Making Space for Open Conversations

By Linda Murillo Kennedy

I like to think that the times are changing when it comes to mental health. I have noticed our younger generations are starting to speak up about it openly. More and more young people are seeking ways to create change for themselves, their friends, and their families. That is why I feel grateful to be part of The Kim Foundation’s work to bring Our Minds Matter (OMM) to Central and Benson High Schools this past school year.

For those of you who don’t know, OMM is a student-led movement of clubs that focus on promoting self-care and healthy habits, social connectedness, and increasing help-seeking and prosocial behaviors. Which is a long way of saying it helps students build connections while learning to navigate mental health. Through The Kim Foundation’s implementation of OMM, I’ve had the privilege of serving as one of the club facilitators, spending time in the schools with these amazing students.

It’s been incredible to see students grow and find a space where they can be open and vulnerable with each other. Whether it was conversations about stress or what makes them feel safe, these students show up with their signature honesty and don’t hold back with what’s on their mind.

As adults, it’s easy to forget what growing up was like and how change and life’s transitions affected us. Maybe if we had been provided with those nonjudgmental spaces to be open, older generations would have learned how conversations about mental health are a natural part of life.

While we stress that OMM isn’t therapy, it is still a space where students can be open about their struggles with mental health. I’ll never forget the time a student let me know their positive news for the day was, “I’m still here.”

If we can continue to be another reason for someone to stay, for someone to open up about their mental health, I think we’re doing it right.

**We are excited to share that The Kim Foundation will continue bringing Our Minds Matter to Omaha Central and Omaha Benson during the 2026–27 school year, while also launching clubs at two additional OPS high schools.

Linda Murillo Kennedy is a program specialist at The Kim Foundation. In her role, Linda uses her skills in public speaking and facilitation to contribute to the foundation’s many outreach initiatives, including the Brighter Tomorrows trainings, Our Minds Matter clubs, and Healing Starts Here. Linda also leads the Youth Advisory Council.