Ling-Ling has been a Peer Mentor with The NAN Project since August. In her six months with us, she has made incredible strides in contributing to the fight against youth mental health stigma. Not only has Ling-Ling shared her powerful story of lived experience with hundreds of students, but she has also become an important mentor by consistently engaging with our DYS programming.

Ling-Ling’s strong leadership skills shine through among both students and her fellow peers at The NAN Project, and her impact is undeniable. We wanted to learn more about what drives her passion for this work, so we sat down with her to discuss what mental health means to her.

1. What is your name? What are your preferred pronouns? And when did you start working for The NAN Project?

My name is Lyne, I like to go by Ling-Ling, my pronouns are she/hers, and I started working for The NAN Project on August 30th, 2024.

2. What made you want to work with The NAN Project?

What inspired me to join The NAN Project was discovering an opportunity to become a Peer Mentor at a local drop in center in Lowell, where I was captivated by their remarkable work. I am deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young teens throughout middle school and high school. I truly believe that raising awareness about mental health from an early age can prevent future negative consequences. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire and save the lives of others who are navigating a mental health crisis or challenge. From a young age, I have always dreamed of helping others and making a meaningful difference. I never aspired to have an ordinary job, but instead, I was driven to pursue a path that would leave a profound legacy, empowering others to strive for greatness. Helping others brings me immense joy and fulfillment.

3. Can you tell me about how your cultural background connects to your mental health?

My mental health is linked to my cultural background because growing up in a Cambodian family can be challenging due to their adherence to traditional cultural practices. My mother struggled to understand me during my formative years and her limited English proficiency made it even more difficult for her to grasp the nature of mental health challenges or provide support to help me overcome them.

4. Did you ever imagine yourself working in the field of mental health?

My personal struggles with mental health challenges led me to a career path I never thought I would take. Having overcome my own struggles, I have gained a unique insight into the challenges others face. Helping others has always been a driving force for me. If I can make a difference and save a life, I am dedicated to doing so. I am eager to pursue a career in this field and explore the opportunities that lie ahead.

5. Have you had any student questions or comments that especially stuck out to you?

One of the questions that resonated with me was, “What if I lack a support system or someone to talk to?” This question stands out because it is a common concern that many young people face. I have personally experienced this sentiment when I was navigating a mental health challenge and required guidance. My recommendation would be to encourage seeking help, as there are numerous resources available that offer support and guidance. Sometimes, it is more beneficial to consult with someone who is not familiar to you, rather than a known individual who may pass judgment or provide unconstructive feedback. It is essential to explore various options until you find a trustworthy and supportive individual with whom you can openly communicate.

6. How does it feel going back to communities you grew up in and presenting there with The NAN Project?

Returning to the communities where I spent my formative years and presenting with The NAN Project gives me a sense of being heard and allows me to make a positive impact on others who may be facing similar challenges. For me, this is a way of giving back to my community, which lacked resources when I was growing up. I am heartened by the level of engagement from students and community members when I share my stories in schools. Both students and teachers are impacted by my presentations, and I feel a sense of fulfillment when doing something meaningful.

7. How do you think hearing a NAN Project presentation would have affected you as a kid?

As a young person, hearing a NAN Project presentation would have influenced me significantly, encouraging self reflection about my life and the relevant, educational stories presented. Learning about others’ struggles and the sources of their strength and hope to seek support is genuinely admirable. It inspires me to take similar action. A key takeaway from the presentation would be to never confront worries in isolation, in other words never carry the worry alone.

8. What advice would you give to yourself as a younger kid?

A piece of advice I would offer to my younger self is to courageously share my thoughts and express my concerns to create a lasting impact. This guidance is important to me because it emphasizes the power to self advocacy, where speaking up can lead to transformative change. If I observe an issue, I should let someone know. It is essential to fearlessly voice my concerns, as the potential for support outweighs the alternative of receiving no support or navigating challenges alone. Even In the absence of immediate closeness, instills in me a sense of hope and opportunity to overcome obstacles during my formative years.

9. Can you tell me what inspires you the most ?

My greatest inspiration comes from sharing my stories and having a positive impact, which encourages others to strive for greater success in life. By sharing relatable stories, I make success more accessible to others, and I am also inspired to overcome adversity and bring about
positive change in the lives of others.

10. What are your plans for the future?

A plan for my future is to advance my career in the mental health field while fostering greater collaboration among organizations to promote mental health awareness. Ultimately, my aspiration is to establish my own organization dedicated to supporting others and engaging in strategic partnerships with fellow organizations to drive collective growth and positively impact numerous lives. I aim to acquire a two-family home for myself and my children . My long term vision involves transferring ownership of my organization to my children, thereby empowering them with the knowledge and skill necessary to educate others and promote mental health
awareness.