Are you interested in learning what mental health is beyond the stigma that surrounds it? Join us at the 2016 TRUST Conference made for teens by teens. In 2014 I participated as a student who was lucky enough to attend the conference and it was a terrific experience. I connected with teens all over San Diego over subjects that I never considered I would talk about to random strangers, let alone teens. When the conference ended what I learned resonated in me to the point where I wanted to be a part of the movement to end stigma. I wanted to come back again but this time, I wanted to be a part of TRUST on a whole different level. I wanted to be behind the scenes so in the 2015 conference I came back as a part of TRUST, I was involved in making TRUST tangible to the students that will participate that year. While I sat with members of Boost and TRUST planners I was fascinated by the whole process of making a conference possible and also successful, considering both years I went the event was completely sold out. As a part of trust I along with my peers gave insight as to how other teenagers will feel about what was planned for the conference. Not only that but we performed a play that really emphasizes the problem with stigma mental health and on the day of TRUST, I was able to look at the event through a different perspective, instead of student that is participating, I looked on as a student that was a part of making this possible for other teens to experience. I looked on as their faces were enraptured by what was before them, from different resource tables to workshops to performances, to Art that they could express what they learned that day. I felt proud that I was able to be a part of something that enlightened teens about mental health, a topic that is generally never discussed between teens. Give yourself an inspirational treat by signing up for the 2016 TRUST Conference.
– Rukiya Ali, Health Sciences High and Middle College, Senior ’15
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