Youth Health Action Team Archive
Past Posts
Teen Mental Health Collections
Mental Health Providers Serving Tweens and Teens In Tucson
You are not alone
Reading about Anxiety
Past Health Action Team Interns
The Health Action Team empowers youth to share, create community connections, and produce art as a way to process their experience and address topics of youth health in the community. Part of addressing mental health is addressing the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. Stigma and self-stigma prevent real communication, understanding, and empathy with those involved. Health Action Team youth are frank about the issues that they face. Frank talk combats stigma by putting issues out in the open, so that any reader faced with similar challenges knows they are not alone.
Aishwarya
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 11
School: University High School
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined because mental health issues are something that affect everyone, but youth have been disproportionately represented in discussions surrounding it. I think it's important to make sure to uplift youth by providing support and resources, and creating spaces where teens can share their experiences and feel comfortable doing so.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
Outside of volunteering in the community, I love hanging out with my friends, reading, and traveling!
Ashton
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 11
School: University High School
Subgroup: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT, because I loved my previous experience from last year within the YHAT Podcast section. Also, I want to help reach more youth audience in Pima County in terms of mental health, and YHAT has given me a great opportunity to accomplish this.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I love playing sports such as baseball, volleyball, and basketball, and am also involved with chess and table tennis. I also enjoy video games, and spending time with my friends and family.
Armida
YHAT Position: President
Current Grade: 11th grade
School: University High School
Project Committee: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
- I joined YHAT because I recognized that our communities and organizations are not doing enough to help our youth. Today, little is known about how to healthy cope with substance abuse and social isolation. YHAT stands against the stigma to build a brighter and healthier future relating to mental health. This organization has taught me that advocacy isn't always about a title, its a habit. The moment we act, we become a part of the change.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests)
- I love to travel, paint, and participate in sports such as track and swim. In my free time, you can either find me curled up with a book, or going on adventures to explore the world. I am passionate about mental health advocacy; YHAT has given me a purpose outside of my regular hobbies to pursue what I am passionate about.
Briana
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: Senior College
School: University of Arizona
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT because I wanted to become more involved with Pima County. This has been my home for the past 3 years and I want to give back to my community through volunteer efforts.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I am a member of Mortarboard senior honorary, an intern for the El Rio reproductive health access project, and a public health mentor. I love reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
Camilla
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 10
School: Sabino High School
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
The mental health and wellbeing of my peers is incredibly important to me. Growing up, I witnessed how my peers changed due to substance abuse and how communities can shift due to mental health and mental health stigma. The idea of working with people who are passionate about the same issues as I excite me, and I'm very grateful to be part of such a wonderful group. Being in YHAT brings me hope for the future of our community.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
One of the most important parts of my life is my culture. At Sabino High School, I created the first ever club for Hispanic and Latinx students. I also participate in many other extracurriculars ranging from Key Club to the Southern Arizona Ivy League Project.
Chazz
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 12
School: Pueblo High school
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
To Spread awareness of the Youth mental health
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I play football, I like going out, I love clothes like designing and thrifting
Devon
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 12
School: Empire High School
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
Because I want to advocate for all the youth in the community that think they don’t have a voice.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I love to read and I love playing video games.
Edgar
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: Senior - College
School: University of Arizona
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT to make a difference in my community and help promote positive mental health in Pima county.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I am into anime’s and reading manga and like spending time with my amazing girlfriend
Evelyn
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 12
School: Rincon Highschool
Subgroup: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT to further my involvement in mental and social health
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I do pima jted social and mental health technician. For hobbies I loveee reading and editing.
Gabby
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: Senior - College
School: University of Arizona
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT to get more experience in the mental health field and help explore and advocate for different resources
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I love doing yoga, working out, and spending time outside!
Gidget
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 12
School: University High School
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT so that I could feel more connected to, involved with, and educated about my community. Going into my second year as a member, I am looking forward to spreading my knowledge of mental health and continuing to learn about the people around me.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
Outside of YHAT, I am the captain of my school’s cross country and track teams, I volunteer at my local hospital, and I love to spend as much time as possible outdoors.
