non-medical solution for Parkinson’s.

10 years from now, you imagine a world:  I imagine a world that is a safe space for all, where everyone can live on their own terms and have the time to breathe.

Tiffany N.

School/Year in School: Piedmont High School, Class of 2018

What do you like to do for fun: For fun, I like to listen to K-Pop song and memorize the dances.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I wanted to give my Cham, Vietnamese and Muslim community a voice in the mental health community.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: My friends would say that I am very extra. I exert all my energy and effort into any task that I am interested in.

What are you most proud of: I am most proud of speaking multiple languages and aim to learn more. This allows me to connect with a broader set of culture and people.

10 years from now, you imagine a world: Equal.  I imagine an ideal world free of prejudice and discrimination; everyone receives equal respect and opportunity despite their background.

Xitlali

School/Year in School: BA Psychology, minor in Human Sexuality Studies, San Francisco State University

What do you like to do for fun: I like to make dream catchers and read on my spare time.

Why did you join the Youth Advisory Group: I joined the youth advisory group because I want to help other youth find a place to unwind and prevent/treat mental health disorders.

What’s one positive thing your friends would say about you: They would say that I am always willing to help.  I offer my support to them regardless of the situation

What are you most proud of: I am proud of being a first-generation college graduate.

10 years from now, you imagine a world:  I imagine a world that is more accepting of people regardless of their background.