We had a wonderful time visiting the Bemidji community last year so we were very happy to be invited back this fall! It was a blast exploring downtown and meeting Paul Bunyan in this fantastic weather, but nothing beats the amazing students we had the pleasure of getting to know a little bit as they came up and spoke to us after panels. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing from students that they not only found our message personally relatable, but that they are thankful for our service in their community as well.
In today’s world it can be easier than ever to feel isolated, and living in a rural area can add another dimension to managing mental health. People thrive on connection and a sense of togetherness and mental health outcomes improve when we don’t feel alone in our experiences. If people aren’t talking about substance misuse, how can someone know that they’re not alone? When we share our stories in the classroom, we build community and resilience among youth. Students get to hear about similar challenges they may face from someone whom they view as a peer. So thank you, Bemidji community, for inviting us back and giving us the opportunity to connect with your amazing youth and educators!
CTO Makes its Return to Bemidji!
