Category "Adolescent Appreciation Month"

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

TAB Member

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

Freshmen Year

How has this participation benefited you as a teenager?

Being part of TAB has opened my eyes to what teens in Charlotte are really experiencing, and it’s made me more confident talking about important health topics. It’s also given me a fun, supportive space to speak up about mental health and help spread awareness in a positive way!

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

I am so proud to be part of TAB, and I love how it truly allows teens to be an active part of the Charlotte community while staying informed. It helps us understand the real health issues our peers face, and with that awareness we’re able to support one another and create meaningful change

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.

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

I am a part of the Teen Advisory Board as a member (TAB)

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

I have participated in Teen Health Connection since 2021, my 8th-grade year, starting with my first viewing of their play production of “The Big Picture.”

How has this participation benefited you as a teenager?

My participation has immensely impacted me as a teenager in this generation through my pledge of staying alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) free. I have had the opportunity to speak at the international CADCA conference in Dallas, Texas, serve as a panelist at events, and act in a few short films to spread a notion in which I am beyond passionate about. I had the utmost privilege in providing a mentorship to a group of middle school students through our annual summit initiative, and even helped select scholarship recipients to change-making teenage pioneers; all in the aid of spreading the mission of developing and empowering adolescent leaders into making informed decisions due to a conscientious pursuit of a healthy life. This organization has been a driving force in my personal and professional growth by fostering my developing values of leadership, responsibility, and resilience, inspiring me to actively contribute to my community and become a positive influence for others.

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

The service that Teen Health Connection provides is vital to the teens in our community. Their services offer a safe, supportive space where teens can truly get the help they need. Having access to trusted healthcare providers who you feel understand you is a game-changer within the healthcare industry, creating a massive difference during the many hard times one can experience. I admire how Teen Health Connection stresses to teens that they do not have to face their struggles alone. Teen Health Connection is here to support, empower, and help us grow into healthy, confident leaders.

My name is Cameron Miller. I’m currently a senior at East Mecklenburg High School, and I’ve been a member of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) going on four years now. This program has allowed me to find my inner voice and gain my self-confidence. Teen Health Connection is super important for teens because their services are geared specifically towards teens, meaning they know how to get proper help and resources to any teen.

My name is Maya Tolani and I am a senior at Parkwood High School. I am a member of the Teen Advisory Board and have been since September of 2025.
My participation as a teenager in TAB has benefited me by learning about the different struggles and adolescent health issues that are relevant in the world now. I’ve been able to spread what I’ve learned about these topics outside of TAB and into my school community.
Teen Health Connection is helping make a difference with the care and services that are provided in helping teens grow into healthy, resilient adults.

Years You Were Involved with Teen Health Connection? 

2023 – 2024

School Attending Now? 

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

What is your major? 

I am currently majoring in Pre-Professional Exercise Science

What are your future plans?

I am currently on track to Physical Therapy School to be a Pediatric Physical Therapist, but I am also exploring careers in social work.

What Teen Health Connection programs and services did you participate in?

My first introduction to Teen Health Connection was through a mentor who invited several of her mentees to the Teen Leadership Summit in 2023. I attended the Summit a bit nervous because there were so many people I didn’t know and a program I was unfamiliar with. I quickly bonded with some of the older and younger leaders and began to truly enjoy my time. By the end of the Summit, I didn’t want to leave. I’ll cherish the memories I made there every day. After the Summit, I engaged with the Teen Advisory Board, attending weekly meetings and engaging with the members. I learned many skills such as emotional regulation, substance abuse awareness, and recognizing the many signs of prominent issues teens are facing. 

How did Teen Health Connection help you?

Teen Health Connection allowed me to get to know people from the surrounding communities and recognize that I am not alone in some of the ways I feel and the things we as youth go through each day. I was also able to meet and connect with mentors and adult staff who provide perspective and can help you navigate challenges and provide resources that may not be accessible to teens on their own. I have been able to share the resources Teen Health Connection provides with friends and peers. Lastly, I have been able to network and make connections that will benefit me throughout my college and adult life and career.