What I Learned Observing a Mental Health and Wellness Class for Teen Girls
Last week, I had the opportunity to observe something truly inspiring: a mental health and wellness class designed specifically for young people. The program, called Ambassadors of Compassion, is nationwide, and truly changes lives. The core of the program is based on the acronym LIFE, and is taught over 10 weekly one-hour sessions in schools across the country. LIFE stands for labor, influence, forgiveness and experience. Each of these four elements is integral to the process of growing and learning from our past.
The program was developed by Eric and Jodi Hannah and helps young people learn to address past traumas and move on from them in a healthy way. It gives clear and concise steps and activities to help these young people grow from and learn from the things that have happened in their lives. As we all know we are the sum of our experiences, and while they help to shape us, they do not define or limit who we are or our enormous potential within this world.
The class was led by a passionate, grounded facilitator who created a safe and welcoming space from the moment it began. The class then watched a video around the topic of the week and then did a short journal and conversational exercise. These girls were engaged and very open to what they were being shown during the class. As they sat in small groups and journaled individually, whether they were smiling or looking serious, they seemed to really enjoy the process. When the time came for the optional sharing around what they had written, they were understandably hesitant at first, but slowly warmed up to the idea of opening up and being vulnerable. Some girls shared personal thoughts with the group and some shared hopes for their futures and their dreams.
As an observer, I was reminded of how vital these spaces are. Teen girls are navigating a complex world—social media pressures, academic demands, identity, and constant comparison.
But in that room, they were simply themselves. Vulnerable. Brave. Learning.
I left feeling inspired by their courage and the compassion they showed one another. Mental health education isn’t just about knowing what anxiety or depression are—it’s about creating room for real conversations, practicing self-awareness, and building tools for resilience. And when young people are given that space, the results are profound.
If more schools and communities embraced programs like this, we’d be nurturing not only smarter students but kinder, healthier, and more self-aware humans. And honestly, that gives me hope. I truly hope that Ambassadors of Compassion and efforts like it become standard for mental health education in all schools.