Active Minds is a movement, a community, and a testament to what can happen when individuals come together to prioritize mental health. As someone deeply connected to its mission, Active Minds is a part of my identity, my journey as an advocate, and my experiences as a student. Reflecting on the 21 years since Alison Malmon founded the organization, I am reminded of Active Minds’ continued mission: to change the conversation around mental health.
At a young age, I was faced with an experience that changed my life, and I had to grow up suddenly with no support system. It was a loss that left me searching for understanding and connection. Like many others, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of mental health challenges, let alone how to address them. I started my mental health journey in my freshman year of high school, creating a chapter of Active Minds during the isolating COVID-19 pandemic; it was my way of seeking answers and helping others who needed the same safe space.
Through this organization, I found my community and my calling. Active Minds’ emphasis on advocacy, change, action, and support helped me learn and pass that on to my community. It taught me that vulnerability is strength, that sharing one’s story can inspire change, and that advocacy isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about creating tangible, inclusive resources and support for those in need.
Advocacy became more than a hobby; it became intertwined with my identity. Whether organizing events to normalize conversations about mental health, collaborating with local leaders, or listening to my peers who felt unseen, my work with Active Minds gave me purpose. These efforts demonstrated that even small actions — a tabling event, a social media campaign, or a heartfelt discussion — could spark meaningful change. That, ultimately, the real power lies in how these stories resonate and inspire others. Sharing experiences creates a ripple effect of change by breaking down stigma, encouraging vulnerability, and fostering empathy. For me, Active Minds has shown me that we are never alone in our struggles.
Active Minds taught me the value of storytelling in advocacy. Sharing my lived experience became a way to normalize vulnerability and help others feel less isolated in their struggles. The organization empowered me to use my voice in spaces where silence is heard. Active Minds taught me that my voice holds value, serving as one of many important perspectives in the conversation. It showed me that we can create massive change when we come together.
Over the years, Active Minds has proven that young people have the power to lead cultural shifts. The hundreds of chapters across the country represent more than just groups of students. Instead, we symbolize a collective commitment to vulnerability, advocacy, and support — traits that will define our generation. For the past 5 years, I’ve worked with Active Minds in several capacities — Student Advisory Committee, Active Minds Student Ambassador, Your Voice is Your Power Campaign, Chapter President, Chapter Founder, Award Winner, and Panelist — and this is just the beginning, as we continue to work to change the conversation through sharing our experiences.
As we celebrate 21 years of Active Minds, I am deeply grateful for the organization’s role in my life and its broader impact. Active Minds continues to be a beacon of hope, showing us that mental health advocacy is not a fleeting trend but a movement. It embodies a legacy of resilience, compassion, and belief in the power of young people to change the world. I am proud to be part of this legacy and look forward to seeing how we at Active Minds will continue to change the world.
