Trinity’s Story
From Anxiety to Advocacy: Trinity's Story
At GCAPP, our mission is to promote the health and well-being of young people across the state. One of the most important parts of our work is empowering youth to become advocates for themselves and their communities. That’s where our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) comes in. Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Trinity, a passionate and dedicated YAC member, to learn more about her experiences and the impact of GCAPP’s work.
Trinity’s journey with GCAPP began when she first heard about us from her school counselor. She struggles with anxiety, and it drove her to become involved with YAC. Despite being a shy person, she applied and nervously went through the interview process, with her mother providing words of encouragement. Trinity shared that joining YAC not only gave her helpful resources for her mental health but also a sense of community and purpose. “When I heard what the end result was, I could see myself there… helping my people in the school system and the community," she said.
As a YAC member, Trinity has the opportunity to create an action plan to advocate for an issue that is important to her. She has found her voice and gained confidence in advocating for positive change. “I like progress, but I want to see change come out of that progress!" Trinity expressed. Her nuanced and informed perspective of youth advocacy is a reminder that these young advocates are still kids. “Hey! I’m a kid!” Trinity exclaims when discussing the need for parents, caregivers, and adults, in general, to meet their young advocates in the middle to uplift their voices without robbing them of their youth.
Trinity has been able to find this balance of advocacy and youthfulness with passions outside of GCAPP. She loves playing the Baritone in her school’s band and is currently rehearsing for the spring musical, Newsies! Trinity’s infectious laugh is a testament to her resilience and determination. She credits GCAPP and YAC for giving her the resources, information, and coaching to achieve balance in her life. “Before YAC, my center was spread from Niagara Falls to California… It was everywhere," she revealed. Trinity is grateful for being afforded the knowledge and resources to not only help her own well-being but be able to guide her peers toward this balance.
Trinity’s story is a poignant example of how GCAPP is changing the lives of young people in Georgia. We are inspired by her courage and determination to make a difference in her community, and we are proud to have her as a member of our Youth Advisory Council.
