Joy Berry, a college and career coach from the Everybody Counts initiative with Governor Beshear’s office in Frankfort, Kentucky, is passionate about raising awareness concerning suicide and the mental health of high school students. Recently, Ms. Berry sat down to discuss this with the STEAM Academy journalism students. She intends to educate others in Fayette County about what she is doing and to discover ways to improve and further her mission.
To prepare students for their futures, Ms. Berry focuses on essential skills like resume writing, interview techniques, and assessments that help students identify their passions and discover a career that fits that passion. This program is built around four key initiatives: time management, financial literacy, lifelong skill development, and wellness. These are designed to teach students the skills necessary for success, making sure they are well prepared to work around the challenges of life after high school. 
Mental health is also a critical piece of Ms. Berry’s work. She envisions creating safe spaces where students can comfortably discuss their thoughts and feelings. Ms. Berry is proposing a series of PSA’s (Public Service Announcements) by organizing engaging events that will encourage open conversations about mental health; she is hoping to reach as many students as possible and create a long lasting impact within the school community. She sought feedback from our class on how to create a PSA that would be relevant to our age group. Finally, Ms. Berry believes that every student’s future matters, and she continues to work with STEAM students, even after they graduate – helping them find meaningful pathways and making a positive impact on their life.
“Your future matters,” Ms. Berry emphasized. Even after bad experiences, as you press forward in life, there are people like Ms. Berry who are willing to help you be successful. She believes making mental health support more accessible for every high school student is crucial to our school’s well being.
This program can be bigger and better with help from adults who hope to make positive changes in teenagers’ lives. Joy Berry’s personal experiences as a teenager in high school is a key motivation for her work; after dropping out of school in 11th grade, as an adult she returned to finish and earn her degree. Reflecting on the lack of support she felt during her
formative years. At times she wished for someone to sit down with her, to listen, and to guide her through the challenges she faced as a teenager. Throughout this process, Joy Berry aims to provide the support she once needed to others who might experience the same things she did and inspire others to live their best life.
Joy Berry’s initiative not only faces the immediate needs of high school students but also starts a good foundation for their future success. By helping them with important life skills and encouraging deep conversations about mental health, she is building up the confidence in our community. The importance of a strong community supports the program’s effectiveness; this creates guidance and encouragement for students. Ultimately, Joy’s work shows the huge impact that dedicated individuals can have on the lives of the next generation, empowering them to further their futures with hope and determination.
