By Dolcie Kailie (YES 2019-2020, Sierra Leone, placed with AYA in Kalamazoo, MI) 

When I first arrived in the U.S., I was nervous about living in a new environment and how others would perceive me there. Getting past this was not easy, but it is a lesson I’ll forever hold on to for boosting my self-confidence, belief, and expression. 

As a result, I’ve been inspired to help young adults and teens in Sierra Leone increase their self-confidence and ultimately improve their mental health. I'm currently working on a project that focuses on normalizing mental illness and making people feel more comfortable and empowered to share their experiences without the fear of being judged. The project is aimed at teens and youths between the ages of 13–20. At this age, there are so many emotional and social changes that occur that can cause mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. One of the aims of this project is to normalize the changes that teens go through and to help change the negative stereotypes that people have about mental health in our society. 

While I was attending the Design Thinking for YES workshop last fall, I learned a lot about working with instead of for the community, and avoiding a "single story." This means that all members of the community should be represented and feel included in the project in order to have a greater impact. The Design Thinking workshop inspired me to create a platform for teens where everyone can feel supported, welcomed, and empowered to share their mental health experiences together. 

I know this is going to be a long journey but I'm going to work hard and see how best I can give back to my community. As time evolves, I hope this project becomes a family that welcomes, loves, and cares for any and everyone that joins it.