A Day of Connecting with the Community

I started my day by meeting Naysa and Dequan at a Starbucks near Georgia Tech around 10:30 a.m. Before we headed out, we talked about what we wanted to film and decided to interview people about mental health so we could hear different perspectives from the community.

After leaving Starbucks, we walked around the sidewalks near Georgia Tech looking for people who were willing to participate. We would introduce ourselves, explain that we were working on an internship project, and ask if they would be interested in answering a few questions. Some people were in a hurry and politely declined, which was completely understandable, but many others were happy to stop and have a conversation with us.

At first, I was extremely nervous. During the first two or three interviews, I kept wondering if I was asking the questions the right way or if people would even want to participate. However, after those first few interviews, I realized I could do it, and my confidence really grew. As people became more comfortable sharing their thoughts, everything became easier. From that point on, I felt comfortable talking to people and really enjoyed interviewing them. 

Throughout the day, I was the one holding the microphone and asking the interview questions while Dequan filmed everything. At the same time, Naysa shared information about the free 12-week therapy program and the Crisis Text Line so people would know where they could find support if they ever needed it.

Some of my favorite questions to ask were, "What does mental health mean to you?" and "Describe mental health in one word." I also enjoyed asking, "If you were having the worst day of your life, who would you call first? If they didn't answer, who would you call next?" Hearing everyone's answers reminded me that every person has their own experiences and their own perspective on mental health.

One of the questions I was most interested in asking was, "True or false: Do you have to be in a crisis to text the Crisis Text Line?" Most people answered correctly and said false, but a few people believed you had to be in a crisis before reaching out. That question showed me why conversations about mental health are so important. They give people an opportunity to learn something new and remind us that it's okay to ask for help before things become overwhelming.

By the end of the day, we had interviewed around 20 to 30 people. It was definitely hot outside, and we spent hours walking around looking for people to interview. Even though we were on our feet most of the afternoon, I didn't mind because I truly enjoyed the experience. My favorite part of the day was interacting with so many different people. I enjoyed the genuine conversations, the laughs we shared, and hearing everyone's honest opinions about mental health. Although a few people declined to participate because they were busy or in a rush, everyone we spoke with was respectful, and I appreciated that.

We finished around 3:00 p.m., and by then I felt proud of myself. I started the day feeling nervous, but I ended it feeling accomplished, much more confident, and excited to do something like this again. This experience taught me that stepping outside of my comfort zone can lead to opportunities for growth and meaningful connections with others.

Looking back on the day, I hope anyone who watches our interviews remembers one important message: you are never alone. Whether you're having the worst day of your life or you're simply dealing with everyday stress, there is always someone you can talk to. I hope these interviews encourage people to have more conversations about mental health, support one another, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.