Renaissance shares ‘You Are Loved’ message
PEARL AGRAMON, Reporter
Renaissance is selling “You Are Loved” t-shirts on Friday, Oct. 9 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. to send a message to students who may be suffering from depression.
T-shirts cost $10, and come in a package that also includes two “You Are Loved” stickers and a Rice Krispy treat. The sale is part of a project that will have Renaissance hosting Zoom events and eventually collaborating with a new, mental illness awareness club named Bring Change to Mind, to try to spread the message of loving yourself and uniting together, especially during the isolation associated with quarantine.
“I really like the idea of this project,” said junior Freddy Sanchez. “I think they are doing an amazing job, especially because a subject like suicide is a challenging topic to tackle.”
In September, which is National Suicide Awareness month, seniors Mariam Fhami and Emily Rodriguez, took the lead in pushing an idea that would bring people together and raise awareness of mental illnesses. With many students isolated and remaining indefinitely quarantined at home, Renaissance discussions focused on pushing their movement forward.
“I personally went through a really rough time and dealt with suicidal tendencies myself last year,” Rodriguez said, “and in these times I think people need a little more support than usual.”
The project hopes to help connect students with all of the support available in the Guidance Office. But there are other opportunities that Teacher and Renaissance Adviser Kenneth Seto wants students to see.
“Most of all, we want to encourage others to look out for their peers,” said Seto, “and break the stigma that you need to deal with stuff by yourself.”
Not being alone is something that Fhami said that she wants to communicate to her peers that need support.
“I want them to know that even when times are tough, they are loved and the Spartan family will always be there, whether it is a staff member or even just your fellow peers,” she said. “We will continue to provide certain events so the students will feel safe and loved.”
If anyone needs someone to talk to, they can call or text a suicide hotline number at (800) 273-8255, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students can also contact a counselor online at https://shs-montebellousd-ca.schoolloop.com/counselor where there is also additional information and resources.