How the Right Environment Helps Students Rise Above Anxiety
The Challenge of Anxiety in Youth
Anxiety is one of the most common struggles young people face today. According to the CDC, about 20 percent of adolescents aged twelve to seventeen report experiencing anxiety symptoms. Many students feel worried when life seems unpredictable, whether it is going to a new school, making friends, or entering unfamiliar situations.
Anxiety often grows when the mind fills in the unknown with the worst possibilities. When life does not feel simple or clear, it becomes difficult to feel comfortable anywhere. But when young people have the right support and a consistent mentor to help them see what is real, they can begin to move forward with confidence.
A Student Navigating a Tough School Life
Before joining the Valley Guardians coaching program, Emma faced challenges that many youth quietly carry. When she was younger, classmates pushed her away for being talkative and full of energy. Experiences like that can stay with a child for years. For Emma, it made school feel uncertain and uncomfortable. She struggled to open up to peers and often worried about what might happen in new situations.
When she came to the Valley Guardians program with her sister, she arrived with a kind heart, a bright mind, and a desire to grow, but also with understandable hesitation. Her past experiences made it difficult to feel at ease in new environments. Our role as mentors was to provide simplicity, structure, and a place where she could feel safe being herself.
Growth Through Mentorship and Family Support
Emma’s progress became possible through a partnership between her, her parents, and the VG coaching program. Her parents were deeply supportive and played a key role every step of the way. Together, we created an environment where she could pause, see life clearly, and work through anything that felt overwhelming.
As mentors, we observed Emma developing the ability to sort through worry by looking ahead and focusing on what was real rather than what her imagination created. She began to check in more when situations felt confusing and allowed trusted adults to help her see things from a calmer, clearer perspective. With her parents and mentors by her side, Emma gradually began stepping into new experiences. She explored electives like finance, helped at an elementary school, participated in social activities, and built friendships alongside her sister. Instead of staying in her own space, she started expanding her world one decision at a time.
See What is Possible
What stood out the most in Emma’s journey was her willingness to keep trying, even when life felt uncertain. She continued to show up, communicate, and take small but meaningful steps forward. Each step helped her feel more comfortable in her environment and discover new sides of herself.
While she still experiences moments of anxiety like any young person, Emma has shown that with support, simplicity, and guidance, anxiety does not have to define her day. She has grown more confident navigating school, friendships, and challenges, and she continues to build the skills that will help her throughout high school and beyond.
Message to Students
Anxiety is normal and experiencing it does not mean something is wrong with you. The key is finding someone who understands you and can help you see situations clearly. When life feels confusing, talk to the experts in your life [those you know can see life clearer than you like your parents, teachers, coaches, community leaders, etc.]. Look ahead, simplify what is in front of you, and take one step at a time. With support, you can build confidence, try new things, and discover your potential just like Emma.
THE VALLEY GUARDIANS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Valley Guardian program is a multiyear coaching program for underserved students in the community. It was created by successful business people in the valley. They got together and formed a non-profit to find ways to fund developmental programs for kids in underserved communities. This program was aimed toward the underserved kids in the valley who have good hearts and have a desire to be successful and be mentored. The kids who are a part of this program have access to all different kinds of services like professional coaches, coaching calls, getaways, leadership education and training workshops, access to professionals in the valley, college and career readiness and more. The Valley Guardian program started with a single school of 6 students, and overtime has grown to 13 schools, 7 districts, and 49 active students. Overall there have been 120 students who have benefited from this program.
The Valley Guardians program offers over thirty online and in person workshops per year. We do many different types of workshops per year including things like arcades, parks, hikes, parties, and online leadership training. Many of the kids who come are not very social and are looking for a place to feel comfortable and be able to meet new people while being themselves. When they come to programs they have a great time. The way we set them up makes kids feel comfortable, whether we ask them what they are interested in doing or set them up to meet new people through social activities at the beginning of each event. The students find they feel connected and accepted through the program.