*pictured on the left
Soriya has attended the Mt. Airy Club for the past 2 ½ years and will be graduating from high school in June! Looking toward the future, she is making a conscious choice to take a year off to prioritize her mental health and wellbeing before diving into the academic world. After that, she has been accepted to Metropolitan State University’s psychology program. Soriya was inspired to pursue a career in mental health after having many conversations with a Club staff member about mental health and the importance of loving yourself and others. She noticed that especially over the last few years, young people have been struggling with their mental health and seem less motivated to branch out and do things. Soriya wants to make a difference in her community by helping people find joy in life.
When asked about her message regarding mental health, Soriya emphasized the importance of seeking help without shame: “You shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help. We all need help, especially mentally because it’s not an easy thing. There are so many responsibilities, so many things that are put on us, and sometimes we don’t know where to let that out. Branch out of your comfort zone and talk to people. It’s okay if you’re shy and maybe you don’t know how to ask for help. But it’s always there.”
In a world where mental health issues are often stigmatized or overlooked, Soriya’s journey and message serve as a reminder of the power of vulnerability and community support. Her story inspires us to prioritize our mental wellbeing and reminds us that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
We are so proud of you, Soriya!
