Our 2016-2017 Team
Jackie
“Vulnerability is not about fear, grief, and disappointment. It is the birthplace of creativity, innovation, and change. It is also the birthplace of joy, faith, and connection. To create is to make something that has never existed before. There’s nothing more vulnerable than that.”
Stigma around mental Illnesses comes around from fear or being rejected, from shame. Shame because one feels unworthy. The most fundamental ability that a human has is to find the silver lining and hope in any situation. When one is held back by mental illnesses, they are robbed of that ability. To educate those who scorn mental illnesses and reach out to those who need it is my goal for the club. Fun Fact: It's a tradition to flip through a newly bought book (new or second hand) and smell the pages before i begin reading it - i know, I'm weird!
Kim
I'm a fourth-year professional superhero, majoring in psychology with a fierce passion for mental health advocacy. My ultimate superhero goal is to create and establish holistic programs (including mental health) for disadvantaged groups. When I'm not out saving the world, I'm either:
A) Attempting to lift heavy objects
B) Getting IHOP with Jackie
C) Drinking all the boba tea
Karishma
Hi! I've been a part of NAMI for four years. Mental health is an immensely important part of my life because I have a number of friends from high school as well as college that deal with serious mental health challenges. Learning how to be an ally and to channel that knowledge to the campus community has really made an impact and I hope it continues to be pervasive amongst UCD undergrads. #mentalhealthiswealth
Jaskaran
Hi! My name is Jaskaran Sahota Fun Fact: I love watching football! Go Seahawks! I have been with NAMI for almost four years and can not say enough about this organization. The main reason I joined this campus organization was to destigmatize the stigma against mental health. I believe it is necessary to raise awareness by sharing information and starting conversations about mental health on our campus to help reduce the stigma.
Victoria
Hi, I'm a fourth year microbiology major. Growing up, I felt that mental illnesses and talking about mental illnesses were taboo topics in my community. Coming to UCD and joining NAMI has been really influential to my understanding of mental health and wellness. I am dedicated in destigmatizing mental illnesses by being a listener and resource for those around me, whether I am in the role of friend, Wellness Ambassador (come by The Mind Spa!), or peer support. I hope we all remember to take time for self-care and to reach out to others for help. Thanks for stopping by the NAMI website!
Anna
Hi! I am a second year psychology major. I joined NAMI because I very strongly believe in their mission of educating the public about mental illness and thus helping to reduce the negative connotation surrounding such diagnoses. My personal experience with some of these disorders has motivated me to become an ally for others and to use my college degree in the pursuit of building upon the existing psychological literature. In the meantime, when not studying, I enjoy spending my free time swimming, playing with my dog, and working as a crisis counselor at a 24/7 crisis hotline.
Johnathan
I'm a clinical nutrition major and I first got interested in topics regarding mental health because some of the most significant people in my life struggle with mental illness. I am now an advocate for mental health because I want to help others through my knowledge and experience in the field. I strive to learn more and grow as a student and a leader of NAMI UCD in the process! Fun fact: I recently learned how to burp to annoy my roommate.
Emily
Hi, I am an Animal Science major; I am interested in promoting mental health because I have struggled with it first hand and I want people to know that I understand what they're going through. I also want to help them find available resources and information to make it a little easier so that they can get back to enjoying life! A fun fact about me is that I have a dog and a cat that are both ESA's and I frequently call them my kids!! They even get their own birthday parties each year, complete with cake and presents! I wish to share that I am diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1 and I struggle with anxiety but have slowly been finding new ways new manage it and I am grateful for the people in my life that have helped me to this point.
Tiffany
Hi, I am currently a 4th year studying Exercise Biology. Growing up in a traditional Chinese household made me realize the amount of stigma that comes along with mental illness in the Asian community. Being a part of NAMI allows me to advocate for those who do not have a voice, to help end the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and to help educate others about the importance of self care! Because I will be pursuing a career in the field of education and be working closely with adolescents, I think it is important to be educated and aware about mental health conditions because the first step to treating a mental illness is to identify it.