Harry
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 12
School: Palo Verde High Magnet School
Subgroup: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
To further expand my knowledge on public health. As well as how I can help make the community better. I want to be a bigger part of our community through this program.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I love music especially piano and guitar, the certain rhythms is what I like about those instruments. I also like business, and due to this interest, I had a short business in which I helped other students with Homework.
Ivan
YHAT Position: General
Current Grade: 10th grade
School: University High School
Project Committee: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
- I think it’s pretty important to take care of youth mental health and I wish to help others
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests)
- I love to play badminton and work out often, I also like to bake as well and take care of my plants.
Kade
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 11
School: Catalina Foothills High School
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT because I am passionate about mental health and the tucson community and as someone who wants to work in a mental health related field I wanted to raise awareness and learn more about mental health.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
Photography is one of my favorite hobbies, and I am very involved with the photo club at my school. My other main hobby is thrifting with my mom, especially for unique jewelry.
Keona
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: Sophomore - College
School: Pima Community College
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
To get involved in my community and expand my network
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I am a local Youth Advocate and young parent that loves to uplift youth voices and connect them to leadership spaces. I enjoy spending time with my family and making a difference locally, nationally, and globally.
Lia
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 12
School: Rincon High School
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT to learn how to help others in my community who are struggling and be able to help support them.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I love dancing and baking, my favorite thing to do is bake and cook new foods all the time. I also have one dog, a corgi named Lucy and I love hanging out with her.
Luna
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 12
School: Rincon High School
Subgroup: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
To help spread awareness about mental health and coping skills
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I play guitar, and I like reading
Marsha
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 10
School: University High School
Subgroup: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT because mental health among the young adult / teen population has always been a part of my personal experience. Besides personal ties, the opportunity to expand my knowledge on public health while engaging in meaningful projects and events is a passion of mine that cannot be understated.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
Outside of academics, I'm a part of the Arizona Governor's Youth Commission to raise substance use awareness as well as science olympiad, HOSA, and robotics at my school! I'm also a chapter founder of the careforbrains nonprofit in Tucson.
Mia
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 11
School: BASIS Tucson North
Subgroup: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT because I want to create a safe and relatable community for youth struggling with mental health. Through YHAT, I can raise awareness about mental health issues and struggles not often acknowledged in the youth community; I hope I’m able to provide comfort and meaningful resources for those struggling with their mental health.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I attend JTED Healthcare Foundation classes after school and I am also involved in my school’s Red Cross Club, medical club, Student Council, NHS, and more! I am interested in biology, medicine, research, and hoping to pursue a career in oncology. I also play piano, flute, and enjoy painting!
Miras
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 9
School: BASIS Oro Valley
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT to increase awareness about youth mental health, bridge gaps between the youth and adults, and create an impact in the community.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I like to draw and play volleyball. I am also the volunteer coordinator of the Oro Valley library Teen Advisory Board, and a part of my school’s Model UN and Science Olympiad club.
Neryssa
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: Senior - College
School: University of Arizona
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I feel strongly about helping youth have access to resources that they need. I look forward to making a meaningful impact on our community.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I love to read and bake!
Noah
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 9
School: Catalina Foothills High School
Subgroup: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I want to learn about mental health topics and do my part in the community
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I’ve always been interested in programming and technology. I want to be a software engineer and love everything Apple.
Olivia
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: 11
School: Mica Mountain High School
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT to be more involved in my community and make a difference with mental health.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I am the oldest sibling of five. I love to paint and swim on my free time. I have two dogs that I adore and love.
Rene
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: Junior - College
School: University of Arizona
Subgroup: Community Outreach and Education
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I joined YHAT to gain experience actually working in a field and community of mental health among adolescents.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I love horses! I currently work with an older woman training her mule and I’ve been riding for over a decade. I love to draw (specifically in pen) and create things out of wood or metal. I also like to play volleyball and piano as well as ukulele.
Rory
YHAT Position: General
Current grade: Freshman - College
School: University of Arizona
Subgroup: Communications
Why did you join YHAT and how has it benefited you?
I loved YHAT last year. It was such a comfortable space and felt like a little family.
Share a little bit about yourself outside of academics. (e.g. extracurriculars, sports, hobbies, interests):
I run a crochet business and like to craft and read.
Aishwarya
- Current Grade (23-24): 9th
- School: University High School
- Subgroup: Research
- Why did you join YHAT?: I have witnessed many of my peers experience mental health issues and not reach out because of stigma and a lack of knowledge about resources. Joining YHAT was a way for me to try and reach others like my friends. I didn’t expect to learn so much in the process, but I’ve gained skills in teamwork and communication and have learned a lot about mental health overall.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I am part of many clubs at my school, such as Dreamcatchers, HOSA, Medical Club, Red Cross, and more. In my free time, I also love to binge watch Gilmore Girls, read my favorite books, and watch Formula 1.
Alex
- Current Grade (23-24): 10th
- School: Mountain View High School
- Subgroup: Website
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined because I wanted to try to make a change in the community. It has benefitted me by providing an opportunity for me to develop my skills in helping others.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I love to play basketball and I love Jesus.
Annabella
- Current Grade (23-24): 9th
- School: Mountain View High School
- Subgroup: Research
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT because I believe it would help me with my pursuit as a therapist.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I paint, draw/sketch, and read in my free time.
Ashley
- Current Grade (23-24): 10th
- School: University High School
- Subgroup: Media/Art
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT because I know that teenage mental health is a big issue in the current world and needs to be helped and be more recognized. YHAT has helped me realize that there’s many factors concerning mental health and that we could do something to make a difference.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I play tennis for my school team and piano. I also play violin for the Tucson Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and enjoy painting my nails while listening to Taylor Swift during my free time.
Delainey
- Current Grade (23-24): College Sophomore
- School: Pima Community College
- Subgroup: Outreach
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT to improve the mental health in our community and I have felt that I have done what I can to help.
Hannah
- Position: Vice President
- Current Grade (23-24): 10th
- School: Catalina Foothills High School
- Subgroup: Media/Art
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT initially because I was interested in the internship program. After I was accepted to be the 2024 Vice President of YHAT, I have learned a lot about leadership and how I can make a difference in my community.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I love music and play the piano, and I also love to read and write poetry. I volunteer at Teen Court as a teen attorney and serve as secretary for my local library's Teen Advisory Board.
Ian
- Current Grade (23-24): 10th
- School: Mountain View High School
- Subgroup: Website
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT to get more involved in my community and make a positive change in the world. Many of my friends and myself have had issues with mental health, and the work that the team is doing has the potential to help teens across Pima County.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: Outside of academics I am often outside. You might see me backpacking mountains, skiing slopes, cycling or running across Tucson, or swimming.
Joscelin
- Current Grade (23-24): 12th
- School: Salpointe Catholic High School
- Subgroup: Outreach
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT to help the community better
understand mental health issues and possibly create a foundation that can help future programs flourish. - Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I participate in dance, theater, and I love to do artsy stuff like crocheting and painting!! I'm really into Monster High and many other media along with music. I love goth and hyperpop music and my fav game right now is probably Papa's Scooperia (lvl 71 going strong💪)
Keertana
- Position: Secretary
- Current Grade (23-24): 10th
- School: University High School
- Subgroup: Website
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT for a chance to increase access to mental health resources and further destigmatize mental health among youth. I think it is important for youth voices to be heard and I learned about how much impact we can have on our community. I hope that this year's YHAT has built the basis for future years to be able to expand on.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: Outside of school, I love to read, listen to music, and play badminton! I also really love to make handmade DIY crafts! Right now, I am really interested in the biomedical field and hope to pursue a career in STEM.
Mallory
- Position: Secretary
- Current Grade (23-24): 10th
- School: University High School
- Subgroup: Website
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT for a chance to increase access to mental health resources and further destigmatize mental health among youth. I think it is important for youth voices to be heard and I learned about how much impact we can have on our community. I hope that this year's YHAT has built the basis for future years to be able to expand on.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: Outside of school, I love to read, listen to music, and play badminton! I also really love to make handmade DIY crafts! Right now, I am really interested in the biomedical field and hope to pursue a career in STEM.
Maritza
- Position: President
- Current Grade (23-24): 12th
- School: BASIS Tucson North
- Subgroup: Research
- Why did you join YHAT?: The Youth Health Action Team was an
opportunity I joined to bridge science, public health, and student activism, to improve the life of my peers and highlight to critical community leaders what spaces need more attention to truly support our physical and mental wellbeing. After serving my presidency term, I feel prepared to continue advising city boards, community leaders, and students on how to combine creativity, research, and teamwork, to improve our daily lives. - Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I work at the intersection of diversity, science communication, and environmentalism. I developed bilingual English-Spanish environmental lesson plans at the University of Arizona Women in Science and Engineering Project, studied plant species to effectively clean mine-pollution, authored my book "Soy Un Científico," and spoke to 2,000+ BIPOC youth K-8 across Southern Arizona on how to create science fair projects.
Nagasriya
- Current Grade (23-24): College Freshman
- School: University of Arizona
- Subgroup: Outreach
- Why did you join YHAT?: YHAT gave me the opportunity to advocate for my community in a hands-on way. I was able to orchestrate actionable change, talk directly to healthcare professionals and school administrators, and learn more about this crisis today. As such, I am excited to continue fighting for improved outcomes for youth mental health.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: Outside of school, I love to experiment with new painting techniques, improve my digital art, and both read and write contemporary poetry. When I'm not in my room, you'll find me trying new restaurants, testing coffee recommendations, and thrifting with friends.
Samira
- Current Grade (23-24): 10th
- School: University High School
- Subgroup: Media/Art
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT because I'm interested in the field of mental health and am passionate about educating myself and making a real impact in my community. Throughout this program, I have had the opportunity to work in a group with like-minded people and build connections among the YHAT community. I have also been acquainted with more opportunities and programs relating to mental health that I can participate in in the future.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I am a virtual volunteer for the Pima County Public Library. I am also an active member of the youth group at my mosque. Currently I am working on exploring my goals and interests, and YHAT has helped a lot with that. Outside of these, some of my hobbies include reading, painting, and spending time with my cat.
Sanjida
- Current Grade (23-24): 10th
- School: University High School
- Subgroup: Media/Art
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT because I'm interested in the field of mental health and am passionate about educating myself and making a real impact in my community. Throughout this program, I have had the opportunity to work in a group with like-minded people and build connections among the YHAT community. I have also been acquainted with more opportunities and programs relating to mental health that I can participate in in the future.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I am a virtual volunteer for the Pima County Public Library. I am also an active member of the youth group at my mosque. Currently I am working on exploring my goals and interests, and YHAT has helped a lot with that. Outside of these, some of my hobbies include reading, painting, and spending time with my cat.
Sophie
- Current Grade (23-24): 9th
- School: Salpointe Catholic High School
- Subgroup: Media/Art
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT because it is an amazing opportunity and I am very passionate about mental health and helping people.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I play golf at Salpointe and I swim competitively outside of school. I like making jewelry and reading.
Taylor
- Current Grade (23-24): College Freshman
- School: University of Arizona
- Subgroup: Outreach
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT to make a difference in Pima County through active outreach and advocacy efforts. As someone with personal ties to the growing crisis in youth mental health, I hope to spread awareness and uplift the youth in our community.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I love everything science, and hope to go into the field of clinical genetics! Pursuing research opportunities and exploring the field of molecular and cellular biology at the University of Arizona has been an incredible opportunity. In my free time, I love to write poetry, journal, hike, and go to Zumba classes!
Violet
- Current Grade (23-24): 12th
- School: Mountain View High School
- Subgroup: Research
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined in order to practice working in a community and was also intrigued by the potential project we'd later come up with for mental health.
- Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I'm a huge metal fan. Absolutely love bands like Korn, Slipknot, Rob Zombie, etc. I also love all things fantasy. Every year I try to go to the Ren Fair - dressed up and all.
Yana
- Current Grade (23-24): 12th
- School: Cholla High School
- Subgroup: Outreach
- Why did you join YHAT?: I joined YHAT because I thought it was
interesting and I wanted to make a positive impact on our community even if it was just a little bit. It has taught me a lot and I really enjoyed learning from my peers and sharing my thoughts on different topics. It has benefited me greatly by teaching me how to lead and help others who may be struggling with their lives and might use some help. I hope this program brings out more success to future YHAT members, and hopefully will continue this journey together, strong and positive. - Outside of the Youth Health Action Team: I really enjoy helping people and possibly teaching them things I know that they might not know. I also like to play basketball and write. I also have an interest in learning new things, skills, and techniques. It helps me develop as an adult and has more advantages in life.
Aleena
I’m Aleena with the Health Action Team, and I joined to be an advocate for other teens. My relationship with youth health is rocky. Unfortunately, my best friend committed suicide about two years ago. It really influenced me to join the program because I wanted to help prevent it for others. As a teen, I know it can be hard to reach out for help, especially since I always want to be independent and self-reliant. Hopefully, I can connect with teens similar to me and help them open up and get the help they need.
I am in 11th grade. When I graduate, I would like to go to college and earn a major in either Biotechnology or Marine Biology. After earning a degree, I want to commission into the Air Force. I hope to have tons of pets when I get a house of my own.
Outside of school, I do the Navy JROTC program and have a staff position as Bravo Company Senior Enlisted. I am the connection between enlisted personnel and higher-ranking officers. I am also the Biotechnology CTSO club president. The club helps teach the community about different scientific things and research recent scientific discoveries.
Alison
Hello, my name is Alison or Ali. I’m a senior in high school and a part of the Youth Health Action Team. In my junior year, I was in multiple programs like the Arizona Train Association, Ironwood Tree Experience, and City High’s Restorative Program. In all of these programs, I’ve done action projects for youth mental health. I’m currently running two projects teaching youth how to cope with mental health through environmental education. We go on hikes and work through all the ways that our Sonoran Desert can help with our mental health. My mentor Kristen, from Ironwood Tree Experience, pushed me to apply to this, knowing I was passionate about youth mental health. So I did.
I’ve spent years struggling with mental health myself, and eventually learned skills to cope. I’ve witnessed the intersectionality of mental health firsthand and I’ve seen how bias and stereotypes affect it. Every person has a different thing that helps pull them out of mental health struggles, whether they know what that thing is yet or not. Almost two years ago, I was in a place so dark that I didn’t think I could ever get out. That was until I found my passions: classics and environmentalism.
I found that my classics studies intersected with my environmental internships and the mix of the two taught me something very important. These things taught me to learn from stories. Folklore teaches lessons through stories filled with metaphors, and in some ways myths can be seen as folklore. It’s a great emotional skill to pull lessons from stories and to take it even further, use those lessons in your day to day life. That is my goal. I want people to learn from our stories.
Anna
Hi! My name is Anna and I’m a junior in high school. I love social activism, horseback riding, reading, poetry, photography, and environmentalism! Creating media projects, whether that be poetry, photography drawing or even painting in my free time. My future isn’t in art though. I want to become an incredibly successful real estate agent in San Francisco.
I want more than anything for people to remember me as a force of nature. My mother, doubling as my life-long role model and built-in best friend, is leaving the biggest shoes to fill, and I intend to outgrow them. If I could choose three words to describe me they’d be headstrong, compassionate, and loud! My typical day varies immensely by what day of the week it is. On Mondays, you can find me horseback riding or at school. On Tuesdays? I’m not even thinking about my horse in mock trial practice. Each day is a new adventure, and each problem is a new hill to climb.
