When Back-to-School Means More Than School Supplies
When I was a kid in the 1990’s, late August meant spending as many of those final summer days at the pool as possible, until the evening classes were posted. Then it was time to run to the school, see which of my friends were in my class, and then try to convince my parents...
Mental Health/Wellness
5 Ways to Stay Inspired Through June
The end of the school year can bring up a variety of emotions. Many of us are relieved about the break ahead, but it’s also normal to feel sadness, frustration, and plain old fatigue—especially when testing, graduation, and perhaps a few behavioral spikes are on the calendar ahead. (more…)
Mental Health/Wellness
How Our NEHS Chapter Supports Students Experiencing Stress and Anxiety
As an adviser, I’ve always felt that I am not the driver of our National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) chapter. Instead, I’m more like the bumper making sure that everyone is safe and then covering everything as an administrator. I let my students direct the path that our chapter takes in the way of service projects because I want the projects that we do to...
Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
Sharing My Real Mental Health Journey
Mental health advocacy is my passion. This past year I’ve put everything I can into it by sharing my story. For a long time though, when I tried to speak about my mental health, I tended to filter my words. I would always spin what I was saying into a more positive story and ignore...
Mental Health/Wellness
The Mental Health Crisis in the Digital Age
My guess is, if you’re a student reading this post, you’re on your phone. Nevertheless, however you found your way here, welcome. (more…)
Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
This Pride Month Holding Space for Us All
Walking the dirt street to reach my house, I hear a homophobic slur emanate from the car driving past me. A meek 12-year-old, I rush on in fear—fear of what they would do if they knew how right they were. “How do they know?” I ask myself. “Am I too masculine? Too feminine?” My identity...
LGBTQ+, Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
Reflecting on Our Progress During Mental Health Awareness Month
My voice matters. Seeking change is welcomed. I am supported. These three sentences best reflect my experience with NASC, NHS, and my role as a facilitator with NASSP’s Student Leadership Network on Mental Health and Well-Being. (more…)
Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
Why I’m Part of the Student Leadership Network on Mental Health
Throughout my time in high school, I have learned that mental health is not a goal, object, or buzzword but rather an active practice. Taking care of your mental well-being requires self-awareness, patience, and reflection. It may sound daunting, but there are plenty of tools that can help. (more…)
Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
Elevating the Importance of Teen Mental Health
Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day. In honor of it, I want to share how school budget cuts inadvertently led me to take a closer look at the importance of mental health. And for that, I am eternally grateful. (more…)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
Embracing the Values of NHS by Sharing My Story
When I was five years old, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is the most common type of childhood cancer and curable in 90% of children with standard treatments; however, that was not the case for me. My childhood was halted by my diagnosis and transformed into a whirlwind of appointments, blood...
Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership