Over the last few years, we have had the privilege of mentoring youth storytellers Hanna Kane, Jaxon Buell, Hoda AbouEich & Eric Martz. Their stories have inspired and empowered thousands of youth and adults to take charge of their mental health and well-being. Their courage, resilience and activism will lead us into a better world of equity & inclusion.
Please join us in congratulating the class of 2020, and wishing them the very best.
Hanna Kane
This fall I will be attending the Honors College at University of Washington with a plan to study constitutional law and American history. My goal is to become an attorney practicing constitutional law with a focus on social justice and big data. In college I am looking forward to connecting with the queer community, taking as varied classes as I can, and perhaps studying abroad in Ireland.
Becoming an ASHA storyteller has allowed me to reclaim control of my story, sharing my struggles to empower others and myself in the process. It has taught me the power of both a single story and a community coming together to support healing and growth. I will always be a storyteller at heart, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with the organization.
J
axon Buell
axon BuellThis fall I will be a private in the Marine Corps with a M.O.S. of intelligence. My goal is to become a data analyst for one of the US intelligence agencies. During my time in the Marine Corps, I look forward to making new and lifelong friends and comrades, as well as being able to protect and serve our country.
Becoming an ASHA storyteller has allowed me to talk to others about mental health and help to break down the stigma surrounding toxic masculinity. I have learned the power each person’s story may have on another and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to become a storyteller.
Hoda AbouEichI plan on attending Seattle Pacific University in the fall. I will be majoring in psychology, following the specific track of behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. I hope to one day work with children and adolescents who have recently gone through brain trauma and help them adjust back to life.
In college, I hope to join a mental health club or start my own to continue the mental awareness movement that I’ve started at my high school. I believe that living and going to school in Seattle will help me with great internships and networking opportunities. Additionally, Seattle is known to be one of the best cities to have some of the best treatment facilities for mental health all around the country.
Volunteering and becoming a storyteller for ASHA has truly empowered me to discover who I am and what it means to share my story without shame.
Eric MartzThis fall, I plan on attending Stanford University. There, I will study neuroscience and computer science or bio-engineering. Eventually, I want to pursue a career in the biotech industry with a focus on mental health.
In college, I also hope to continue work in suicide prevention efforts by being a peer counselor. Additionally, I want to explore different types of classes, study abroad, and get involved in research, clubs, and social life as much as possible!
Becoming an ASHA Storyteller has empowered me to share my story without shame, hopefully instilling a sense of hope in other students my age that they’re not alone in their struggles with mental health.