I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker at Harvard University last week for the American Association of Mental Illness’ annual conference. The students pictured are the AAMI board of directors for the school’s chapter.(The event was not a Harvard specific event). Talking about mental illness is very important to me, and seeing these young people coming together to bring about more awareness and resources was great. They also streamed the event to other chapters across the U.S.
While the event was not a Harvard specific event, my being on that campus as a speaker is an experience that I will not soon forget. I’m was a fairly good student in high school. But attending an Ivy league school required credentials that I was not academically strong enough to meet. However, my professional education and personal, lived experiences continue to demonstrate my strengths and knowledge to contribute to society in my own purposeful way.
I appreciate the AAMI Boston Chapter for the opportunity to keynote the conference!