How Sana Roots Co Transformed My High School Journey: A Testimony

High school is full of challenges, both mental and physical, but what truly matters is having people who guide you to grow, see obstacles as opportunities, and become a better version of yourself.

When I first arrived at CAST Med High School as a sophomore, I felt a bit nervous about meeting new people, learning new things, and finding where I belonged. Luckily, Sana Roots helped me build confidence to face those challenges head-on and showed me how to overcome them. Now, as a senior who's been part of Sana Roots for three years, I truly see how this program lifts up young people. From teaching us how to manage our emotions and communicate better with peers, teachers, and family, to helping us understand the food we eat and how it impacts our bodies and minds, Sana Roots has truly made a difference in my life.

Growing up on the South Side, I’ve seen firsthand how diabetes and other health conditions affect my community. Sana Roots has shared valuable knowledge that I can bring back to my family and neighbors, helping us all make healthier choices and grow stronger together. More than just physical health, they’ve also shown us the importance of being patient with ourselves, reminding us that our brains are still growing and learning.

While on campus, I observed how demanding the workload could be and noticed many students struggling to de-stress or focus on their well-being. This inspired me to do something about it. Thanks to the confidence I built through Sana Roots, I launched a youth-led mental health club called Project Peace to warmly support my classmates because I truly believe everyone deserves the chance to flourish, not just get by, during high school.