“In college, I found myself enveloped in huge heaps of inspiration, followed by sustained bouts of crippling anxiety and depression, and repeat. I think this was largely a circumstance of being a first-gen at Harvard. I believe this was a natural consequence of searching for subjective certainty in an inherently uncertain and precarious world. I know that this is the tribulation that countless young people of color face in trying to both survive in and heal a nation suffering from the scars of white supremacy.

In having an experience filled with so many breathtaking highs, sobering realizations, penetrating disappointments, refined dreams, and sobering realities, I fell in and out of love with Harvard a thousand times over. Like Icarus, I raced towards the sun, and if it weren’t for what I truly believe was divine intervention, my ascension would have ended Junior Fall. In order to avoid perishing from my internal fire of shame, guilt, and self-loathing, I also drowned myself within an external ocean of alcohol, unfettered masculinity and hedonism, and prescription medication.

I fell down to Earth, and the landing was cataclysmic. God saved me. I don’t necessarily mean God in the religious sense. I mean the God that is found in the gym. The God that is found in gratitude, meditation, and sustained contemplation. The God that is found in long hugs and honest tears. The God that is found in good music and dope podcasts. The God that is found in true vulnerability and the disintegration of the Ego. I came to appreciate my tragedy as the mathematical complement to my joy, and together, they formed the beauty of my human experience.

I think every single human being deserves to live this lucidly, and I think with the crucial ingredient of community and love, we can make it through together.” – Justin Porter; Justice Fellow @ Equal Justice Initiative & Harvard Alum.

“In my adolescence, I had frequent struggles with anxiety. I would unfairly compare these bouts, however, to my elders’ history of resilience during adverse times, which made my personal challenges seem like mere inconveniences. Consequently, I kept my personal struggles to myself because I did not want to appear vulnerable - I incorrectly assumed this was a sign of weakness.

Not addressing my mental health, however, impeded my performance and further degraded my mental state. This put me in a dangerous feedback loop. In response, I sought counsel of close friends and mental health specialists, which was instrumental in improving my well-being. In turn, this has allowed me to excel in various parts of my life and secure many of my accomplishments to date.

People are always busy and working through their own unique issues, but closing yourself off prevents folks from even having the chance to guide you to recovery. In this way, vulnerability can open the doors to success.

If you're going through something, speak up. We're here to listen.”

-Divya Singh; Solar Project Finance @ Cypress Creek, Clean Energy Leadership Institute Fellow & Columbia Alum.

“I am resilient. I debunk the narrative within mass media that relentlessly identifies the Muslim community as a global threat. As a Muslim-American in today’s society, it feels as if adhering to my religion and my religious practices is as challenging as holding a hot coal. I feel this way because of the false portrayal of Muslims like myself, who are then confronted with stigmas that make us seem like strangers in western society.

During my high school years, I used my racial ambiguity to my advantage. I lied to all of my friends about my background simply because I was fearful of being called a terrorist. This internal tension caused me great anxiety. I didn’t know what to do or who to go to.

Thankfully, close and sincere friends who were profound in their conceptions, accurate in intuition and prepared with good counsel, supported me as I reformed myself. I finally realized that it is never “wrong” to be unique. I began to more deeply appreciate my Muslim identity because it is beautiful and loving and community-centered. I began to search for the way, which would truly enable me to dispel this anxiety. I found solace in close friends and in my religious and spiritual practices. There is always hope. Remember, you are not alone.”

-Mazen Ali; Community Health at UCSD, SDSU Alum & Philanthropist in the Making.

“As a Mexicano growing up in US America, my self-concept of masculinity was shaped by machismo and violent action movies.

I was under the impression that to be respected, I had to be tough, aggressive, and insensitive. This mentality took me down a path of mental toxicity and self-destructive tendencies. I lost myself in depression and substance abuse. Fortunately, I found a way “home” in the form of mental health practices including counseling and mindfulness. These practices allowed me to become vulnerable and conscious of how my actions affected others and myself.

Today, I recognize that masculine energy is essential - but not always necessary - to my identity as a cisgender male. Further, I am more invested in a natural balance of life and am hoping to transcend the framework of masculinity that society tries to create. Most importantly, I strive to provide and protect my family, friends, and community- they are the ones I love and they are the ones who make me smile. Remember, you are in control of your emotions and your path forward. On that path, always choose Love.”

-Jay Villafuerte; First Gen Chicano, PLNU Alum & Masters in School Counseling Candidate @ SDSU.

“‘Don’t cry. This world has no patience for the tears of black men.’ My father’s words seemed harsh to my seven year old Self but even then, I knew he spoke with Love and was only trying to protect me.

