10/06/2026
Highlander Charter School legend .9reat had an idea to allow young people to be honest.
He gave them a box of anonymity and a card to tell the world something they wouldn't say out loud.
No names.
No judgment.
No need to explain.
Just:
Write down something you want to get off your chest.
What came back surprised us.
Some were funny.
Some were awkward.
Some were about relationships, parents, school, money, friendships, video games, crushes and the future.
And some were incredibly heavy.
I laughed.
I worried.
I cried.
We were reminded that the young person sitting next to us might be carrying something we know absolutely nothing about.
That's the thing about mental wellness.
It's not always obvious.
Sometimes someone needs help.
Sometimes someone needs space.
Sometimes someone needs to laugh.
Sometimes someone just needs somebody to listen.
And sometimes they need a safe place to write down the thing they've been carrying around in their head.
That's what Joyful Rebellion is about.
Creating spaces where young people can be honest about who they are, what they're feeling, what they're figuring out, and everything in between.
These are some of the anonymous thoughts our young people trusted us with.
Thank you for trusting us. We'll see you again in May❤️
If you are carrying something and worried about self harm or even a crisis, please do accept help. Call 988.
Shout out to our partners for allowing the space. .ri .state.media
