Letter to the Editor: Youth encourage their peers to prioritize mental wellness
Dear Editor,
Oxnard Future Leaders of America (FLA) youth are leading a transformative movement for mental health awareness, turning personal struggles into collective action. With World Teen Mental Wellness Day on March 2nd, we recognize their ongoing advocacy, which took center stage last March when students addressed the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) board to push for expanded mental health services.
FLA’s advocacy began in 2021 when youth leaders identified the pandemic’s toll on student well-being and called for increased resources. Since then, they have worked tirelessly to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health support. Through surveys and direct engagement with district leaders, FLA played a key role in establishing high school wellness centers. A major breakthrough came in September 2021 when they successfully advocated for a Wellness Policy, rebranding Intervention Specialists as Wellness Specialists and expanding awareness initiatives.
Among these dedicated advocates is Monserrat Sanchez, current Student Trustee for the OUHSD board and president of The Nest Wellness Center.
“The wellness center has been a vital resource for me since freshman year,” Sanchez shared. “I struggled with emotions I didn’t know how to handle, and our Student Wellness Specialists (SWS) helped me find healthy coping methods.”
FLA’s youth wellness survey found that while 91.2% of students knew how to access mental health services, 36.1% had never used them. Many called for more one-on-one counseling (34.1%) and stress management workshops (25.5%). These findings highlight the need for continued advocacy and student-led initiatives to improve mental health support.
As World Teen Mental Wellness Day approaches, FLA youth remind students that help is available. Those in need can visit their school’s wellness center or call the Ventura County Crisis Team at (866) 998-2243 — no one has to face challenges alone.
Angeles Agredano
Student at Oxnard College and fellow with Future Leaders of America.
