A new student-led organization at West Chicago Community High School, Mind over Matter, aims to support classmates who struggle with mental health by providing resources and creating safe spaces in the community.
Members of the organization say they understand what it feels like to face mental health challenges. The idea began with junior Ruby Guerrero a year ago, and with the help of fellow students junior Allison Montalvo, and juniors Jayden Morales, and Jahnett Cholula, as well as a couple of other members, Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.) has now grown into an organized effort.
“Our main goal is to have teenagers and students look to us for help, and we’re able to give them that help back and allow them to reach out and make it easy for them. Make it a safe space to talk about things that you may not be comfortable talking about to an adult. That’s why we’re by teenagers. For teenagers.” Co-Director Montalvo said.
The organization’s leaders say they want to connect with people who are in need of extra support, and ensure no one feels discouraged from asking for help. All members emphasized that they believe there is always someone to talk to, no matter what the members schedule is. Their goal is not to replace professional resources, but to offer peer-level understanding and encouragement as well as resources for further professional help.
“We wanna get involved in community events – things like Food Fest – any sort of event where we can go out into town, help out, and participate in our community and show that not just at our school, but all kids around town matter,” Morales said.
Mind Over Matter members often meet on weekends in local coffee shops or small businesses to plan.
“Mental health can be invisible,” Morales said. “It can run in the family, and it might be hard for people to control it.”
Cholula added that a big part of mental health is reflection. She encouraged students to step back, look at the big picture, and remember to give themselves breaks.
“Also, just besides connecting people, reminding them to take a break, and not to overlook themselves, because I feel that also, with your mental health, it’s gonna take a big toll on you with stress and, a lot of people get anxious, myself included, and I think it’s a reminder to take breaks, it’s okay,” Cholula, Social Media Director said.
M.O.M, intended to be a non-profit at first, has opened its gates to a new path at West Chicago Community High School. With their presence at the high school, they are a volunteer club where ideas for fundraisers and events are planned, and students are encouraged to join and support. The club is sponsored by AP Language and Composition and English Honors two teacher, Jenn Ward.
The club intends to meet twice a month on Thursdays for now, but intends to make it a weekly thing later in the year.
