Name: Mikela Campos

Social Media Handle/Username: mikelacampos15

Introduce Yourself/Tell About Yourself: I am a 21-year-old Native American Guatemalan woman and very proud of the history behind my family. I am a first-generation American citizen on my father’s side and a first-generation college graduate on both sides of my family. When I am not focused on my studies, which is most of the time if I am being honest, I work a part-time job. And, when I am finally free of both of those, I spend time with my animals, friends, family, or find a good book to sit down with.

What Inspires You Every day? : There are a lot of things that inspire me to keep going every day, is my family. It is a generic response, but coming from a family with a single mother and watching her make it through the tough times inspires me to push through when things get hard and find new solutions to problems that can come up.

What is some words of wisdom you live by?: “Speak Yourself” a quote by Kim Namjoon during his UN speak a few years back. The whole speech had a lot of great points, but the two words remind me that I need to remember speak my own truth and not filter myself to be someone other people want me to be. To “speak myself” is something that has become very important to me.

What is your ultimate goal in life? : My ultimate goal is to have my own business and through this business create an atmosphere that puts people at ease. For it to become a place where people can relax for a short time and let loose. As someone who believes that mental health is extremely important, I want to create a safe space where people can take a moment to focus on themselves in a healthy manner.

What are your thoughts on people who seek attention on social media, and what message would you like to give them? : Social media, in my opinion, is both a great thing and a terrible thing. If it is used to create social connections and help to find communities that are similar to your own. I believe that these relationships that can be built are the best attention that someone can receive online. However, I do believe that it can be damaging if social media is the only place you are going for these connections. Humans are naturally social creatures (some more than others) and we need human contact.

My advice to these people, who use it as the only source of attention, start small in branching out when you are comfortable. Maybe if it is just getting to know the barista at your local coffee shop, the person you always sit next to in class, or just whoever you choose. Because at the end of the day, it is your choice who you let in and I wish the best for all of you.

How would you help people around the world who are going through mental health problems? : How would I help people around the world who are going through mental health problems? I feel like this is the question of my career choice. As a psychologist, I am always looking for an answer to this question.
I am in my final year of college and I have found that you cannot force someone to get help, they have to choose it for themselves. I want to make the resources that these people need are more readily accessible and in a place where they feel comfortable getting the resources or learning about them.
By destigmatizing therapy and other forms of help that is available for mental health, I believe that we can take our first steps to help everyone around the world with their mental health.

How would you describe a better world for us all? : If we are talking fantasy, a world where we can all walk out of our house and be greeted with a margarita and a beach in our backyard with the weather at a stead 85º.
But, if we are thinking more of a daily life situation, I believe that if we can get rid of the hate that surrounds us all in forms of abuse, racism, sexism, etc. Irradicating hate from the world and replacing it with acceptance of each other will lead us to a better world.

What else would you like to tell others about you or your life?: I am not a very interesting person. I go to school, work, participate in school clubs, and come home. I take care of my animals and help raise my brother (though those two things are eerily similar). I have two sisters (not blood) for who I would do anything if they simply asked or insinuated they needed it.
I have a great family and support systems that I have built over time. But, despite that, I still suffer from depression and anxiety topped off with chronic pain. Mental illness can affect anyone and I just want to make sure that everyone knows you deserve help. It does NOT matter if it seems small, you cannot compare trauma.
Just remember to take care of yourselves and Speak Yourself.