“We challenge you to design an innovative approach for helping youth effectively navigate their mental health journey by creating a roadmap that will connect them to resources to support their wellness.” –Chris Bellamy & Michael Peterson & Prentice Powell, All Black Men Need Therapy

When the Mission Bay High School team first stepped into the February 2024 Aspen Challenge: San Diego, and selected their challenge in mental health, they didn’t yet know their future solution would evolve into what it is now. A year and a half later, seven of the eight original members are still together today, and focused on the same idea that inspired them from the beginning – making conversations about mental health more open, approachable, and relatable for young people. 

Their original idea, Mediums of Mental Health, centered on the idea that art can make tough topics feel a little less intimidating – topics like academic stress, or rejection – for example. Art speaks to everyone – all ages, genders, diversities – and there’s no right or wrong with creativity and expression. 

The team built their first interactive vision chalkboards at several schools, and held events geared toward a younger audience after listening to community input about the impact that could be made to build the foundation and address mental health at an impressionable age. The boards included a six-step “roadmap” for approaching mental health, surrounded by space for students to draw, write, and respond to simple reflection prompts. Prompts would guide the students with simple questions like, “What is one way you can help yourself get through the day? Like, one activity that you can do,” or “What is something that brings you joy?” It was a way to create and reflect on a reminder of something positive in people’s lives. The boards eventually became the signature blueprint for artistic expression for their project, and what they’ve continued to build on today. They tried other mediums as means for expression, too: origami, gratitude jars, and poetry. 

Today, the team continues to create new boards with two recent additions for schools, and two more schools on the way. They’re learning how to work through fundraising challenges, and in kind donations, and have been featured on a wellness-focused podcast and new interests and collaborations that have grown from their work.

When asked what advice they have for future Aspen Challenge participants, we had seven answers, a nod to the team’s collaborative efforts and making sure every voice is heard. 

Yemaya: “Play to your strengths…think about a legacy that can live after you, and have fun.” 

Dylan: “Start early and spread out the work between all members.”

Matilda: “Work toward your strengths and stay open-minded to others’ ideas.”

Tegan: Teamwork is key to finding your solution.”

Maddy: “Stay consistent, and let your results speak for themselves.”

Natalie: “Eight weeks is not a lot of time to plan. Create a schedule and stick to it.”

Iris: “Always find a place to make your voice heard.”

To learn more about Mediums of Mental Health, visit their website or follow along on Instagram.