At the heart of a society plagued with depression, fear and anxiety, students are in need of quality relaxation more than ever. In order to address the growing need and relieve these issues, the school’s Wellness Center continues to help de-stress the distressed through inclusive and innovative school-wide events such as Thrive earlier this school year, where Diamond Bar High School students could safely take a break from school to rest their mental health.

Since the end of the previous DB Forum—a similar event hosted by the retired founder of the Wellness Center, Ms. Sandy Davis—Thrive has allowed students to improve their well-being and, as the name suggests, Thrive. Organized by the Wellness Center Coordinator, Mrs. Denise Mesdjian, and several adult and student peer counselors, the overall flow of the event is tailored to fit the needs of today’s students.

“Thrive is the only event on campus that provides the opportunity for students to examine their feelings and behavior in a supportive and non-judgmental environment,” Mesdjian said.

Through a Google Form sign up link, many can sign up to attend the event every year and are sorted into groups of ten that bond over the half-day. More than a hundred students attend the forum every year and are guided by advanced peer counselors to open themselves up to other people and share their thoughts and experiences.

“Allowing participants the time to voice their ah-ha moments and to give props to their group leaders promotes a positive experience for all attendees,” Mesdjian said.

This year, more than one hundred students signed up and attended Thrive. While they were away from school from first period to lunch, many walked out satisfied with the event. 

“Students come away from Thrive feeling more connected to others and more empathetic toward fellow students than they did going in,” Mesdjian said. “Thrive allows students to pause from their daily academic studies to learn about themselves.”