Photo: The Natomas Buzz
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Students from Inderkum High School have painted the interactive, Authors of Our Own Destiny sculpture on Del Paso Road to recognize Mental Health Awareness Week.
Students plan to put green ribbons all over the Natomas-area high school campus tomorrow, Oct. 7, as part of their own pledge to promote mental health awareness and to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
The effort is being led by International Baccalaureate candidate and Inderkum senior Joshua Hoong.
“The best part about senior project is being able to do what you’re passionate about and get credit for it,” Hoong said. “I chose mental health because my family has been impacted by this. It shouldn’t be a shameful thing, you can get help.”
Added Hoong, “I am grateful for my friends who helped me paint the book this week, recognizing mental health awareness. My friends and I are planning to cover Inderkum with green ribbons as our pledge to promote mental health. I look forward to doing much more, thanks to my internship and support at Dr. Pan’s office.”
Each Mind Matters is California’s Mental Health Movement meant to bring attention to those who want to end the stigma associated with mental illness and create a community where everyone feels comfortable to seek support when needed.
“It’s a sensitive topic most don’t want to talk about but it’s so important and witnessing a student led effort is just so amazing,” Hoong’s mother Anna Vue said.
Authors of Our Own Destiny can be painted on by anyone, at anytime, no reservations or approval required before hand. Check out more previous paintings here.
Photo courtesy of Anna Vue
So proud of these teens spearheading such an important message.
—those who want to end the stigma associated with mental illness …
Actually, they have learned to attach it. The task is for them to stop doing so.