Ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of The Living Room pop-up shop All Photos courtesy of Gabrielle Magid
Stronger Together Bolles graduate launches mental health nonprofit Sara Wasserman Contributing Writer
W
e had to change the campus culture around asking for help.” said Gabrielle Magid ‘11. Gabrielle Magid graduated from Bolles in 2011. “When she entered a classroom, people could not help but notice her bright smile, sparkling eyes, and warm spirit.” Mrs. Pamela Clubb recalled. She is remembered by her teachers as always radiating a bubbly personality around campus, but high school is a difficult time for many.
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After graduation, Magid’s own experiences with anxiety and depression inspired her to create Stronger Than Stigma (STS), a nonprofit that advocates for mental health awareness. “It shouldn’t be a big deal to say I’m not feeling like myself and I need to go talk to somebody.” Magid insisted. At UF, Magid realized that students were struggling with their own mental health and not reaching out for help. After a student took their own life on campus, she knew she had to take action. Magid describes her understanding as to why students
were struggling alone. “Either they didn’t know what the help options were or they felt ashamed.” The summer after her sophomore year, Magid went on her Birthright trip, a trip to Israel for young adults of Jewish heritage. There she met two friends who were also passionate about mental health, and the idea for Stronger Than Stigma was born. “Maybe people think of it as a weakness, but reaching out for help really is a strength.” explained Magid. “It’s always a strength and not a weakness.” However, when she pitched this idea to UF during her sophomore
