Aniya Dugger – Adolescent Appreciation Month

What is your role at Teen Health Connection (TAB, Scholarship recipient, patient, other)? 

I am honored to be a part of the Teen Health Connection Teen Advisory Board.

How long have you been a participant in Teen Health Connection’s programs?

Teen Health Connection has been an integral part of my development since I was in the 8th grade. Through my attendance in the 2022 Spring Summit, I was introduced to this program and the passion for leadership, community, and the youth. Instantly I was drawn in and wanted to become a change-maker like many of the members I met.

How has this participation benefited you as a teenager?

As a member of the Teen Health Connection Teen Advisory Board (TAB) I have made amazing new friends, access to stages, and connections to opportunities I could have never dreamed I would have been a part of. Through TAB I learned the power of my voice and I used it! Speaking in front of large audiences of teen youth enhances my ability to utilize quick thinking skills while displaying leadership, integrity, and service. Through our weekly meetings I have been immersed in conversations that excite me, as they provide the opportunity to think outside the box and boldly engage in new experiences.Teen Health Connection has ignited my desire to continue research throughout my career to become a neuroscientist.

Additionally, it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and encourage others to do the same. Teen Health Connection has taught me the significance of using my superpower fearlessly, not only for my local community, but also the global community; through advocacy and service. I had the amazing opportunity to speak at the CADCA Conference, bringing awareness to changes needed to be made throughout the various school systems and the importance of organizations like Teen Health Connection. As I aspire to become a leader in the world of health through my interest in studying neuroscience TAB has placed me with so many like-minded peers and connections. To give back to my community outside of TAB, I have hosted my high school’s talent shows that annually raise over $1,000 for a local organization, “My Sisters House.” My commitment and participation on the teen board for Teen Health Connection has truly allowed me to become an advocate for myself and others!

Is there anything you would like to say about Teen Health Connection and the importance of our services to teens?

Currently, one of the biggest public health risks currently affecting my community is the unfortunate drug use in my teen community. It has become one of the most normalized, public health and teenagers today. The most common form of drug use in my team community is via vapes. Vapes are e-cigarettes that use a battery to heat a special liquid that contains nicotine masked by addicting flavor into an aerosol that is inhaled. Due to the increasing normality of using vapes, many teens have become addicted causing them to miss out on their education, a crucial part of becoming successful. As an advocate for public health, I believe that addressing this public health risk will not only improve my community but open many doors to address other public health risks. Through Teen Health Connection we have brought awareness to this issue through summits, newsletters, billboards, and so much more. The initiative to serve teens and encourage better health habits is so important.

The Teen Health Connection Teen Advisory Board has taught me the importance of advocating for the change we want, especially as teens. The service we do ensures that students know for a change to occur we must step forward. Oftentimes our opinions are not taken seriously in front of adults, which makes it hard to want to speak out, which is why TAB is such an important organization thriving through teen-led ideas, activities, and events. It is important to reach out to not only adults but also our peers and friends, encouraging them to start advocating. Adults want to speak to intelligent children who are adamant about making a change. Other kids want to hear from those they can relate to and understand. Our words shape our behavior in both these situations, we have to know how to speak to adults as well as our peers and friends.

Additionally being a part of the Teen Health Connection Teen Advisory Board I have attended many summits as both a participant and leader, each time I am mesmerized by the effect of being around such an uplifting group of adults. The amount of students I have watched step out of their shells, find life-long friends, and vow to become ATOD free is remarkable. There is no other organization that has such a deep care for their students and community. I am beyond grateful to know this organization’s staff and mission and also be a part of it.