I went to a pretty competitive high school which sometimes fostered a negative environment in which it was easy for mental health to be overlooked. This made a lot of us support and lean on our friends a lot more.

Education has always been the thing I value most. I have always loved reading as a window into other experiences, as well as a mirror that can reflect my own experiences back at me and help me better make sense of them. Further, I truly believe that as a young, queer woman of color who is now an English teacher for high school students, representation in literature and empathy-building through diverse texts is something I am deeply passionate about.

As someone who used to go to a co-ed school and now goes to a historically single sex school, I have noticed a few differences. I think that the the girls who participate a lot in class at my current school would probably do the same if they went to coed schools, as that’s how it was when I went to a coed school. I think that the girls who participate on occasion at my current school wouldn’t participate at all if they went to a coed school, however, because they are encouraged to participate by the fact that there aren’t a ton of people raising their hands. Of course, part of this is that the class size is smaller at my current school, but I also think that boys participate in class more often then girls do, so this lack of participation in a predominantly female environment encourages girls who wouldn’t usually participate to do so. The biggest difference is sex education. At the co-ed school I went to we did sex education all together and the boys would always laugh all the time, but the girls would usually be quiet. It almost felt like the boys were laughing at a joke that we weren’t in on. At my current school, we all giggle from time to time but it feels more like we are uncomfortable together. All in all, I don’t think that going to a predominantly female school is necessarily better, it’s just different.

I’ve always loved engineering and STEM in general. In high school, I took a particularly challenging Physics course. I was lucky enough to have other girls in my class, as we were able to support each other. We regularly studied together and collaborated on problem sets, and we always made sure every question and idea was heard.

Academics have taken a toll on my mental health, often generating stress and anxiety. It has caused me to take mental health more seriously and focus more on my well being. It’s important to remember that we are not alone and there are many other people dealing with the same issues. You should always communicate with your family and friends, relaying your thoughts and feelings, instead of keeping them bottled up. For those who are battling mental health issues, remember that help is always available!