Student Speaker Series

Whether it’s sharing a personal story, expressing a deeply held passion, or raising awareness about a meaningful cause, Ensworth's Student Speaker Series encourages students to step into the spotlight and speak from the heart. At its core, this program is about more than just presenting — it’s about cultivating confidence, leadership, and authenticity.

"I want to raise awareness about the stigmas and discrimination associated with mental health. Mental health conversations are avoided because of the misconceptions and a lack of understanding, which leads to people feeling isolated and reluctant to seek help. For example, some people believe mental health illnesses are something you can turn off like a light switch or just brush off. Some people may say things like 'get over it' or 'it's not that deep.' 

Mental health conditions are not a choice and also not a weakness. It is a feeling, and it is real. It is important that you are aware of what you say and mindful of how it is received by those who deal with these conditions. Our society has created an environment where mental health isn't valued as much as physical health. Physical health problems can be seen as more controllable than mental health problems, which could be perceived as more complex and difficult to manage. Physical health problems are also often seen as more urgent and require immediate attention, while mental health problems are often seen as less urgent. When in reality, your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. 

We spend more time in school than anywhere else, so it should be reasonable that we have an education that incorporates mental health talks. If this were implemented in more schools around the world, it would provide an outlet for us to better understand and navigate our mental health. Schools could incorporate activities that promote mindfulness, open discussions, provide information on recognizing signs of mental health challenges, and encourage students to seek help. 

Luckily, now I am learning how to navigate life while still coming back from that hard moment. I'm strengthening my faith and surrounding myself with people who love me and want the best for me. I encourage you to show compassion and grace towards those around you, even the ones you don’t normally talk to, because you never know why that person didn't show up to school that day, or why they decided not to have lunch with their normal friend group. The person sitting next to you could be battling something bigger than you can imagine." ■ 

Excerpt from Hailey Darkwa's Student Speaker Series presentation 

 

Ensworth will continue to equip our students with the skills required to drive positive change, weaving leadership development into every facet of the student experience.

Strategic Vision, 2025-2030