Interns Showcase

Below you will find past projects and activities planned, prepared, and led directly by our interns

Advocacy Internship 2025-2026

Mind In Bloom

Check out our interns latest work, the “Mind in Bloom” Magazine featuring youth voices navigating mental health stigma, cross-cultural identity, and stories based on their personal experiences.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL MAGAZINE

( Please click the button above for access to resource links, calendar events, and translated versions of the stories)

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Pieces of Me Workshop @MARU Center 7/29/26

The purpose of this workshop is to help youth better understand who they are as individuals while promoting creativity, self-expression, & mental wellness.

18 participants gathered to explore identity, individuality, peer pressure, & the importance of staying true to themselves by reflecting through discussion, scrapbooking and collaging. They also participated in a free tote bag painting activity where they could express their unique individuality in the form of art.

The workshop also created a safe space for youth to reflect on who they are today instead of feeling pressured to constantly think about the future by utilizing mindfulness tools and craft activities.

Lotus of the Mind Mixer @Castro Valley High Library 2/27/26

The Lotus of the Mind Mixer was a event created and led by the interns of IWAY2. The goal of the mixer was to promote mental health awareness and gain insight to the school’s mental health climate, while also providing mindfulness activities to promote student wellness.

The mixer was a huge success, gathering over 30 students. Students made bouquets through a mindful flower arrangement activity, posted anonymously on a Mentimeter about mental health, and enjoyed time to relax and destress.

Check out our intern’s vlogs about a day in their life!

IWAY2 advocacy interns created a youth-led “Instagram Reel a Day” film highlighting a typical day in the life of a high school student, including classes, extracurricular activities, and after-school time spent connecting with peers. The video emphasized the importance of social support, self-care, and maintaining connections with others while navigating the demands of high school. By sharing these experiences through social media, interns used their own voices and perspectives to promote healthy coping strategies and encourage their peers to prioritize mental wellness.

My Personal Soundtrack

Self-Care

Handling the News

Check out Henry Chou’s independent blog about setting healthy boundaries with news and media. Drawing from his own experience, Henry shares practical strategies for managing news consumption and finding a healthier balance while staying informed. The blog encouraged readers to be intentional about their media habits and recognize when taking a step back can support overall mental well-being.

Advocacy Internship 2024-2025

Check out our advocacy intern, Henry Chou’s speech about high competition and school grades at the San Francisco Youth Community Conversation event with the Department of Justice and Community Awareness Response Engagement (CARE).

Check out our advocacy intern, Henry Chou’s book: The American Seesaw. It is based on his experience on balancing between the cultural values of their parents home countries and the American culture they were raised in.

←- Click the seesaw to access link

Check out Jason Guo’s independent blog exploring the role of music in shaping his identity and personal growth. Drawing from his experiences with music, including his passion for playing piano and performing at Carnegie Hall, Jason reflects on how music has influenced his development and supported his mental well-being. The blog also incorporates a curated playlist, allowing readers to engage with the music that accompanied and shaped their experiences. Through personal storytelling, Jason highlights how creative expression can serve as a meaningful source of connection, identity, and emotional well-being.

Check out Ankita Gupta’s independent blog exploring what self-care means to her and how practicing self-care has supported her mental health. Drawing from her own experiences, Ankita shares personal insights and strategies that have helped her prioritize her well-being and encourages readers to think about what self-care can look like in their own lives.

Check out our advocacy interns presentation on healthy ways of social media usage.

IWAY2 advocacy interns facilitated an interactive workshop on healthy social media habits and navigating toxic behaviors online, bringing together attendees from across the Bay Area. Through presentations, discussions, games, and creative activities, participants explored common challenges such as fear of missing out, social comparison, jealousy, and the difficulty of setting boundaries with social media. The workshop provided a supportive space for youth to share their experiences, learn practical strategies for healthier social media use, and explore self-care practices. Attendees described the event as helpful, informative, enjoyable, and relatable. View the workshop slides to learn more about healthy social media habits and strategies for maintaining a healthier relationship with social media.

Summer Mixer “Empower, Connect, and Thrive” @Korean Community Center of East Bay - 6/15/2024

Our Advocacy interns have created podcast series called MIWAY2 Mental Health . Check out the episodes discussing mental health among our youths!

←- Click the image to access