Hello everyone, my name is Alisha and I am an 18-year old student from Burlington, Ontario graduating from high school this year! This summer I have been given the amazing opportunity to work with The New Mentality network as a policy writer, before I head off to McMaster University in the fall where I will be studying in their Life Sciences Program.
I’ve been involved in youth mental health advocacy since middle school, which is where I initially discovered what mental health really was and its significance among youth like myself. In hopes of learning a little bit more about the topic, I sought out a volunteer role with The New Mentality of Halton, my local TNM Group, in the fall of 2018. My passion for mental health only grew from there. As a youth volunteer I helped plan our Youth Minds Matter Podcast project, which covers a wide range of topics and issues, to connect with youth who share similar experiences. The following year I took on the role of co-facilitator to further lead and promote our podcast, which anyone can listen to on Spotify and YouTube! Additionally, just this year, in 2021, I joined the Disable the Label hosting team as a youth apprentice, became a member of the Youth Action Committee, and will now be working with the network as a summer student!
I am super excited to spend my summer with The New Mentality, where I will be working with TNM and Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) staff, as well as my wonderful peers from the YAC, to write the Youth Action Committee’s 4th youth-led policy paper focusing on race and mental health. From analyzing the data from the YAC survey sent out last year, to reviewing our consultations held just last week, I look forward to redefining what ‘equity’ stands for with the YAC, as well as identifying key issues and youth-led policy recommendations that will do no less than make a lasting impact in our mental health system. To learn more about the project click here.
Needless to say, the TNM network has always felt like a community in which I belong and has given me the opportunity to meet many like-minded individuals, learn changemaking skills and gain experiences that push me to become a better version of myself every day. While I continue to stay engaged with TNM and mental health advocacy, I make sure to spend some time with my family and friends as well. I love going on hikes (my latest adventure being Bruce Trail), dancing to the latest hip-hop or Bollywood music, and binge-watching the latest TV shows.
I can’t wait to work with the amazing changemakers at CMHO and TNM, as well as the YAC, to create this policy paper and continue to make a positive impact for youth across Ontario!
We are so excited to have Alisha as our Summer Student! To learn more about the Youth Action Committee click here.
