2024-25 Student Advisory Council

Why did you decide to become a member of the Student Advisory Council?

My own struggles with mental health as a youth fueled my passion to advocate for better mental health support for students. Now, as an internationally published author and creator of award-winning mental health resources, I’m actively working to break down barriers and build a safer digital space as a teen! As a multicultural student with a diverse background (Indian Parents, Irish Born, Living in the US), I am excited to bring a new perspective to the Digital Wellness Lab’s Student Advisory Council. As a 15-year-old sophomore in High School, I am the author of the international best-seller, “Uplift Teens Today,” and the creator of the Emotion Cards Deck. Being a member of the Digital Wellness Lab’s Student Advisory Council gets me excited to amplify youth voices and contribute to meaningful change on a bigger level. Currently, I’m working on “Nexus: Mental Health Hub for Schools,” an award-winning 24/7 vetted project designed to enhance mental health support in schools (www.nexusforschools.com) launched to over 800K+ students. Beyond my own project, I’m collaborating with research psychologists at the University of Washington (Top 20) to analyze data on social media’s impact and the effectiveness of my methods launched in districts. I’m also co-researching with the University of Colorado Boulder and The Crown Institute. My advocacy has led me to speak at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference, etc… and monthly national media appearances on FOX and ABC. With all these experiences and perspectives, I am excited to contribute to research with the goal of making a difference for youth in the digital world.

What do you want to do after high school?

Driven by my passion for mental health advocacy, I aspire to continue creating impactful resources and pursuing a degree in psychology or neuroscience. My goal is to become a research psychologist and contribute to the development of evidence-based interventions. By expanding the reach of the Nexus mental hub that was launched to over 800k+ students, my book, card deck, and nonprofit organization, I aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health. As I transition to college, I’m eager to gain a deeper understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by older age groups and conduct research to develop resources tailored to their needs.

What are you doing online when you feel happiest, most positive?

When I’m feeling happiest and most positive online, I love connecting with my friends and family. I find relaxation and inspiration by watching art videos on YouTube (like Gawx Art) and making my own art. Additionally, I enjoy creating content such as blogs and Teen Talk videos to share strategies and personal experiences with other teenagers. My goal is to help others feel less alone when they’re overwhelmed, stressed, or facing similar challenges.

Advice you’d give your 10-year old self about the internet:

Be choosy about what you see: Not everything online is true or helpful. Stick to websites and videos that make you feel good and help you feel calmer and connected. You can fill your feed with positive stuff!

Set time limits: It’s easy to get lost online, so make sure to take breaks and do other things you enjoy. Set a time limit to help you stay on track, because every moment matters.

Think before you scroll: If you can’t remember what you just saw on a reel, it’s probably not worth your time. Choose wisely and focus on content that really matters.

Remember, the internet can be a great tool, but it’s important to use it wisely. Have fun exploring, but stay safe and be mindful of what you’re seeing and doing online!