I’m most proud of my accomplishments in my community. In 2021, I started my schools composting program. I was tired of seeing pounds and pounds of food go to waste when we could be using it in our garden! On top of that, I am president of our schools’ Girl Up! Club, Founder of our schools’ International Culture Club, and lover of all things leadership. Ask me to speak to 500 people? I’ll jump. Leading anyone, no matter how hard, is when I’m proudest (even when it’s stressful).
Youth health has been a part of my life since I can remember. At 11, I was diagnosed with depression and started therapy. And while to some that might seem sad, I’m happy I was able and willing to get the help I needed. Many people can’t. I call that a good situation!! Now, my life is about giving others tools in their emotional toolbox to help them get the help I needed, just like my mom did for me. I cannot wait to use media and the insight of my peers to create even more projects to help others the way I got help!
Atlas
My name is Atlas, I go by they/them and I’m 14 years old, and just started high school. In my free time I like to read, or draw, when I feel the motivation to. I like to research topics that interest me. For example, I’ve done research on attachment styles, as well as psychology. I like to write a lot. A good example of that is when a few months ago my English teacher asked us to write two paragraphs about the topic “what makes us who we are?” And, well, I got really excited because I knew a lot about this subject, so what was supposed to be a two paragraph essay turned into a five page essay. If you couldn’t tell, I’m a bit of an overachiever.
My relationship to youth health is primarily to my mental health providers. The psychiatrist I see has diagnosed me with borderline personality disorder (bpd) and the psychiatrist before that diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) and an eating disorder, as well as some psychiatrist that worked in the hospital that talked to me while I was in the icu diagnosed with me major depressive disorder (mdd) and generalized anxiety disorder (gad), and this was at the start of the pandemic, but with some help I’m doing better now.
A skill or talent that most people don’t know about is that, well, let’s say I watch this show a few months ago, I can quote some of my favorite lines even if I’ve only heard them once. I don’t necessarily have an eidetic memory, but when I read something, I can more than likely quote it word by word back to you if it’s interesting, and by interesting, I mean if it has an impact on me, or if it seems important. It comes in handy when I have to summarize a text and also quote something because I retain 98% of what I read, as well as being able to remember it word by word.
CJ
Hi! My name is CJ, and I am currently a sophomore in high school. In my free time, I like to hang out with my three guinea pigs, read science fiction books, and watch videos about Meow Wolf art exhibits. I joined the Health Action team to reconnect with art as a medium of self-expression, since my busy schedule has been keeping me from doing so for a while. I’ve recently been enjoying experimenting with creating collages and other multimedia art forms. I approach art by finding as many shiny, brightly colored, or funny-looking things as I can and then gluing them all together. Reading motivates me to create art and put my own spin on the ideas of authors that I like.
Estrella
Hi I’m Estrella Lucero, I’m 18 years old and I'm in my last year of high school. I joined the Health Action Team as a recommendation to share my photography skills. I enjoy sharing and teaching others about photography. I think it's an underrated form of art. It is such a beautiful thing to be able to take a place and hold it in that time forever. I think art is a great way to express how you feel. When my mother died it was one of the ways I expressed myself and not feel lost in my loss. Writing was one of the main ways I expressed myself. It's a wonderful feeling to write everything down for me, easier than talking about it to someone. Music is also a great form of art. Some of my favorite songs/articles are Korn, My Chemical Romance, Slipknot, Moose Blood and Lil peep. Music is always changing and growing. It's my favorite part of music. This year I plan on learning and sharing new skills and helping others learn how to express their feelings. If I knew from a younger age I could throw my feelings into some kind of art I would feel so much more free. I hope to help as many people as I can.
