Meet Bin-Quinten, Be Strong’s May 2024 Student of the Month from Greensboro, North Carolina!
Bin-Quinten is a compassionate young leader, who embodies the values that Be Strong aims to develop in its student volunteers. He has become a beacon of positivity and support within his community.
“I joined Be Strong to make my community a better place and to encourage people to be their authentic selves,” Bin-Quinten explained. “I find joy in making others feel safe, supported, and secure.”
Bin-Quinten has always strived to understand the world around him. His willingness to learn from others has fostered a profound sense of empathy, which he channels into his unwavering desire to be there for those in need.
“Having gone through tough times myself, I was fortunate to have had people who were there for me, and I am grateful for their support. This inspired me to make it a personal goal to be there for those who don’t have anyone to turn to,” Bin-Quinten said. “Ultimately, I joined Be Strong to be a helping hand, a safe haven for anyone in need, and to make the world a better place.”
Through Bin-Quinten’s work with Be Strong, he’s found a platform to amplify his message of inclusivity, compassion, and community.
“I see my peers being excluded and neglected for things they can’t control. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to make a positive impact.” Bin-Quinten elaborated, “by promoting inclusivity and acceptance, I hope to create a more supportive and welcoming environment for everyone.”
Bin-Quinten has been described by some of the people closest to him as an introvert, but even in such a noisy world, he understands the power of silence – for better or worse. He recognizes how important is to use his voice for important causes. He is particularly passionate about addressing the alarming rates of suicide and social isolation among his peers and is determined to be part of the solution.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for students between 10 and 17. Social isolation is another big deal for those age groups. Sometimes people my age feel like if they talk to an adult they might get in trouble or be misunderstood,” Bin-Quinten said.
His empathy allows him to understand the pain that so many young people face, and he is committed to creating a more supportive and understanding environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Through his work with Be Strong, Bin-Quinten aims to challenge others’ views surrounding mental health and to encourage his peers to seek the support they need.
Bin-Quinten’s vision for a better world is rooted in his belief that kindness and compassion can have a profound impact. He has created a close-knit group everyone can feel safe to be their authentic selves. This sense of trust and openness has created a welcoming environment where anyone can join in and feel included.
As he continues to lead by example, Bin-Quinten inspires others with his unwavering commitment to making a positive difference. He serves as a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and the transformative impact that one person can have on their community.
To learn more about Be Strong’s free programs, email getstarted@bestrong.org. To nominate a student to lead change with Be Strong’s innovative student volunteer program, visit nominate.bestrong.global today.