By J1 Reporter Kerenzia Amouzou

Taking a day off to learn about mental-health can be empowering.

On Oct. 19, nine Marian girls and two Marian staff members attended the second annual EmPower Youth Summit held by the Kim Foundation. This event was held at the Bellevue Christian Center and schools all throughout Nebraska were invited to attend. 

The main goal of the Kim Foundation is to help students become more aware of their mental well-being. The Foundation hopes students can learn that it is okay not to be okay, but to take the correct steps to get better. This year’s keynote speaker was Kyler Erickson.

Erickson was a survivor of the 2011 Millard South shooting. He spoke of his high school experience and how he navigated through his PTSD from the shooting. Through getting help, Kyler reflected back on his high school career and it left him wondering, “What impact have I made?” Erickson urged students to ask themselves the same question, and adjust accordingly.  At the end of Kyler’s talk, he gave students two challenges: say thank you to a teacher, and compliment a classmate.

After listening to Kyler, students then broke up into small groups with people from other schools, which forced them to meet new people.

Jaeda Lawson, a junior who attended the Summit said, “ It was a leadership summit, and in order to truly be leaders, we needed to step out of our comfort zones so I’m glad we did.” Some stations consisted of activities centered around self-care and making differences in communities.

One memorable activity for many Marian girls was the “Take a Step Forward” station. At this station students were asked to take a step forward if they’ve experienced or done something in their lives.

Poni Loala enjoyed this activity the most because, “it just showed how different groups of people experience some of the same things. And how, even though you think you’re the only one struggling through something, other people are struggling as well.”