Learning about the struggles of American boarding schools was described in the article, “And then I went to School” by Joe Suina, who states his experience and his life before going to school by the “whitemans.” When he was five years old, he explained what his life was like living with his grandmother, playing with kids in his village, and the gatherings that brought everyone together. He went to boarding school at the age of six and for him it was both confusing and a painful experience. He was overwhelmed by the remarks he’d get by his teacher, the kids. “Speaking it accidentally or otherwise was punishable by a dirty look or a whack with a ruler. (Suina 3)” It was hard learning the “whiteman” ways, and not being able to use his native language or be himself at the school. For him the English language and the new set of values both gave him much anxiety and embarrassment because he couldn’t comprehend what was happening or being said. He started to no longer be himself and began to feel ashamed of where he came from but then he started to longed for his family, his culture, and his freedom. 

“Different Impact of Emotional and Contextual Factors Associated with COVID-19 on Adolescent Mental Health,” by six authors, these authors discuss how COVID-19 affected adolescents the hardest. They used various methods like surveys and activities to gather the information they needed, with the research they found out that different types of emotions and variables can have a different impact on your mental health. In the article they stated, “Our results suggest that different types of emotions generated by the various contextual variables associated with COVID-19 may have a different impact on mental health. (Sanchez-Lopez 1)” It can also put the person at risk for their health in general and affect their future studies. 

Moreover, articles vary in the topic of mental health whether it’s history, methods, strategies, or evidence. This article “Population-Based Approaches to Mental Health: History, Strategies, and Evidence” by four authors states population-based approaches or ways to improve mental health. There are many ways that can cause mental health problems such as trauma, stress, families, work, or isolation, and with this it impacts the individual greatly. The authors stated how mental health in the person is often overlooked because doctors and other medical staff are more focused on other things and how everyone says things about mental health but don’t do anything. “There is also a need to better understand, and intervene on, the mental health consequences of harmful social media exposures and stressful online interactions (e.g., cyberbullying), especially among youth and adolescents (6). (Purtle 213)” Because mental health is overlooked, many young adults and kids are at risk from something that can badly affect them in the future. With this they stated why we need to better understand mental health and why it’s important. 

In Hardcastle’s talk on “Why students should have mental health days,” she states how hard her mental health had affected her but what had also helped her improve and better her health. Hardcastle and her mom made a deal which was officially made into a law, a law that can help many students with their mental health in Oregon. “So since mental health affects all of us, shouldn’t we be coming up with solutions that are accessible to all of us? (Hardcastle 1:54)” People talk about mental health but actually don’t do anything to help so that’s what she wants to do. Which is why they came up with the idea of House Bill 2191 which is a law that lets students take “mental health” days off.

Mental Health in adolescents has since been decreasing until the Public Education Department awarded funds to support mental health services. In Shaun Griswold article, “PED awards funds to support mental health services in public schools” he discussed how the Public Education Department picked three New Mexico school districts and awarded them millions to build resources to help support mental health for students. This is to support a five-year plan and in order to be qualified, the schools have to connect students with behavioral health specialists and provide improved access, as well as do routine check-ups and reach out to families about services. Receiving this funding will also help families as well as students themselves, “Children need these services. Families need these services. Communities need these services. (Griswold 2)” The more aware people are, the more aware they can be to help. Paying attention to mental health is a key component to education because it affects our performance.

Prioritizing your mental health is good for you because it allows you to see a better version of yourself. The article, “Planet Fitness invites teens to work out for free all summer long from May 15 - August 31” by Planet Fitness, Inc. discusses the importance of prioritizing your mental health and how their fitness can help you with it. On May 1, 2023, Planet Fitness announced the return of their High School Summer Pass program. This program invites high schoolers ages 14-19 to work out for free at any of their locations in the U.S. and in Canada from May 15 through August 31. “At Planet Fitness, it’s our continued mission as the leader in fitness to provide high school students free access to our more than 2,400 locations in the U.S. and Canada to start and stick with a health and fitness journey. (Planet Fitness, Inc. 4)” The summer pass program offers high schoolers a way to stay active during the summer months and prioritize their mental and physical wellness goals. The program had motivated 3.5 million high schoolers who completed 17 million workouts over a three and a half month period. Planet Fitness has also offered contests where 10 teens will receive $10,000 in academic scholarships. Planet Fitness had also commissioned a national study where 61 percent of teens face mental health struggles and 93 percent appreciate how fitness can positively impact their lives.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a national organization that helps youth reach their full potential. In the article, “Boys & Girls Clubs of America and NFL Tackle Youth Advocacy as Young Changemakers Set to Attend Super Bowl LIX” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America talks about how they partnered with the NFL to create special challenges to empower young people to develop advocacy skills in their community and experience the Super Bowl LIX. Throughout these challenges there were three young individuals who stood out for their dedication and determination and they are leading examples of what’s possible when clubs provide tools and resources that support community improvement and safety enhancements. “We are proud to support the next generation of changemakers, and sending these outstanding youth to experience Super Bowl LIX is just one way we can honor their hard work, commitment, and dedication to making the world a better place. (Boys & Girls Clubs of America 3)” The NFL has supported Boys & Girls Club of America’s effort to help those who think critically and who stand up for what’s right. There was also a survey that showed that more than 81 percent of young people believed that they too could also make a difference in their community.

Not only does the Boys & Girls Clubs of America teach us about our community and our health but also support communities in a time of crisis. “After the Storm: Clubs Support Communities Impacted by Hurricanes Helene & Milton” by Boys & Girls Clubs of America states how they helped communities affected by the hurricanes. In the southeast of 2024, communities there faced heavy destruction and displacement left by hurricanes of Helene and Milton. Although the Boys & Girls Clubs were also affected by the hurricanes, it never stopped them from providing essential support to those in need. After the storm, families faced shortages of food and water, power, cell and internet outages, and homes that were either damaged or destroyed. Some ways the Boys & Girls Clubs had helped these families was through providing them emergency shelters, distributing food and water, power, mental health support and educational programs. “Boys & Girls Clubs have a long history of supporting communities during good and bad times. Clubs are committed to providing access, opportunities and a safe place for young people to learn and grow. (Boys & Girls Clubs of America 4)” Not only were they helping the communities but also supporters from across the country were raising funds to help the Boys & Girls Clubs impacted by the hurricanes.