We Matter 2021
By Ryan Bright
In 2019 alone, there were over 1.38 million suicide attempts. People now more than ever need to feel loved and appreciated. It is a terrible tragedy that anyone would rather choose to give in to death than try to live another day. In light of this, the We Matter foundation and Owasso High School have taken the initiative to help not only inform people about suicide, but also help prevent it.
They did this by hosting We Matter week, a time where students and adults alike can work together to show their love for the people in the community and show that nobody is truly alone. They started off strong by revealing their new We Matter Logo for the year of 2021, featuring a custom violet and neon blue design created by Owasso High School graduate, Karina Girn.
We Matter 2021 Logo, designed by Karina Girn
Following the release of Karina’s incredible piece, the We Matter organization also announced they would hold a car show to promote suicide awareness. This event had cars, food and fun for everyone. Not only did people get to watch the show and the balloon release, but they also got a chance to gather together and make new friends within their community. It is obvious that the citizens who participated in the event felt connected and united, a feeling of which many have lacked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bringing people together did wonders, but the We Matter organization wanted to do more. They wanted to drive home the main point of all of these events and the week itself, suicide prevention.
To do this, they went right to the core, Owasso High School, to give panels about suicide awareness and what a good friend can do to help someone struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts. These panels were important, as they helped the students of Owasso High School understand the effects of depression, something that is common with high school students across the United States.
By embedding these concepts in the students, they become a channel for positivity. They can make a difference in their fellow students, by showing that their lives matter and no one should be left behind. Although it may be small, these are the necessary changes that will change the world for the better, and hopefully stop suicide in it’s tracks.
Of course, this will take time and effort, but sometimes all it takes is one small step, one small deed to change someone’s life for the better. Showing kindness is a good place to start for anyone. It’s easy to smile at someone in the hall, or say hello to a person who seems like they are alone. Show your appreciation for those around you in thoughtful ways. Ask how somebody is feeling. Be empathetic. All of these are good ways to show that you care.
Kindness saves lives, so show people they matter! In the end, everyone needs a shoulder to cry on, a friend to support them and an ally to fight for them. Be that person.
We Mater.