Minds Connect: Bridging Education and Mental Health through Audio-Telehealth
As an educator, I've always believed in the transformative power of education to uplift and empower individuals. Little did I know that my teaching experience during the COVID-19 pandemic would reaffirm this belief in the most profound way possible.
I vividly recall the transition to online teaching for Operations Management, a course I taught to undergraduate business students at Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. It was a time of uncertainty, upheaval, and unprecedented challenges. As I grappled with adapting my teaching methods to the virtual mode, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and frustrations that my students faced. Despite my best efforts to provide support and guidance, I often felt powerless in the face of their myriad obstacles.
However, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, my students persevered, showing remarkable courage and adaptability in the face of adversity. Their resilience inspired me to redouble my efforts, to be a source of encouragement and support during this time. As the semester progressed, I received feedback from my students that profoundly impacted me. One particular comment stands out, echoing sentiments of gratitude and appreciation for the support I had offered: "I believe that Shirley was an extremely respectful, accessible, and understanding teacher; she constantly made sure that students were clear on course content, and always responded to concerns with sincerity. Not to mention, Shirley is at her core extremely considerate, and that kindness showed through in every lecture and office hours interaction."
These words served as a powerful reminder of the impact that timely support and empathy can have on students' lives. They reinforced my belief in the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where every student feels valued, heard, and empowered to succeed.
As I reflect on my teaching experience and the invaluable lessons it has imparted, I am reminded of the profound parallels between education and mental health support. Just as my students relied on me for guidance and encouragement during challenging times, so too do individuals grappling with mental health challenges rely on timely support and understanding.
It is with this perspective that I approach my participation in the MI Health Equity Challenge. Drawing from my experiences as an educator and my commitment to empowering others, I am passionate about developing interventions that provide timely and accessible mental health support through education.
My passion for promoting mental health education and accessibility to underserved communities was ignited in 2022 during my internship in McKinsey, with a home base in Detroit. There, I witnessed both the triumphs and struggles of the community. Here, over 62% of students report symptoms of depression, a statistic that's both shocking and a clarion call for urgent action. This isn't just a number; it's a reflection of countless untold stories of young lives wrestling with their mental well-being in silence. It became evident to me that timely support has the power to make a difference, especially in underserved areas like Detroit, where access to resources can be limited.
Transitioning from a simple pitch to a comprehensive project proposal was a journey of exploration and growth. I drew upon my experiences and collaborated with experts to refine my approach and articulate a clear strategy for implementation. The evolution of my initial vision into a tangible roadmap for action underscored the power of perseverance and innovation.
My proposal aims to empower for the students in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) by providing timely and accessible mental health support. Drawing from my teaching experience, empathy, and commitment to social justice, I seek to create interventions that address the specific needs of this vulnerable population.
The mission is simple yet ambitious: to promote a telehealth education program. Why telehealth? The answer lies in accessibility. In a world where physical, logistical, and psychological barriers often hinder access to traditional in-person counseling, an audio-only telehealth platform emerges as a beacon of hope. It's a way to reach those students who, for various reasons, feel voiceless and disconnected from the help they desperately need.
Through partnerships with community organizations and leveraging technology, I envision creating a supportive environment where every student feels valued and heard. By prioritizing inclusivity and resilience, we can build a future where mental health support is a right, not a privilege.
As I continue my journey in public health and medicine, my goal remains unwavering: to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and the healthcare system. The MI Health Equity Challenge is more than a program; it's a stepping stone towards a future where every individual, irrespective of their background, has access to the care they need to thrive.
The story of promoting equity in care for mental health is still being written, and I'm honored to contribute a verse that speaks of hope and resilience. Together, we can turn the tide on the mental health crisis and build a brighter, healthier future for all.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let's continue to listen, learn, and lead with empathy and action.
