Meet Heaven, Be Strong’s July 2024 Student of the Month!
Heaven, a rising sophomore from Haslett, Michigan, is a shining example of what it means to be a Be Strong Student Representative. She joined the program two and a half years ago, when she was only in seventh grade and dealing with social anxiety, reacclimating to in-person school, and the natural struggles of socializing as a preteen.
“I applied to Be Strong because I have always been the person to stand up for the people around me and love to see people happy,” explained Heaven. “Now that I’m entering 10th grade, I want to help others overcome social anxiety caused by unhealthy competition, unnecessary self-comparison, and to provide a place to have fun and be praised for being their authentic selves.”
“The change I want to see in the emotional/mental health space is the importance of developing the confidence to be more vulnerable, awareness of the spectrum of emotional/mental health, and how to overcome the stigma and support others.” – Heaven
Heaven launched and oversees a public teen club, leveraging Be Strong’s principles and support. She and her group focus on building a strong community where teens feel encouraged and safe to share without the fear of judgement and can enjoy being teenagers while learning about mental and emotional health and interpersonal skills. They’ve created a forgiving environment, where they can make mistakes and learn accountability, in a fun and supportive space.
Heaven’s journey with the program has been transformative. She shared, “My group has been fun, and I’ve experienced a lot of growth. I have had to practice vulnerability and overcome rejection, and that gave me the opportunity to deepen my appreciation for living in the moment. I’ve faced the challenge of getting over my social anxiety about inviting teens to my hangouts, and it improved my confidence. Now I feel less anxious about approaching new people.”
While her growth hasn’t always been easy, Heaven has embraced the challenges and found both joy and new friends along the way. Her positivity and determination to make a difference have inspired those around her, solidifying her well-deserved recognition as Be Strong’s July 2024 Student of the Month.
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.
