My volunteering experience at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) changed my perspective on mental wellness in underrepresented groups and exposed me to theoverwhelming strength unleashed by diversity. I used to think it was complicated to raise awareness of mental wellness in minority groups because the stigma attached to it is so deep that even mentioning the words "mental health” is not allowed. Though supporting these groups is essential, I never know to what extent the target group could benefit from the aid. Consequently, I often questioned the feasibility of current measures to settle the root problem. My mind changed after I met various minority groups of people who had successfully recovered from traumatic experiences and stigma through systemic support.

Comfort Dondo, a 2022 Bush Fellow who suffered from forced migration and trauma, shared her sufferings back in Zimbabwe and her healing process through Bush Grant after she migrated to the US. Though still heartbreaking to recall the traumatic experience, Comfort was incredibly brave to guide people through similar hardships. Her journey of realization, healing, and helping gave me glittering hope in curing the underserved community. And this hope was augmented by the power of diversity that deeply touched me during the activity NAMIWalks, a fundraising event. While encouraging and congratulating more than 2500 participants at the start and finish lines, I met people with different colors of skin, white, yellow, and black; diversified health conditions, some in wheelchairs, some needing the help of a walking aid; various ages, the eldest were 70-80, and the youngest were carried in a baby carriage.

What struck me the most was that people might join this event for different reasons: some had mental conditions themselves, some were here to support their friends or families that suffered from mental health illness, some simply cared about mental health systems, they showed the same kind of determination and willpower to work for the same purpose: advocating for mutual support and mental health. The collaboration among different communities inspires me so much that I believe we will gain more power once we welcome various communities to our unified mission. My deepened understanding of assisting marginalized groups and insights into diversity from my volunteer experience at NAMI has motivated me to become more inclusive and passionate about making practical changes. I believe my appreciation for inclusiveness will benefit me in thriving in diverse communities in the future.