Volunteering for HabitAware: Art, Advocacy, and Impact
Volunteering has always been a way for me to give back to the community, but my experience with HabitAware has been so much more—it's allowed me to merge my passion for art with my dedication to BFRB awareness and advocacy. As a high school student at the Buckley School in Los Angeles, my journey with HabitAware, a company committed to creating solutions for body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), has been incredibly rewarding and transformative.
My Creative Approach to BFRB Advocacy
My involvement with HabitAware started when I was in middle school. At eleven years old, I reached out to Ellen Crupi (HabitAware's Director of Awareness) with an idea: to host a webinar for kids that would explore mental health through the lens of BFRBs, a condition that isn't often talked about. The webinar, titled Kids Helping Kids: Don't Let Your Mind Bully Your Body, became a reality, and it was an experience I'll never forget. During the webinar, I introduced concepts that I had both created and illustrated, helping the young attendees identify and visualize their own "pillars of strength." It was amazing to see how my artwork and ideas resonated with them. I've always had a vivid imagination, and being able to translate that into something that could make a difference for others was incredibly fulfilling.
Building Community and Connection
After the webinar, I continued my involvement with HabitAware by helping with an online support group for kids. These sessions were usually led by the kids themselves, with an adult supervising, but it wasn't always easy to get the conversation going. I found that just by being my kind and curious self, I could help the other kids feel more comfortable and open to sharing their experiences. It felt good to know that my participation was making a difference.
My contributions to HabitAware didn't stop there. This past summer, I hosted a digital art workshop for teens and tweens with BFRBs, helping them explore their emotions and experiences through creative expression. It was a rewarding and insightful experience, and I was amazed by the talent and resilience of the participants.
In addition to the workshop, for the last 15 months I've volunteered as a Communications intern and have been able to use my artistic skills to create illustrations and write copy for HabitAware's social media posts. I've had the chance to work closely with the company's lead multimedia designer and marketing manager Mari Larsen, and it's been a great learning experience. I've had to adapt quickly, take critiques, and consistently apply design concepts—skills that I know will serve me well in the future.
The Impact of Volunteering
Looking back, my journey with HabitAware has shown me how powerful volunteering can be, especially when it aligns with what you're passionate about. Through my work, I've been able to contribute to a cause I care deeply about while also growing and learning in ways I never expected. My initiative, creativity, and curiosity have made a lasting impact on the HabitAware community, and I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish.
For anyone thinking about volunteering, I hope my story shows how much you can gain from the experience. Volunteering can be more than just a way to give back—it can be an opportunity to grow, learn, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
