Empowering teens through self-love and mental wellness
by Maggie Riddle - WeINSPIRE Reporter
Greenville, NC - The idea that we are the creators of our own realities, is a popular thought. The only problem is it’s not always easy to keep a healthy, happy mind; especially as a growing teenager.
Now more than ever, teens are struggling with mental health. According to the World Health Organization, when mental health concerns are not addressed during adolescence they can carry into adulthood and lead to greater issues. This is why the non-profit, Tilly's Life Center (TLC), has made it their mission to empower young students by equipping them with knowledge and coping skills that will strengthen their social and emotional wellness.
According to Monica Utley, Executive Director at Tilly’s Life Center, the organization aims to partner with different high schools and after school programs across Southern California to conduct their “I Am Me” program.
“Mental health is not something we just put on the back burner,” Utley said. “It’s at the forefront of all that we talk about and incorporated into all aspects of our lives.”
The program’s curriculum is divided into phases which focus on mental wellness as well as self awareness and community connection. TLC is currently working on incorporating new lessons based on relationships and leadership.
According to Christine Carey, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at Tilly’s Life Center, much of the organization's curriculum is derived from personal experiences. She said the TLC staff wants to provide young students with mental health resources that may not have existed in the past, because many of them understand struggles with social and emotional health.
Utley said many people who work in the education system are starting to realize the need for courses taught in the classroom that promote social and emotional wellness. She said with increasing levels of anxiety and depression among teens today, these classes may even be more important than core classes such as math, science and English.
“Suicide rates have gone up 56% from 2007 to 2017 and that was before the pandemic,” Utley said.
Utley said before the COVID-19 pandemic TLC was reaching more than 700 students. With many schools now operating completely online, she said the organization has developed a set of courses that they offer virtually.
According to Utley, there is a lot of progress with social and emotional learning in the education system. She said she believes many educators are starting to realize the importance of educating children about social and emotional wellness early which is why TLC is currently training 35 teachers to teach their curriculum in the hopes of reaching more teens nationwide.
Carey said, principals rave about the “I Am Me” program and have shared that this is many students’ favorite class because they get to interact with their peers alongside TLC mentors.
“Through our work we’ve realized how much it’s needed through the students and through the response that they have and how enthusiastic they are,” Carey said.
Utley said she looks forward to any opportunity where she can be present in the classroom alongside the TLC students. She said she is inspired by the student’s passion and excitement for their futures and their compassion for one another as peers.
“I have a lot of faith in the future generation,” Utley said. “How incredibly open minded they are and accepting of others and that’s what inspires me.”
The big picture for TLC is to inspire positivity on a larger scale by encouraging teens to be loving and understanding of themselves as well as others.
“The big goal would be to create a shift among young people everywhere,” Carey said. “We’re working in the positive and we’re working together and implementing some of that unity back together.”
Every day, Tilly’s Life Center inspires teens to practice self-love and have compassion for others. Watch their video to hear testimonials from TLC students who have been impacted by the program.