Frank
AP student by day (and night, I suppose), film enthusiast… also by day. I’m currently a Junior in high school, and am enthralled by photography, filmmaking, and various other hobbies that would take up a page or so. My photo and film interest was sparked by my current teacher, who also introduced me to the Health Action Team program, and has inspired me to create as much as I can to show my own thoughts and feelings in a relatable, viewable way. Even as these outlets are a great way for teens to speak their minds, it can be helpful to partake in other activities. As a part of trans youth, mental health is highly important to me. I would say a big portion of my life has been dedicated to youth health, as I struggled with my own mental health for a long while. I joined the Health Action Team to understand ways to get through these thoughts and help those around me, as well as myself.
Hannah
Hi, I’m Hannah! I’m a junior in high school, and I am passionate about social and political change. At school, I co-lead the Arizona chapter of Not My Generation, a gun violence prevention coalition. I am also the president of the UHS Dreamcatchers Club, which connects student volunteers with local hospices to grant patients’ last wishes. Outside of school, I am the copy editor of Hear Our Voices Magazine, a national youth-led literary magazine for Asian American youth. I am also a Youth Commissioner for Arizona’s Metropolitan Education Commission.
My goals for my high school career are to become involved in local legislative change: I am hoping to help pass a bill requiring Arizona K-12 schools to add Asian American history to their curricula. I am not sure what I want to do after school, but public policy is something that interests me! I believe that youth education is one of the most crucial aspects of social justice and public health. It is necessary that schools can effectively educate youth about real-world issues they may experience later in life. I am also invested in schools’ ability to keep students safe no matter what. We have seen nationally, that from pandemics to weapons, both elementary and high schools are not always equipped to handle threats to public safety. I hope to help change that within my lifetime!
When I’m not working, I love to travel. New York City is my favorite place right now! I also love playing the piano – one of my biggest accomplishments was my performance with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in 2017. I have an upcoming recital as a part of St. Philip’s Church Rising Stars Series on April 17th. Music has been a part of my life for over a decade, and it is one of the most important things in my life!
Jenna
Hello, my name is Jenna! I am a senior in high school who joined the Youth Action Team to both help others and myself through the things that I learn as well as the projects I will create. During my free time I enjoy reading, crocheting, and playing my violin. Next year, I plan to attend the University of Arizona and work towards a degree in Optical Engineering.
Though I spend much of my time doing schoolwork and the activities I listed previously, my favorite pastime is spending time with my friends. Almost every day we do something after school together. I laugh the hardest when I am with them. I also enjoy spending time with my family. Though different than hanging out with my friends (obviously), I am happiest when with my family. My dad always has these obscure movies and shows from his childhood that he shares with my brother and me. My mom hates them, meaning they’re all the more fun to watch. I am a very grateful person for all the warmth and laughter that surrounds me.
This team is a way for me to help myself and others recover from the mental challenges associated with the loneliness and despair of the past few years. Right now, I am not too sure how to help. But I will learn.
Juli
Hello! My name is Juli (she/her). I am a junior in high school. I enjoy reading, drawing and animals. I have won several medals for swimming. I am in the youth health action team since I have experienced mental health issues, making me, in my opinion, a very good candidate to talk about mental health, along with helping other teens/adults understand mental health better. I have many goals for myself, but at the moment I want to have a set career choice, so I could study it in college.
Keertana
Hi! My name is Keertana, and I am a freshman in high school. I have lived in Tucson for all of my life, and I love the winters here! In my free time, I enjoy reading books, drawing, listening to music, playing chess, and spending time with my friends and family. Outside of school, I love to get involved with my community. This year, I started writing for Bear Essential News as a teen reporter, and I love to volunteer with my family and spiritual community as well.
I am so glad that I joined the Health Action Team this year! I think it is really important for a teen outlook on mental health, and I have already met so many different, amazing people who care just as much about the mental health of our community. I am so excited to continue working with everyone on the team, and I hope this project makes some sort of difference in the community.
Maya
My name is Maya, and as a writer, author and overall creator, I am eager to participate in the Woods Library Health Action Team. I use many mediums of expression, anything from digital art to acting to poetry, and was featured in something lol. A goal I have is to encourage communal connections; establishing a support system between the community.
