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Stanley, an 11th grader and dedicated football player, faced one of the toughest challenges of his athletic journey when a sudden injury threatened his time on the field. His resilience and determination carried him through recovery and back to the game he loves. 1. Can you describe what happened during the route drill that led to your injury? During the play, I went to reach for the ball, but my foot got caught in the turf. In that moment my leg twisted sharply backward. I knew right away something was wrong, and the pain was immediate and overwhelming. 2. How did you feel when you realized your leg was hurt? The moment I realized my leg was broken was the scariest moment of my life. I instantly thought my football career was over. All of the work I had put in felt like it was slipping away, and I was left with fear and uncertainty. 3. What kind of support did your teammates and coaches offer after the injury? My teammates surrounded me and refused to leave my side until the trainer arrived. They reassured me and kept me calm while the trainer checked me and called my mom to take me to the hospital. Knowing that my teammates and coaches had my back in that moment made me feel supported and less alone. 4. How is the recovery going and what type of recovery did you need to do? Recovery was tough, but I stayed consistent. I rode a bike to restore movement, spent hours in the pool to rebuild strength without added pressure, and used resistance bands to slowly regain flexibility. Each step forward reminded me that I was closer to getting back on the field. 5. How did this event motivate you moving forward? Do you have any last words? This injury motivated me to push harder than ever before. Knowing that I could come back stronger than before gave me the drive to keep going. I realized that setbacks do not have to define you because they can shape you. There will always be ups and downs, but I believe faith will guide me on the right path. Stanley’s story shows that setbacks do not have to define you. With faith, hard work, and the support of his team, he has come back stronger and continues to chase his goals on and off the field.

Written by Valeria Castañeda Valeria Castañeda Founder of Neurosphere @neurosphere.intl For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I’ve always felt a strong calling to help others, whether that meant running to get a bandage or assisting a friend who got hurt. But everything changed after my dad underwent major brain surgery and was later diagnosed with dementia. That experience opened my eyes to the impact of neurodegenerative diseases and how deeply they affect not only the patient but their entire family as a whole. Watching my father’s journey made me realize how much more awareness and education are needed around brain-related illnesses. It also revealed the serious disparities in access to care, especially in underserved communities where quality resources and support are often out of reach. I wanted to do something meaningful and address this issue, so in December 2024 I started NeuroSphere, a youth-led organization focused on raising awareness about neurodegenerative diseases and mentoring the next generation of neuroscience leaders. With the support of one of my dearest friends and mentors, Andra Campos, I found the confidence to begin a journey I had never imagined I was capable of doing. Neurosphere's logo Today, NeuroSphere has reached over 1,000 students across the globe, with a team of dedicated board members from California, Canada, and South Korea. We have launched chapters in Minnesota, Texas, and California and continue to expand. I hope NeuroSphere serves as a reminder that if you are passionate about something and see a problem that needs solving, you should never hesitate to take that first step. Be the light that creates change, because you never know how far you may reach or how many others you may inspire to rise and take action as well. @youknowyourselforg

Written by Ishita Garg, a senior in high school and founder of the Origami For Good Delhi chapter of Origami For Good. Ever since my parents separated, life has been in a constant state of motion. My mother became the sole supporter for me and my sister, and with each passing year, we moved to new cities, new schools, new teachers, new friends. Each year felt like starting from scratch. It was overwhelming, and I often found myself lost in the transition. In every new school, I had no recognition. I was just the "new kid." Though I had a deep love for arts and crafts, something I shared with my mother and even won prizes for but it never went beyond the classroom. The students who had been at the school longer were always chosen to represent or perform. Maybe it was about reliability or familiarity. But to me, it was heartbreaking. I was just a kid too. I wanted to participate. I wanted to belong. Eventually, I stopped trying. Not because I didn't care, but because it started to hurt. The emotional weight of constantly proving myself made me retreat. I became the quiet student sitting in the back seat, an introvert, feeling invisible and not good enough. But life shifted after I completed 10th grade. I got the opportunity to pursue a diploma in Computer Science at a training college, a place I would finally stay for three years. This stability gave me the space to rebuild. I joined clubs, met people, and began reconnecting with the person I had hidden away. That’s when I found Origami For Good. The moment I read about the initiative, something stirred in me. I remembered the days of folding paper with my mom, creating something beautiful out of something so simple. It felt like a return to myself. I started the Origami For Good Delhi chapter to introduce origami not just as an art form, but as a hobby therapy, a pause from the endless noise of digital content and overstimulation. Origami demands focus, and in that focus, we find calm. We find ourselves. Through this initiative, I hope to bring origami to children, to underprivileged communities, and to those who are neurodivergent or specially abled. I want it to be a moment of joy, a smile in the middle of a hard day, and a way to keep our inner child alive. Because even when we feel like we are not enough, there’s a quiet power in creating, connecting, and healing. And sometimes, it all starts with a simple fold of paper. @kismiish

