Hope Heals: How Watsonville Students Are Finding Community in Grief

When Valeria, Joahaan, and Crystal of Watsonville High School noticed classmates struggling with grief and disconnection, they didn't wait for adults to fix it. They built Hope Club, a student-led space centered on remembrance, mental wellness, and community. In this episode, the students share how a peace pole project and cultural memorials became catalysts for school-wide change, what hope means to them personally, and why young people are uniquely positioned to lead on mental health. Their story is a reminder that youth aren't just the leaders of tomorrow; they're already leading today. Learn more about nylc at ⁠nylc.org⁠! Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, and ⁠Threads⁠!