In an effort to promote mental wellness on the Diamond Bar High School campus, the DBHS Wellness Center held its first THRIVE forum last month.

On Sep. 29, around thirty underclassman students attended the wellness forum, held at the gym, from second period to lunch. The participants were limited to freshmen and sophomores who had to sign up via Google Forms prior to the event.

“THRIVE is a half-day event where students can meet new people, engage in interactive activities and discussions to learn about themselves, and practice wellness initiatives,” senior Sharon Fung said. 

According to Fung, who is a wellness consultant, the idea for THRIVE began when wellness adviser Denise Mesdijan wanted to create an opportunity for underclassmen to adjust to high school and make new friends—all while emphasizing wellness and mindfulness. The wellness crew spent several hours painting promotional posters, making flyers, and advertising the event to various classrooms in the weeks leading up to the event. 

The crowd of attendees expressed that the event was a memorable first experience with DBHS peer counseling and a great transition into a new atmosphere.

“THRIVE was a great and fun experience,” sophomore Emma Lee said. “I met new people and interacted with other people who I haven’t met before.”

Included in the event were many group discussions and activities including a color personality test. Participants were first introduced to icebreaker activities to reduce shyness and reluctance, which helped everyone meet new people. 

“The shout-out segment of the forum stood out to me a lot,” Fung said. “That was a segment in which peers from each group could go onstage and shout people out, or share what they learned about others, themselves, or other people in general.”

Following that segment was a dive into deeper topics such as academic pressure and social issues on campus. Students were able to voice their thoughts on schoolwork and their personal lives. 

“Taking the time to share those burdens with non-judgemental peers was special,” Fung said. “By the end, most [participants] became a lot more open and able to share their own perspectives and ideas.”

As mental health grows in concern for students approaching the most stressful times in the semester, the peer-counseling team said they aim to aid those in need of help.

Following the successful turnout of this event, peer counseling is planning on setting up another THRIVE forum, but for juniors and seniors this time.

“We are looking forward to doing the same thing,” Fung said. “Creating a supportive environment for people to create friendships, learn, and even de-stress.”