High school is tough enough without the weight of rumors. For Sofia Saquic, a full-time culinary student at MCTS who ends her day at Hamilton High West, gossip hasn’t just been background noise, but rather it’s been one of her most challenging obstacles while navigating adolescence in high school on top of new, profound responsibilities. We had the amazing opportunity to gain insight into her journey, her ups and downs, and hopefully share that rumors don't last forever. Sofia Saquic “Rumors have truly been one of the hardest challenges,” Sofía shares. “They’ve ruined my self-esteem for the majority of my life.” Like many teens, Sofía found out how quickly false stories can spread in school hallways. At times, it felt like there was no escape from the things people were saying. @just_mehSofi “A rumor can be spread so easily within these walls,” she explains. “You realize how much gossip can drag you down.” The emotional toll was extremely real, a little too real. For a long time, Sofía struggled with the mental effects of being talked about. She felt isolated, hurt, and unsure of herself. But eventually, something changed for her in a beneficial way. “I experienced it for some time until I had that spark in me to shut it down,” she says. That spark led her to an important realization, one that helped her take back control of her life and identity. “I realized that rumors don’t define who I am,” Sofía says firmly. “I define myself.” Now, Sofía wants to share her story to help others who may be going through the same thing, especially those who are just entering high school, fully unaware of the new possibilities. “As someone whose mental health was truly brought down by them, I can say I’ve learned the lesson to keep going, to ignore what I can’t hear. Words don’t contribute to the person you are.” Her message to other teens is simple but powerful: don't let gossip shape your self-worth. “Just keep going and show the world who you are,” she encourages. “Rumors are beyond your control, but they don’t make you.” @youknowyourselforg

In her thoughtful and relatable article, high school senior Laylen Hines offers a personal look into the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by high-achieving students. As a 12th grader balancing academics, extracurriculars, and work, Laylen shares how she once found herself overwhelmed and burnt out, until a simple piece of advice from her mother changed everything. Through her experience with using a planner, Laylen not only found a way to organize her life but also discovered a powerful tool for supporting her mental well-being. Her story is a reminder that small changes in our daily habits can have a big impact. Author: Laylen Hines Grade: 12th As a high-achieving student, I constantly find my plate overflowing with responsibilities. Before I learned how to schedule my months out in advance, I also repeatedly faced breakdowns and burnout. I would get so exhausted from trying to keep up with school, extracurriculars, and work that I would forget to take a moment to take care of my mental health. One day, I randomly decided to finally listen to the advice my mom had given me about getting a planner, and that’s when my entire mindset changed. After purchasing my first planner, I was a little lost on how to plan “correctly”. It wasn’t until I actually stuck with jotting down my activities that I realized there was no correct way to use a planner. I was free to format and design my planner however I wished, and honestly, it became comforting. The more I wrote things down ahead of time, the better I could actually prepare for them. I found myself more organized and less stressed than before. I had fewer breakdowns about school and significantly fewer feelings of burnout. I feel that many students overlook the idea of taking care of their own mental health. I often see my peers trying to overload their schedules with extracurriculars and activities that will impress colleges in hopes that they’ll stand out. However, I never see them take a moment for themselves to gather their thoughts and relax, and as small as this task may seem, it has such a huge impact on how we deal with stress. For me, that small task was planning ahead. For others, it could be journaling, meditation, or even taking wellness walks. Whatever it may be, I encourage students to find the thing that really calms their minds. Laylen’s article serves as an important reminder that mental health should never be pushed aside in the pursuit of success. Her honest reflection encourages students to pause, prioritize themselves, and find strategies that help them cope with stress in healthy ways. Whether it’s planning ahead, journaling, or simply taking time to rest, her message is clear: your peace of mind matters. @youknowyourselforg

