As part of the larger “i didn't ASK” project focused on AANHPI mental health and barriers to asking for help, an in-person mural event was held at Canyon Crest Academy to create a space for reflection, storytelling, and community conversation. 

Students were invited to anonymously respond to the prompt: “I didn’t ask for help because…” 

Using paint markers, students wrote their responses on individual wooden tiles, with each tile representing a personal experience, thought, or feeling that is often left unspoken. While every response was different, many reflected similar themes of pressure, fear of burdening others, emotional isolation, and feeling the need to stay strong. 

The event also incorporated Vietnamese culture through the sharing of chè ba màu, a traditional Vietnamese dessert. Over 70 cups were distributed during the event as a way to create comfort, connection, and cultural representation within the space. 

A total of 120 student responses were collected and woven together with twine into a collective mural installation forming the word “ASK.” The design was intentionally created to draw students in and encourage them to stop, read the responses, and reflect on the shared experiences surrounding mental health and help-seeking. 

The mural is now permanently displayed in the Canyon Crest Academy Student Services Office, where students can continue engaging with the installation and its message over time. This project hopes to encourage more openness around mental health within the AANHPI community and remind students that experiences often carried silently are often more shared than they may realize.