Samiaha Stroud: A Beacon of Hope for Mental Wellness at Eaton High School
In the bustling hallways of Eaton High School, where the chatter of students fills the air and the energy is palpable, one senior stands out not just for her academic achievements but for her unwavering commitment to mental wellness. Samiaha Stroud, a passionate advocate for mental health, believes that addressing mental wellness is crucial to tackling many of the challenges faced by students today. “I feel like mental wellness is something that needs to be talked about more, because it is at the root of a lot of issues that schools are facing,” she asserts. Her determination to foster a positive school culture is not confined to her local community; it has now reached a statewide platform.
A Statewide Voice for Students
Samiaha’s advocacy efforts have led her to become one of only nine Texas high school students selected to serve as the inaugural Texas School Safety Teen Ambassadors. This prestigious role is part of a youth advisory board for the Texas School Safety Center, aimed at giving students a voice in discussions about school safety and mental health. “It really focuses on giving us as students a voice,” Samiaha explains. “Because we’re the ones that are going through everything in school, it’s important for us to speak up.”
As an ambassador, Samiaha is tasked with bridging the gap between students, school administrations, and the broader community. Her mission for the 2024-2025 school year includes educating both youth and adults about the dangers of substance abuse, particularly vaping and fentanyl, while also raising awareness about teen mental health. “It’s about fostering a community and environment for students to feel safe,” she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of peer support in navigating these challenges.
A Transformative Orientation Experience
Earlier this month, Samiaha had the opportunity to meet her fellow ambassadors during an in-person orientation in San Antonio. The four-day event was a whirlwind of discussions and activities centered around pressing issues such as teen mental health, substance abuse prevention, and violence prevention. “We touched on a lot of different topics and met a lot of different people,” she recalls. “We started off with everyone talking about why they were there, then we addressed the things that are going on within our school environments that adults may not understand.”
This orientation not only provided Samiaha with valuable insights but also reinforced her commitment to advocating for her peers. The experience of connecting with other passionate students from across Texas has fueled her desire to make a difference on a larger scale.
Leadership at Eaton High School
In addition to her role as a state ambassador, Samiaha serves as the vice president of Eaton High School’s Wellness Ambassadors, a group dedicated to advocating for student needs and promoting mental wellness initiatives. This organization, now in its second year, has been instrumental in guiding peers to helpful resources and leading campaigns focused on kindness, anti-bullying, and empowerment.
The encouragement from Eaton’s counseling team played a significant role in Samiaha’s journey to becoming a state ambassador. “When we sent out the application, Samiaha stood out because of her innate drive, her hunger to make a difference, her positivity, and her passion,” said Cooper Spruill, an intervention counselor at Eaton. “We thought she would make a great candidate for the state, and I’m glad the state thought so, too.”
A Broader Impact Beyond School
Samiaha’s commitment to mental wellness extends beyond her school. She actively collaborates with organizations like the Mona Foundation, which focuses on increasing educational opportunities and gender equality for underserved populations. Her involvement in these initiatives reflects her belief in the importance of providing support and resources to those who need it most.
Personal Experience Fuels Advocacy
Samiaha’s passion for mental wellness advocacy is deeply personal. She first encountered mental wellness challenges as a freshman, a time when she felt isolated and unsure of where to turn for help. “It was really hard because I felt like I had no one to reach out to,” she recalls, fighting back tears. “When you’re young, it’s hard to understand that situations like mental health challenges exist, and it’s hard to bring it to your own attention, much less to an adult’s attention as well.”
Emerging from her struggles, Samiaha realized the importance of addressing mental health openly. “We talk about everything else, but what about the main thing that students are going through which is mental health?” she questions. “Our brains aren’t fully developed. This is the easiest mindset to tamper with, so why aren’t we talking about it?”
A Future of Advocacy and Change
Now, just three years later, Samiaha is not only talking about mental health but actively working to ensure that her peers’ voices are heard loud and clear. Her journey from a student grappling with mental wellness challenges to a state ambassador advocating for change is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
As Samiaha Stroud continues her mission to promote mental wellness, she serves as a beacon of hope for students at Eaton High School and beyond. Her efforts remind us all of the importance of fostering a supportive environment where mental health can be openly discussed and addressed, paving the way for a brighter future for all students.