Isabella Gonzalez has never had just one place to call home. Moving often while growing up, she found it hard to answer where she was from, but now she sees that being from “everywhere” is what makes her story special. Through all the changes, she learned to be strong, flexible, and open to new people and places. Books, reading, and self-care helped her stay grounded, and today she’s proud of the unique journey that shaped who she is. Author: Isabella Gonzalez Instagram: @irises_4_Isabella Isabella and her father Growing up I never had a "home base". This is a unique experience I've come to appreciate. When I was younger the question: "where are you from?" always felt impossible to answer. Over time I've realized the answer is "I'm from everywhere". And that is what makes my story so special. Though moving every few years has taken a toll on my mental health, I've learned the importance of finding balance through self-care and mindfulness. Specifically through reading. I love to read and analyze texts. Amidst constant change reading and libraries remained a positive consistency. Everywhere I traveled there was always a library for me to check out books, read and make friends. Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health because it shapes how we navigate life's ups and downs. Living all over the U.S. and exploring the world has gifted me endless adventures. I've had the privilege of traveling to two continents, seven countries, and twenty U.S. states- all before reaching adulthood. Each move taught me something new. Like how to adapt to different cultures, embrace diversity and finding beauty in the unfamiliar. It was challenging being "new kid" time after time. But every introduction to a classroom full of familiar faces helped me develop resilience, adaptability and confidence. I've since learned how to build connections, even if only for a short time. And while goodbyes are tough, I've come to treasure the memories and friendship that each place has gifted me. Today I live in a small town where everyone has seem to grow up together. At first I envied the stability and long-term friendships others had. But now I see the richness of my own journey. I've been given the extraordinary opportunity to see the world, experience different traditions and shape my identity through constant change. These experiences have made me uniquely adaptable, open-minded and eager to connect with others. I carry these qualities with pride. Isabella’s journey has taught her to embrace change and find strength in new experiences. She now carries her story with pride, knowing it has shaped her into a confident and open-minded person. @ykyourself

Gastroenteritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person or surface. While most cases are short-lived and resolve with rest and hydration, some can become more serious, especially if dehydration occurs. Treatment usually involves managing symptoms and staying hydrated, though more severe or prolonged cases may require medical attention. In a personal blog post, Yasline, a current 11th grader in high school, shares her experience of living with recurring gastroenteritis. Her story highlights how the condition goes beyond just physical discomfort, it significantly disrupts daily life. Yasline describes missing school, struggling to keep up with assignments, and being unable to spend time with friends due to the intense stomach pain and frequent hospital visits. Even though her symptoms have eased somewhat, the unpredictability of her condition still affects her stability and routine. Her story is a reminder that chronic or repeated illnesses, even those that may seem common, can deeply impact a person’s emotional well-being, education, and social life. Written by Yasline Francisco 11th grade student This is my story of suffering from severe stomach pain caused by gastroenteritis. It started during my freshman year, around October. At first, I thought it was normal, but as the months went by, I started throwing up more than usual. I kept experiencing intense stomach pain and other symptoms. Then sophomore year began, and that was when everything got worse. The pain became so severe that I started missing school and couldn’t spend time with my friends. Each time the pain got worse, I went to the doctor. Unfortunately, the hospital only gave me fluids and prescribed pills for the next time I had stomach pain, which didn’t really help. This year, the symptoms still happen, but much less often. Still, the days I miss school and other important things have taken a toll on my health and my ability to stay on top of my schoolwork. To this day, I still don’t know why I get this pain. As someone who is usually happy and giggly, the pain and suffering can feel especially overwhelming. Luckily, I have amazing friends who care about me and help me forget the pain, even if just for a little while. I want people to know that if you’re going through something similar, it’s okay. You’re not alone. @ 1ts.yas76

