Welcome the New You Matter Bloggers!

When we put out a call for summer YM Bloggers, FIFTY (yep, 5-0) of you wanted to volunteer. Picking these six amazing bloggers— Anna, Detrick, Lindsey, Maya, Megan and Samantha— was no easy feat. I think you will fall in love with their stories, relate to their advice, and come away feeling with the feeling that you absolutely matter. So without further ado, please let me introduce you to the six people who are taking over the YM blog for the summer.

Anna

16, California

I’m entering my senior year in high school and am passionate about student journalism and my work in The Trevor Project. I understand the difficulty of reaching out to others for help, and strive to create a safe environment for all people to know they have the ability to seek support from others, and know that they are cared for.”

Detrick

(Hint: Detrick is the one who isn’t a little kid.)

16, Maryland

“I’m a high school senior and a proud member and activist of the LGBT community. While many LGBT students are beginning to feel more comfortable being themselves, there are still so many who face daily struggles just for being themselves. If any of my blog posts let an LGBT person feel wanted, loved or accepted then it was completely worth it.”

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Lindsey

25, Alaska

I am currently transitioning out of my job as a suicide prevention coordinator in Juneau, Alaska into graduate school. This fall I will be attending the University of Colorado Denver to begin my work towards a Masters in Public Health and a Masters in Public Administration. In my undergraduate days at Oregon State University I suffered from severe depression. Now each day I work on improving the relationship I have with myself and hope to help others do the same.”

Maya

14, Washington

Right now I’m sophomore in high school and hope to major in clinical psychology when I’m in college. I’m a complicated person which can be very difficult sometimes, but I am learning to embrace that. I want to help others do the same. I’m a huge competitive swimmer and I also love to write songs and sing.”

Megan

23, Ohio

I have been working full-time as a Suicide Prevention Educator for youth since I graduated from university last year. I work and volunteer at two crisis centers and am a field advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I enjoy painting and eating breakfast. I am a suicide-attempt survivor and am passionate about sharing my story in an effort to help others.”

Samantha

20, Massachusetts

I’m a senior at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and studying Psychology and French. I’m passionate about mental health advocacy as well as art and fashion. I understand how difficult having a mental illness is and I want to help others understand that recovery is possible and that having a mental illness doesn’t define them as individuals.”