Productivity paradox: The impact of success narratives on Gen Z
With the fall semester in full swing, students nationwide are attempting to find their footing in increasingly competitive, tech-driven, and achievement-oriented academic settings. When talking about the role of education’s impact on young people’s mental health, it’s important to recognize the totality of their experience. That includes acknowledging the varying stakes that education can hold for young people, informed by family, culture, socioeconomic status, and more. Hear in their own words what it actually looks and feels like to be a student in 2023, navigating today’s unique pressures inside and outside of the classroom.
Join us for this free, 60-minute webinar designed and led by members of MHA’s 2023-2024 Young Leaders Council, where we will:
- Center the voices, lived experiences, and intersectional identities of young leaders in the mental health space.
- Affirm and support young people navigating success, productivity, and perfectionism-induced mental health challenges.
- Provide guidance for adults and leaders on how to be empowering and supportive mentors for the young people in their lives.
Meet the Speakers
Keegan Lee (she/her) is a highly motivated teenager who strives to make a difference on an international level. She is the author of "60 Days of Disconnect," a psychological perspective of our digital world. She is also the founder of a global mental health campaign; host of a mental health podcast; school curriculum developer for digital wellness; monthly mental health article writer; public speaker; and research, resource, and community member within the Log Off movement. She also has previously served as Log Off's director of well-being. Lee is an all-state cross-country and track runner. She has presented at several middle and high schools, educating students about the psychology of social media, mental health, and addiction. She will always be keen to support digital wellness and mental health for the long term. Lee attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Copland Scholar and member of Honors Carolina. She is studying psychological science with a minor in neuroscience. She hopes to receive her Ph.D. in clinical psychology to become a clinical psychologist and dedicate her career to mental health research.
Rick Yang (he/him) is an avid civic entrepreneur, community mental health researcher, and advocate for youth voices, comprehensive school mental health systems, and meeting youth where they are. Yang spearheaded “SchoolSight: A Comprehensive Mental Health Vision,” a mental health research-based advocacy project that sought to pinpoint the most evidence-based mental health services to implement in his county using newly planned government funding from a student perspective, partnering with various stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers on both written reports and community-based presentations. He serves as an activation team lead on Work2BeWell’s National Student Advisory Council, where he works to activate students, educators, and parents across the country to focus on mental health systems change through awareness, advocacy, and engagement. Outside of mental health advocacy, he is an avid debater, soccer player, and beatboxer.
Anastasia Erley (she/they) is a junior at Swarthmore College studying neuroscience and environmental studies with hopes to further her education in the medical field. Erley is a volunteer at Mental Health Partnerships, where they’re part of a Peer Advocacy Fellowship. In addition to her fellowship, Erley’s volunteer work has centered around advocacy work, while also contributing to event planning and social media content creation. They are also passionate about sharing personal experiences and resources on their mental health Instagram account, @theselfhealthline. Erley’s dedication continues to extend to her college, where she's working as an officer in the campus student mental health and well-being group, known as Speak 2 Swatties, to kickstart peer support groups.
Kaisar Perry (they/them) is a staunch advocate for mental health within their home community of southern New Hampshire and their school community of western Massachusetts. Be it through music, cultural affinity, theatre, or even tea-time event hosting, Kaisar is always searching for how they can best engage their communities with inviting conversations surrounding mental health. In their journey to serve as a valiant combatant against an all too pervasive mental health stigma, Kaisar brings with them their passions for arts and crafts, drumming, piano playing, acting, and exploring nature. They believe that, by demonstrating their authenticity within community spaces, they can inspire others to do the same, empowering peers to connect on the mutual grounds of their shared humanity. Honing their skills at community connection, Kaisar is currently studying and working at Amherst College, majoring in psychology as well as law, jurisprudence, and social thought.