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UT students gather around food trucks at West 26th Street and Rio Grande, laughing and sharing stories. Here, teenagers grab their share of the Frosty Cookie Company’s profits while members enjoy each other’s sweets.
Started last spring, Teens Thrive is a student organization dedicated to educating middle and high school students about mental health. The organization provides a safe place for UT students to come and learn more about mental health, practice self-care and take a break from their busy schedules.
Snehaa Arya, a junior in human development and family science and president of Teens Thrive, said her experience with mental health before attending UT compelled her to seek out an organization that prioritized mental health.
“Mental health was very difficult in my teenage years before I even started college,” Aria said. “I knew I wanted to start an organization, … and have a community of people with (mental health) interests, that way make friends and make an impact.
After conceiving the idea for Teens Thrive, Aria decided to reach out to people through GroupMe and gauge interest. After the club became popular, they formed the official organization and focused their efforts on mental health discussions.
“We’re so busy, and when we think about taking time for ourselves, … we feel like we’re lazy or not doing our best,” Arias said. “It’s worth giving people time to reflect with supportive people… and on that same journey of personal growth.”
Psychology junior Syed Abdullah, head of Teens Thrive’s social media committee, said the issues students face today highlight the importance of learning about mental health at a young age.
Abdullah said, “There is a lot of pressure on our youth, and this pressure can melt on someone.” “There is a lot of respect for Warka culture, … and it’s important to target mental health education at high school students.” Abdullah said they aim to start developing positive mindsets so that children and teenagers are ready once they graduate and become adults.
Abdullah said he feels grateful to be a part of the youth development. He said the organization not only helps him maintain his own mental health, but also helps him pursue a career as a mental health professional.
“It’s very rewarding,” Abdullah said. “By doing a promotion like this… I feel like I’m making a difference.”
The organization works with schools in Texas to develop lesson plans about mental health topics. Based on school requests, the organization creates lessons on topics ranging from self-reflection, stress management, journaling, and more, said Ruby Soto, human development and family sciences sophomore and program development officer. She says her role as an officer has helped her improve her leadership skills and support her journey to take control of her own mental health.
“I knew the basics of[mental health]but doing research for lesson plans, seeing things really helped me,” Soto said. “Teens Thrive is such a welcoming place… (and) I feel like my leadership skills have grown when I’ve had the opportunity to help run events.”
Soto said she hopes new members who join Young Thrive feel comfortable sharing their feelings with the group and open to learning more about mental health.
“We want them to feel welcome and safe,” Soto said. “There will always be a place to cry, to talk, to learn… and to never give up or be ashamed. … We’re here to help.”
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