My father teaches me persistence and to bask in the simplest of life’s pleasures. We often show contrasting views but my pops shares a lens of ambivalence with me. This idea that ‘not everything is black and white’ is what resonates most with me when I think about our chats on masculinity, morality and health.

For example, a lot of friends find it unusual when I say I’m into house plants and cooking where as other hobbies like mountaineering and motorcycle road trips draw less of a surprise. I am thankful my mother's teachings always revolved around balance. She made it clear that both joys and sorrows should be given equal recognition. I don’t think we should restrict ourselves to siloed lifestyles or anyone’s expectations because of race, sex, or any other identifier."

-Ezra Kebrab; Road Trip Enthusiast, Plant Nurturer, & First Gen Ethiopian Columbia Alum.

“Growing up, I was really lucky because I never had to worry about a roof over my head or food on the table. But I also grew up feeling like I wasn't wanted. That I didn't matter. That I took up too much space.

I think one of the greatest injustices in America is that we don't provide a way for people to process what they're going through. And sometimes, we just need to give someone permission to acknowledge that they're not okay. I first went to therapy after my parents got divorced when I was 9. I started again when I went to college because I made an active choice to start taking care of my mental health. I've been going on and off for the past 10 years and I plan on continuing for as long as I can.

Looking back, I think I worked really hard to prove that I was worth something. I was an Asian American growing up in San Antonio, Texas, and there weren't a lot of people around that looked like me. So, I tried to live up to stereotypes that I mistook as expectations.

I used to think I was working hard so that I could be happy "one day." But now I realize that I'm happy a lot of times throughout the day. So instead, I'm focused on building truly meaningful relationships, taking care of myself and others, and living my life in a way where I can be more fulfilled. The scariest part is that I think it's working.”

-Brendan Chan; Former Teacher, Current Googler, and proud University of Texas Alum.

When I was a kid, I thought seeing police cars and helicopters flying around almost everyday was cool- until I learned the real reason. People around me were beating and killing each other in the street just for looking at the other person "wrong." Growing up in my neighborhood, you believe and do what your neighborhood friends tell you without knowing the consequences; You learn to ignore the traumas of hyper-violence; And no matter what, you do not show weakness.

Today, what resources are available for young men who grow up around violence? Where do we find outlets for years and years of pain and psychological trauma? There are many challenges and barely enough opportunities for people who grow up with nearly nothing. The biggest challenge is knowing how to open up and express your True and vulnerable self, especially if you had to have your guard up your entire life. That’s been my biggest challenge thus far but I’m working on it.

I know there is still violence in the streets but I hope we can build resources so that our community can thrive and discover the opportunity to live a full life. And it all begins with true connection and community support from those around you. Being able to say that I am a San Diego State University graduate is a great honor, but the greatest feeling for me was making my mother, my brother and my community proud when I walked across the stage with my college diploma.

-George Sánchez; City Heights Native & First Gen Latinx College Grad.

“My parents came to this country with almost nothing in their pockets in search of better opportunity for me and my siblings. For the longest time, I only knew how to say "thank you" through academic achievement or financial success. Their sacrifice was my inheritance and anything less than extraordinary would seem to squander it. This self-imposed expectation of achievement created unnecessary pressure and an unhealthy relationship with failure. It took serious introspection, an open conversation on values, and recognition of the unconditional love from family and friends that allowed me to live vulnerably and build a stronger relationship with my parents and everyone else around me.

Many of us first generation Americans have similar stories: we have the privilege of being raised by hard-working, self-sacrificing parents who prioritized education above all else. But call it a generational gap, a cultural barrier, or the pressures of expectation that come in tandem with said privilege, we struggle with being honest and vulnerable to our own families, let alone our peers or strangers. As a result, many of us grapple with mental health issues silently and alone.

Due to cultural values, Asian Americans are often reluctant to seek professional help. As a man of color, I want to de-stigmatize conversations surrounding mental health particularly among Asian Americans and people of color who are not aware of the resources available. We discuss physical health openly: "I'm feeling under the weather today", "Bruh, you look great. What new workout are you doing?", "Hey, let's consult a physician/dietitian/personal trainer"—why can't we with mental health? Vulnerability is not synonymous with weakness and discussing mental health should not be taboo.

Speak up, listen, smile, and love generously. You are never alone.”

-Josh Zhang; Detroit native, fast food connoisseur, and aspiring Power Ranger.

“Unfortunately, we are living in a society where rates of depression, anxiety, and mental illness are at an all-time high. Today, it may feel that it is more important to “have” than to “be.” Today, I see people as disconnected from their inner selves as I once was when I was personally challenged by anxiety and depression. Thankfully, I have learned that healing is possible if you make the investment in your Self and take healthy steps towards mental wellness.