Written by Elsy Deleon High School Senior At four years old, I was going bald due to alopecia. As a treatment option, I had the choice of either using a topical cream, which wasn’t guaranteed to help my hair grow back, or receiving injections in my scalp, which had a higher chance of stimulating hair growth. My mind was racing at the thought of being poked with thousands of needles. I remember the room had very bright lights. My nerves grew as I heard the door open and saw the doctor wearing a long white coat and bright blue gloves. His hands felt like icicles as he touched my scalp, searching for bald spots. He then asked me if I was ready for the shots, and I hesitantly replied, "Yes," while tightly holding my mom’s hand. I was told how brave I was because grown adults would sometimes walk out after just one shot. Not me. I persevered. It hurt, but in the end, I received lollipops as a reward. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of my health journey. My dermatologist wrote a script for blood work to test my thyroid levels, since many young people with alopecia have thyroid issues. All I could think about was more needles as he handed my mom the script. The smell of alcohol filled the air. It was oddly comforting. Hugging my mom, I couldn't help but watch as the needle pierced my skin and my dark red blood filled three tubes. This time, I earned Disney princess stickers for being so well-behaved and brave. Then we got the results: I have hypothyroidism. I didn’t understand what that meant. All I knew was that it meant more doctor’s appointments. I met with an endocrinologist who explained that with this condition, I would develop at a rapid pace, gain weight, and have difficulty losing it. To make matters worse, I was also going through puberty younger than most kids. She explained I would need to take medication for the rest of my life and that I would be more prone to other health conditions. I was five years old, listening to all of this. I was terrified. Growing up, I had to be strong not only for myself but for my parents too. I was often made fun of for being tall and overweight. My self-esteem was wrecked. As a result, I kept to myself and didn’t talk to many people. Even now, I talk to lots of people, but I’m not really close to them. Moreover, I still get called names and judged by my appearance. Personally, I don’t let it get to me because I’m proud and confident in myself and how far I’ve come. It’s taken me a very long time to get to this point, but everything I’ve endured with my health has changed my perspective on life. I’ve realized that living with an invisible condition can be incredibly hard, not just physically but mentally too. I choose kindness and focus on working hard toward my future goals. With everything I’ve been through, I make it a point to include everyone, no matter what, because you never know what someone else is going through. They might just need one person to show them kindness to change their perspective on life or on their situation. I know I needed that person—and sometimes, I still do. Instagram: @the.real.elsy

In this interview, we speak with Tayden, a passionate basketball player who faced a significant setback during his high school years. After suffering a stress fracture, Tayden's journey through the recovery process not only tested his physical limits but also reshaped his perspective on life and sports. His resilience, determination, and growth throughout this difficult time showcase how challenges can turn into opportunities for self-improvement and a deeper understanding of one's goals. Tayden's story is one of perseverance, self-reflection, and the power of pushing through adversity to come out stronger. 1. What motivated you to try out again after getting cut freshman year? How did you come back harder to try out again next year? The realization that I failed to make the freshman A team or B team and couldn’t even be a bench player hurt my ego and confidence. It didn’t stop me, though, from continuing and practicing to pursue my love for the game. Why stop when I hit an obstacle, especially when half my life was basketball? It took some perspective to realize that one obstacle shouldn’t stop my drive to play. It took multiple hours of just dribbling a ball or shooting, whether it was inside or outside, hot or cold, to come back. I had to learn to be coachable, understanding of my teammates, and optimistic about the things around me instead of sulking over the fact that I didn’t make the A or B team. Why waste energy on things I can’t control when I can use it to be productive? 2. What specifically happened during the injury in your AAU game? I had previously felt aching on the lower right side of my foot but ignored it. There were days when the pain was unbearable, but I took pain meds and taped it, hoping for the best. Around October or November, during a game, I went up for a rebound, and when I came down, I landed flat-footed. That was the final straw, and it all started right there. I had to limp off the court and was taken to a doctor to schedule an x-ray appointment. The doctor assumed the aching was from a hairline or stress fracture, and that me ignoring it and not getting it checked out sooner led to the bigger fracture. 3. After your coach cut you for the second time, what emotions were you feeling and how did you process them? I was hurt, my ego took a huge hit, and my confidence dropped. I wasn’t allowed to play for months. I was considered depressed because I had been stripped of one of the things I wholeheartedly loved. I was bed-ridden. But later on, I did physical therapy, and they recommended I try things that wouldn’t stress my leg, like working out. So, I started lifting, and it improved my mental health while also improving my physical health. 4. What were the toughest parts of your recovery? The days I couldn’t touch a ball were tough. My gym had a basketball court, and seeing my friends and others getting shots up and running games made me jealous in a way. I was sad I couldn’t do the one thing I loved. The embarrassment at school from wearing a big boot was another challenge. Although my friends joked about it, I became the center of attention for their jokes, but it eventually got better because you can only make so many jokes about a boot. Another challenge was the fear of losing all my ‘skill’ and fundamentals due to the injury and months without training, and I did. I felt like I had lost all my progress and was starting over from square one. The constant fear of getting hurt lingered in the back of my mind, and I avoided playing physically, which changed my whole game. I was scared of the ball, and I had no confidence. 5. How did the injury change your perspective on basketball and moving forward? The injury opened a whole new perspective, not just on basketball, but on life as well. It helped me focus on improving my body to prevent further injuries like this one. It taught me to be patient because, as much as I wanted to take the boot off and start playing, I knew I couldn’t—it would only prolong my injury. The injury also brought me closer to people, and I was able to listen to others' experiences and gain knowledge on how they dealt with it and what they did to push forward. The experience overall made me a better person. It humbled me and taught me that anything can happen, no matter what, and that I should take everything in and cherish it. It fueled my passion. The injury made me train twice as hard because I felt like I had some catching up to do. And I’m glad I did because, while I know I still have a lot more to learn, it made me the person I am today. Tayden’s journey from injury to recovery serves as an inspiring reminder that setbacks do not define us; they shape us into more resilient individuals. Despite the challenges he faced with his stress fracture, Tayden’s ability to stay focused, learn from the experience, and come back stronger highlights his dedication to both his personal growth and love for the game. His story underscores the importance of patience, self-belief, and the support of others during difficult times, ultimately driving him to be a better player and a better person. Tayden's perseverance is proof that with the right mindset, obstacles can be transformed into stepping stones towards success. @ykyourself

