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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Lauren M., Student from Global Learning Collaborative on Mental Health Services in Schools
7:12:07
ยท
105 sec
Lauren M., a 15-year-old sophomore from Global Learning Collaborative, testifies about the importance of mental health services in schools, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her personal experience with a school mental health program and urges the New York City Council not to cut funding for these crucial services.
- Lauren participated in a community-based civics project through Generation Citizen, where her class chose to focus on access to mental health services in schools.
- She emphasizes how COVID-19 has increased stress on students and the difficulty of transitioning back to in-person learning.
- Lauren argues that having mental health counselors and programs in schools provides students with a safe space to discuss their challenges and improve their ability to handle schoolwork.
Lauren M.
7:12:07
Thank you for the opportunity to testify at today's hearing.
7:12:10
My name is Lauren Monca and I'm a 15 year old sophomore at the Global Learning Collaborative on the Upper West Side Of Manhattan.
7:12:16
This semester I have been participating in a community based civics project through Generation Citizen.
7:12:22
For this project, my class discussed issues that impact us within our community and built consensus around one topic to address collectively.
7:12:30
After much debate, we decided to focus on access to mental health services and set a goal to keep them available in schools.
7:12:37
COVID nineteen has had a major effect on the school systems, which has put extra stress on students.
7:12:42
At home workloads were increased and kids were expected to keep up with these new changes easily.
7:12:47
Challenges like this can take a toll on students' mental health.
7:12:51
Having a mental health counselor or a program that students can rely on gives them a space to talk about difficult matters.
7:12:58
Going back to school after COVID nineteen was a stressful experience for myself and many other students.
7:13:03
After being so used to fully digital school, it was very hard to return to an in person classroom.
7:13:08
When my school implemented a mental health program where we received weekly lessons, I felt like I could handle more of my schoolwork on a day to day basis.
7:13:16
Having a counselor who understood our challenges made me feel better since I knew that I was not the only person struggling.
7:13:23
Evidently, COVID had a large effect on the mental health of many students and we are still dealing with it today.
7:13:29
Having mental health facilities available in schools allows children to feel like they have a place to go that is free of judgment since many of them may not have a family member that they can speak to about their struggles.
7:13:40
All of this is why I'm asking the New York City City Council to not cut the funding for mental health programs in schools.
7:13:46
It is extremely important and helpful for the growth of students, especially after events that have occurred in the last five years.
7:13:51
Thank you.