University High Addressing Student Mental Health Issues

Kaden Zhang is the student body president at University High School, a premiere performing arts charter school at Fresno State. He says the academically rigorous curriculum causes a lot of stress for him and other students.

“I’m involved in a lot of activities, whether that be ASB president or also some college classes, and sometimes the course work itself, speaking regarding academics exclusively can get overwhelming at times,” Zhang said.

University High has one of the highest graduation rates in California and students test in the top 15 percent in math and English.

That puts a lot of weight on their shoulders mentally.

Geni Bird is one of two counselors for more than 492 students on campus. She hears firsthand from students about the issues they face.

“Many of our students here at UHS experience high levels of anxiety and stress, so my job is to obviously be here, be a safe place that they can go to, a trusted adult that they can come and talk to for that light, brief personal social counseling,” Bird said.

To address these issues, Bird has a plan to create a room that will serve as a safe place where students can go to de-stress and gather themselves for a short time before going back to class.

Superintendent principal, Jeffie Hickman, is all for creating this safe haven.

Hickman has supported and helped Bird with applying for a grant and funding to create this haven for their students.

“Even if Mrs. Bird doesn’t receive the funding for this, I’ll still find money in my budget to pay for these items because I think it’s an important enough project for us and our students,” Hickman said.