Heart2Heart
I chose the word “connection” because of how important socialization and connection with peers is to youth, especially those struggling with mental health issues (or even those who have struggled in the past).
jrowe
Peace in Golden Grain
In February 2025, a Russian drone strike hit the protective dome covering the original sarcophagus over the reactor site of Chernobyl. With the upcoming rainy season, radioactive particles could escape and further infect the environment (and potentially, human life). I wish for peace between Russia and Ukraine. I wish for the shell to be repaired before it can cause lasting problems for our health and ecosystems.
Connection: What Does It Look Like?
“We are all Connected. Family. Friends. Coworkers. Peers. From the moment you came into being and up to where you are today, These people have been a part of your life. From your happiest days to your lowest, from all walks of life, and from different generations, they have seen what you have been through. Sadness, Anger, Happiness, feeling Alone, feeling Hurt, feeling Stressed; They have been through it all as well. If you feel as though no one understands you, Just know that there is someone out there that does. Someone who knows exactly what you’re feeling, someone who knows how to make your day just a little brighter, and someone who can be a shoulder to cry on. That’s what Connection is for. Take a moment today to find that someone, because they may just be right next to you. What does Connection mean to you?”
-Sergio F.
Support is Everything
To me, support is the most important part of improving your mental health. Whether it’s emotional, physical, financial, or any other form of support, it’s all someone needs. Support can come from anyone – you, your parents, family, friends, teachers, counselors, managers, or anyone. I’ve received a massive amount of support from my parents, family, and friends, and it has truly changed my mental health for the better. I want to share my support with others so that they know they aren’t alone and can be and do whatever they want.
Compassion
Edgar, our producer of this film chose the word compassion for his video. In his video he shares about being compassionate towards others and yourself.
Sierra Native Alliance Youth – Making Connections
This video was created for ads in the movie theaters in our county to promote the Never A Bother campaign. The focus of the video is on the importance of making connections with the relatives in our lives.
Seen
I chose the word “seen” because sometimes people feel invisible or unheard, like they don’t have anyone to talk to. True friendship doesn’t always come right away – you often have to wait patiently. That was my experience in elementary school, where I felt alone and mostly turned to screens for comfort. But when I started middle school, everything changed; I made real friends who cared, listened, and truly saw me.
Let Go
I know how it feels to be in hopeless situation where letting go is scarier than the abuse you endure by staying. Sometimes, your anchors aren’t enough to keep you steady, not when someone in your life seems to think they can tell you how much you’re worth. I think there’s at least one person out there who needs to hear this: you decide your worth, not anybody else.
What You Get Is Not Always What You See
I created this mask to share that what’s going on inside of me (or anyone else) is not always what is visible. I use art to express how I’m feeling about lots of subjects, including injustice and the hope for justice.
Breathe
Breathing in such an overlooked tool to calm our selves down and bring us back to earth.