Mental health is an important component of a person's overall well-being, yet it often goes overlooked. This is especially true during a student's middle school career. During this time, students face intense feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and insecurity. Oftentimes, these feelings are not addressed, causing students to remain hopeless and alone. The Empowering Me, Empowers You program takes on this challenge to address these feelings and help middle school students overcome challenges while gaining a high school mentor. This past year, three EAST seniors worked together to create this program because they understand the importance of addressing mental health with middle school students and the value of peer mentors. The program itself involves EAST students meeting once a month with our 5th through 8th-grade students. Each meeting includes a discussion of a relevant problem that middle school students face, a corresponding activity relating to the problem discussed, and a question-and-answer segment. Some topics include purpose, bullying, relationships, friendships, stereotypes, goals, and so much more! Students are divided by males and females, and each group is taught by leaders of the respective male or female group. We decided to separate into males and females for two major reasons: Each group approaches and handles problems differently, and each faces different problems that the other doesn't experience. EAST students used Canva to create slideshow presentations and Google Forms to create surveys to track progress.
Critical Thinking - We researched statistics on problems that middle schoolers face, how different groups of students approach problems, what major problems students face, and how to overcome them.
Advanced - We use Google Forms to survey middle school students who are part of the program for feedback on how to improve, and if our presentations address and help fix major problems for students.
Relevant - This project addresses real issues, speaks and advises students on relevant topics, and is peer-led, meaning students are more likely to take the given advice.
Teamwork - Student leaders in this program often collaborate on ideas to improve their meetings, work closely with middle school teachers to plan meetings during appropriate times, collaborate with the school counselor to help arrange meetings, and are currently working with next year's leaders to advise them on how to continue the program.
This project is unique as it uses peer mentors to advise younger students on how to navigate critical issues and improve their futures. This project is all about self-acceptance, positivity, and encouragement to help students realize their value and accomplish their dreams.
Our main community partner is our school counselor, Ms. Carlton, as she helps us arrange times to present to the students. She has been an amazing help in allowing this program to run smoothly.
This project has been active for one year and will continue for years to come.
We have received positive feedback from middle school students, teachers, administrators, and community members about our project, and all agree that this program should be continued.
In conclusion, this project is a simple, fun way to address mental health concerns in schools. It is interactive with discussions and activities, promotes relationship-building between peers and with student leaders, and encourages students to be the best version of themselves while accepting who they are.