Today, we have the opportunity to hear from Chris Lopez, a 12th-grade student, who offers us valuable insight into how his past experiences have shaped his approach to relationships, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. Chris shares his thoughts on the importance of communication, self-improvement, and resilience, especially in times of heartbreak. Through this interview, we get a glimpse into his mindset and the activities that have helped him cope with life's struggles, as well as his outlook on the future. Join us as we dive into his perspective on life, relationships, and growth. 1. In what ways did your past experiences influence your relationship, and how did they shape the way you handled challenges? For a relationship to work, both people need to put in effort, not just one. In my experience, communication and reassurance were key. It's important to always communicate and reassure each other. Sometimes, it's best to express what’s on your mind because keeping things inside can have a negative impact on you, often much more than you realize. 2. What do you think could have helped prevent those arguments? What could have helped is communication with your significant other. It's crucial to be open about how you truly feel and what’s bothering you. You should always be honest about what's wrong. Also, to prevent arguments, it’s better to talk in person rather than through text or calls, as face-to-face conversations are more effective. 3. What activities or habits helped you cope with your breakup, and how did they bring you peace during that time? When I’m feeling really down or heartbroken, I find solace in connecting with nature. Activities like going to the gym, fishing, wrestling, or just going for a nice hike really help. These activities bring a lot of peace because they allow me to release my emotions while also improving my mental health. Seeing myself mature and grow through these activities is a good sign that I’m moving forward and getting better. 4. How do you balance having faith that things will work out while also focusing on your own personal growth and well-being? If you take time for yourself and focus on improving, whether for a potential relationship or just for yourself, you’ll start to see the benefits. Developing a mature mindset can help with many aspects of life. If you have faith that a relationship will come back together, it will, if it’s meant to be. I trust in God and believe that if it's meant to happen, it will. Focusing on sports, hobbies, and personal well-being can be great for personal growth. For me, wrestling was a big part of that. Last year, I wasn’t great at it, but by joining wrestling clubs and participating in off-season tournaments, I improved a lot. Now, I’m much better, and I hope my story can help other athletes too. 5. What advice would you give to someone struggling with heartbreak and trying to find a sense of peace and closure? My advice is that everything will be okay because breakups are a normal part of life, even if you love the person so much. It’s okay to express your feelings to a friend. To find peace, I recommend going on a hike or fishing at a calm lake, or if it’s hot outside, spending time at the beach. Sometimes it’s okay to not fully move on from the person, but you can move on from the problems. If you truly love them, you’ll be willing to wait, no matter how long it takes. My other advice is to take that time to focus on yourself. If it’s meant to be, God will guide you both back together. For me, I’ve moved on from the problems, but not from the person, because I truly feel they could be the one. While I wait, I’m focusing on bettering myself for the next time, if we end up getting back to where we were. In conclusion, Chris Lopez's journey shows the significance of balancing personal growth with maintaining faith in relationships. His experiences and reflections offer a powerful reminder of how challenges, especially heartbreak, can serve as catalysts for self-improvement and maturity. Chris's approach to overcoming difficulties—through communication, connecting with nature, and focusing on personal development—offers valuable lessons for anyone facing tough times. His story serves as a testament to the strength of resilience and the importance of trusting the process, whether in love or life. @ykyourself