Mental health is an increasingly important topic in today’s age, and as an individual with anxiety, it is important to acknowledge and tackle these challenges. To lift others up, to band together.
Parker
My name is Parker, I am a 17-year-old Latino, as well as a senior in high school. I am a library page here at Woods Memorial Library, and a proud member of the Health Action Team. I love listening to music, and I have played in several mariachi groups in Tucson over the course of 10 years. I like to make films, but specifically directing them. I love using film as a way to bring awareness to whatever issues may arise, along with blazing a path for future filmmakers. However, what I enjoy the most is helping people help THEMSELVES.
Most of my hobbies are just that: hobbies. However, I occasionally do something right and gain an award or certificate. Whether it’s from film festivals or mariachi competitions, here are some of the cool things I’ve accomplished:
- I was script supervisor and assistant editor for an Emmy nominated student produced short film (2022)
- Placed 1st in the stop-motion category in the Southern Arizona High School film festival (2020)
- Placed 2nd in Tucson International Mariachi Conference Student Showcase with Mariachi los Changuitos Feos
- Placed 1st in Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference Showcase with THMS’ Mariachi Rayos del Sol (2019)
- Was the only freshman to be accepted into Mariachi Rayos del Sol (2019-2020)
With all these commitments comes a lot of stress, and a lot of imposter’s syndrome. My life had been chaotic running from gig to gig since I was 7, and in 2020 the stress began to pile up, and my mental health was quickly deteriorating. I felt I had no one to turn to, and that I was completely and utterly alone. I think it is important for young people to express how they feel, and let go. Being able to relax in a safe space is something a lot of people are missing in life, and the Health Action Team is the perfect environment to validate and uplift young people. In the future, I hope to attend NYU with a major in Film Production and a minor in Library/Information Sciences.
Rose
Hi, I’m Rose. I like to read fictional books, paint with my friends, play billiards, and go to the arcade. I loved the arcade so much that, in this past year, my parents and I created a tradition to win plushies from claw machines once a week, and we always leave with 3 plushies. I also play the violin and am involved in many orchestras, both in and out of school. Some of my accomplishments include having AP scholar awards, being a National Merit Semifinalist, being selected into the all-state orchestra, and more.
I’m interested in going into Pre-Med in college in hopes of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon, so I’ve revolved a lot of my activities into being health-related. I’ve attended the medical program at the National Student Leadership Conference in UCSD and interned at Syncardia Systems, an artificial heart manufacturing company. I’m also the president and chapter founder of my school’sHOSA (Health Occupations for Students of America) organization. Through these experiences, I’ve solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine.
My relationship with youth health is honestly new. Although physical health is a big priority to me, I’ve always overlooked my mental health. In many cultures, mental health is never given the attention it needs, and my brother and I were simply one of the many cases. This is why I joined the Health Action Team. I hope to explore beyond the superficial stigma placed on mental health and want to support the youths in Tucson.
Savanna
My name is Savanna and I am a junior in high school. I am on my school tennis team. During my free time I like to go on hikes, bake, and hang out with my friends. I create different kinds of art. Some of the art that I enjoy creating consists of making clay sculptures, drawing, cake decorating, painting, poetry, and doing crafts of all kind. A few of my accomplishments have been being able to improve vastly in school from when I was younger, learning how to cope with stress and pressure, and trying to put myself out there more in new social situations.
Travis
I am Travis Cooper (He/Him), and I am in 10th grade. I love video games, hiking, and computer science. My dream job is working at a game company as a software engineer.
I write constantly–fiction and nonfiction. “Planetary Extinction Club,” a teenage alien love story that I wrote last year, won a Gold Key in the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and was published in SandScript Magazine. I am also involved in STEM outreach, mountain lion protection advocacy, and literacy promotion.
My goal as a Health Action Team Youth Intern is to combat mental health challenges that affect teens in Pima County. I am particularly concerned about how the threats of school shootings and climate change impact teens.
This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.