Meet Ayana, Be Strong’s November 2024 National Student of the Month!
Ayana is deeply passionate about helping her fellow students in Scottsdale, Arizona. She recognizes that she is a highly empathetic, good listener, and always encourages the people around her to talk about what they’re feeling, to help them better understand their emotions and know that they aren’t facing it alone.
Over the last couple years, she’s witnessed an increase in mental and relational challenges, and felt that fewer students feel comfortable asking for help.
“I feel that there is still a big stigma surrounding mental health and this leads students to feel uncomfortable or alone when facing struggles. I think a change we need is that it needs to be spoken about more, and we need to shed more light on the normality of this struggle,” said Ayana. “Students are looking for support but feel judged constantly.”
Ayana loves interacting with people, choosing to focus on creating authentic connections full of love and kindness.
“Many students are struggling with maintaining healthy connections,” Ayana explained. “I had a friend who struggled with suicidal ideation, and I saw how much it affected her and her family. While our friend group tried to support her, we needed more education in this area.”
Looking to sharpen her conflict resolution skills and learn how to better support her peers’ mental and emotional health, Ayana became a Be Strong Student Representative in January of 2024. Since then, she’s recruited her friends and others to build a 37-member peer impact club at her school to strengthen others.
“I feel that many students fear they will be judged and are looking for a safe space and support among their peers,” Ayana shared. “I also feel that my peer group can do a lot of good helping others. I have really enjoyed being able to discuss hard topics as a group. Despite being a fairly new club, my members feel comfortable enough to share, and I can’t wait to see everything we accomplish.”
In addition to leading her group in conversation and volunteerism, Ayana has also made sure they know about the one-touch immediate support in the Be Strong App. “I have encouraged the people around me to download the app, and I’ve talked about the resources on there,” Ayana said. “This allows them to know that whenever they need help, they have quick and easy access to helplines.”
She enthusiastically shared the joy she’s found in new relationships since joining Be Strong. “My favorite part of being a Rep is the community that it has brought me,” she explained. “Be Strong’s encouragement for me to create a peer group has allowed me to connect with many students and to foster a sense of safety, communication, and connection that I don’t think I would’ve gotten.”
Ayana also wanted to address Be Strong’s donors and partners who make all of this possible, offering, “Thank you so much for your generosity and commitment to empowering young people. Your support allows us to help those who need it most and allows us to encourage others to do the same. Thanks to you, students like me gain the tools, confidence, and community they need to rise above challenges and create positive change. Your kindness makes a lasting impact, and we’re so grateful for your belief in this mission. Thank you for making a difference!”
To learn more about Be Strong’s free programs, email getstarted@bestrong.org.
If you’re interested in joining the cause and supporting students like Ayana, click here to donate.
To nominate a student to lead change with Be Strong’s innovative student volunteer program, visit nominate.bestrong.global today.