From my personal experience, I would love to share some thoughts on how to live a more full life with a healthy mind and healthy spirit. First, be brave to recognize that something is not going well and talk to someone- speak up and embrace vulnerability by recognizing if you are not ‘okay.’ Once you embrace it, you will see that new opportunities arise such as knowing your Self better and deeper. Second, I truly believe that gratitude is magical. Express gratitude with what you have in front of you (life, friends, partners, work, leisure activities, a nice warm day, a hot cup of your favorite coffee, etc). Focus more on what you have rather than the things you do not have. Third, be in touch with nature. Take time to go for a walk, to breathe, to meditate and find a daily moment of peace for you. Go out for a run or play soccer or do something you Love. And last but not least, be careful and selective from whom you nourish your ideas and thoughts. Have a good group of friends with whom you can talk of deeper situations. Form friendships where you can truly be yourself with people that inspire you to become a better version of YOU. You will discover that you are not alone in this journey. At the end of the day, we can not change the wind, but we can sure adjust the sails.”

-Alejandro De Santiago; Industrial Engineer, Internationally recognized Business Executive and Educator, & Native of Guadalajara, Mexico. #HiveGlobalLeaders #HiveFamily

“When my grandmother passed away, I went through a range of emotions. I didn’t know how to categorize them.

My grandmother was the person who first introduced me to U.S. American holidays and supported me in pursuing higher education. When she passed, I didn’t know how to deal with it. I was lost. I started searching for avenues to cope with this internal emptiness.

Even after I started running more, writing in my journal, and reflecting on the situation, I still wasn’t getting better. Only after a much deeper reflection, I was able to come to terms with what was going on - I was dealing with depression.

After I was able to fully recognize my depression, I could finally find productive ways to intentionally rebuild myself. Without having these internal dialogues and sharing some of my feelings with the people closest to me, I’m unsure where I would be today.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I would ask that you find healthy ways to respond to these emotions. But more importantly, tell the people around you what you’re going through and feeling. They will be the vehicle that you use to feel at peace with yourself.”

-Walter Rodriguez; Legal Operations @ Google, First Gen Berkeley Alum, & Proud Honduran.

"After issues of depression, anxiety and suicide started becoming common in my personal circle, it became hard to ignore the epidemic of mental illness, my own included. The stigma around mental health made this hard enough, but as a Muslim-American, it was especially hard to come to terms with it. When faith alone is believed to be a panacea for mental distress, the space to discuss other valid coping mechanisms was just not there.

With the daily vilifying of Muslims that this current administration has only amplified, the impact on our mental health cannot be understated. Spirituality definitely has its place and has helped me tremendously but leaning on our community is more important now than ever before. Whether it's bans, false media narratives, or even experiences of microaggressions or overt bigotry, the effects on our minds are like droplets of water, keeping our internal reservoir unsettled.

Muslim or not, with 1 in 5 U.S. Americans experiencing mental illness, no one should have to do this alone. As someone of South Asian descent, these conversations are sorely lacking in communities of color.

It's only through introspection of my mental health that I've been able to be a better support to others. I've learned that I need to be vulnerable and recognize where I am on this journey in order to extend the same empathy to those around me. Let us create space between and for one another to be honest about what we're struggling with."

-Hamza Syed; Muslim Pakistani-American, BU alum, bibliophile.

"As the first person in my family to attend college, I always felt this pressure to be a role model. During my depression, I felt like I couldn’t really speak to anyone about what was going on. I was embarrassed and disappointed in myself. I felt like I let all of my mentors and family members down— after all, they were the ones who paved this path for me.

After I realized that I wasn’t alone on this journey and that there were many resources available to get support, I am now doing much better. I’ve started meditating and going to regular counseling sessions, which have been an amazing and positive experience for my recovery.

Forcing myself to be vulnerable has not been easy but it has allowed me to try new things to manage this taboo. I am now doing much better and I encourage you to take a moment to authentically connect with the people around you; they might feel similar to how you feel. Always ask people how they are doing and mean it. I promise it can make a difference in their lives."

-Adrian Rodriguez; Googler in SF, Bowdoin Alum, & Bachata Lover.

“As an LGBT person of color, I’m hoping to catalyze candid conversations about mental health. I never thought I would have to face my own mental health challenges, but sometimes life is unpredictable in the curve balls it pitches. Thanks to the support of family and countless friends, I feel more empowered to weather the tough storms as they form on the horizon. Moreover, I’m always here to help others find their sunshine amidst the rains.”

-Evan Covington; lover of: languages, laughter, and green tea.

“I’m a son to a resilient mother and a brother to 4 strong sisters. I'm a friend to many who have been high on life and low in sorrow. At last, I'm a man who wants to de-stigmatize talking about mental health because I also went through it and I'm stronger today because of that challenge.” -Arian Razzaghi; Product at Facebook, Social Entrepreneur & Harvard Alum.