Roberto graduated JVL in 2023. He is currently in the process of preparing for college. He wants to expand his theater experience and graduate college with a bachelor's degree in film. He is also interested in continuing to get to know more people. He would love to go to BMCC in fall 2025. Roberto's goal is to get into a voice acting role in the future- he loves theater and cartoons!

Roberto is most proud of:  

Getting into Wildcat and attending this school. He says, "Wildcat is like a family helping you with what you need."

Roberto's best Wildcat memory:  

Going on a trip with Ms. Fega to Ellis Island. It was his first time seeing the Statue of Liberty.

Roberto's advice for current Wildcats:  

"Give it your best, may not seem easy but with hard work you will see your progress. I never liked school or had motivation but JVL l pushed me to study and really work on what I wanted to accomplish."

FUN FACT: Roberto's favorite fruits are mangoes! And you can spell MANGOES this way or MANGOS that way :)

Wellbeing: Why It Matters for You

When we talk about mental health, we often hear the word "well-being" thrown around. But what  does it really mean? Well-being isn’t just about not having a mental illness—it’s about feeling good, having purpose, and being able to navigate life’s ups and downs. Understanding well- being is becoming a major focus of mental health research, and it could change the way we think about mental health treatment.

What’s the Big Deal About Wellbeing?

For years, mental health has been seen as a simple yes-or-no question: Are you mentally ill or not? But experts now realize that this black-and-white approach doesn’t reflect real life. Instead, mental health exists on a spectrum. Wellbeing plays a huge role in shaping our experiences which are influenced by things like money, relationships, and access to healthcare. Simply put, mental health doesn’t exist in a bubble—it’s connected to everything around us.

Why Should We Care?

Recent research featured in Nature Mental Health calls for a shift in how we approach mental health treatment. Fallon Goodman, a researcher in the field, points out that therapy often focuses on reducing symptoms of mental illness, rather than boosting happiness and fulfillment. Wouldn’t it be great if mental health support also helped us feel more joy and purpose, not just less stress and sadness? That’s where positive psychology comes in, with strategies that encourage positive emotions and resilience.

Wellbeing and Addiction: A Surprising Link

Another fascinating area of research is how well-being connects to addiction. Eric Garland describes the opioid crisis as a disease and dispair where people turn to substances to feel better. His work suggests that building well-being through mindfulness and positive psychology could be key to recovery. His approach, called Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, helps people manage cravings, reframe negative emotions, and find deeper meaning in life.

Let’s Rethink Mental Health Together

The future of mental health isn’t just about reducing distress—it’s about increasing well-being.

As young adults, we’re navigating major life transitions, and understanding well-being can help us build healthier, happier lives. Research is evolving, and now is the time for more conversations about how we can take charge of our own mental health and well-being. Let’s make mental health about thriving, not just surviving!