Fall of 2017 a group of student leaders in the district I worked would change the culture of the way in which adults viewed youth suicide and mental health. These student leaders would be the voice that changed my career, my life. The Student Advisory Board gathered that year with the superintendent to discuss the project they would tackle for the year. Many topics were discussed but then a high school student courageously voiced her concerns. She highlighted the students’ worries about mental health, noting the silence from adults on the topic, especially following incidents of student suicide. Her bravery opened the floor for others to share similar experiences, revealing a mix of desperation and frustration. They were acutely aware of the problem but felt helpless about how to address it or seek support. Spring 2018 was the first AFSP Campus Walk thanks to these students.

Last year about this time I was offered my current position to start the end of June and I submitted my resignation from a position I had poured myself into over three years. Partly because the mental health needs of students were so high, but also because I kept the student voice from the 2017-2018 school year in my head. I refused to let their words to be forgotten. I know the progress made in reducing stigma and providing resources was because of them. I felt the responsibility at such a depth, I often neglected my own family and myself. I justified this neglect because what would happen if I didn’t keep pushing.

As Tori and Carolyn sent me pictures today I smiled seeing these heroes showing up for kids once again. Carolyn has been walking and helping since that first walk… I am now so thankful I get to call her friend (and if you want to learn more about her, please listen to podcast we did). Tori… where do I start? If you want a picture of a person who is the epitome of an educator it is her. Since she moved to to the area she has empowered students to be part of the walks (now at two schools)… not only that, she never forgets to let them know how students started this. She believes in student voice at a deep level and she shares because she wants students to know how they can make large impacts.

You see I realized I needed to sit down the guilt of feeling like I am not supporting students, because I am, it just looks different. I now get to go all over the country speaking about the importance of mental health and school safety. In many of those presentations, I share how a group of students changed the culture of an entire district.Their courage now is impacting so many more than they would ever imagine… and maybe I am helping even more people while I make me and my family a priority.