Mental health conversations don’t have to be loud to make a difference — sometimes the quiet, thoughtful moments matter most.

For her Peer Project, Yemisi wanted to reach people right where they are: in hallways, classrooms, and all the in-between moments where so many teens carry heavy things silently. Her goal? To spark real conversations and offer small pockets of comfort to anyone who might need it.

Through the grant, she hand-sewed hoodies with uplifting messages designed to land softly but leave a big impact. She also created cards that read “You are not your diagnosis” — each one paired with a QR code linking directly to the 988 website. She handed them out to friends, classmates, and even strangers in the community, hoping each reminder would brighten someone’s day or make them feel a little less alone.

And it worked. People stopped to read them. Asked about the meaning. Shared smiles. Share stories. Thanked her. Those tiny interactions proved how powerful peer-to-peer support can be when you make space for it — even in simple, everyday ways.

“I applied for this grant because so many people my age carry heavy things quietly,” Yemisi shared. “I hope this project inspires more young adults to make room for honest conversations about mental and emotional health.”

Big thanks to Yemisi for filling her community with kindness, courage, and connection…we so love her enthusiasm to #37HelpOthersInABigWay.