Author: Grace Li

In this installation of the Student Spotlight Series, I had the opportunity to interview a founding member of the New York chapter of the Neurodiversity and Psychiatry Association (NPA). NPA is a youth-led organization dedicated to spreading mental health and neurodiversity awareness! Learn more about them below:

Q1: Please introduce NPA and your mission.
NPA is a youth led non profit dedicated to bringing awareness to different neurological and psychological disorders!

Q2: What issue or idea led you to found NPA?
I’m really interested in psychiatry, and as someone who has struggled with mental health due to psychological disorders, it’s very important for me to bring awareness to these disorders and let people with them know they are not alone.

Q3: What initiative within NPA do you find to be the most meaningful? Why?
Helping people realize that they aren’t alone! I love helping others, and seeing people realize that they aren’t alone in their struggles is so beautiful. Although we fight to bring awareness to struggles that are not visible, we want to remind people that these struggles are still struggles, and they can take over peoples lives.

Q4: How can current students help your organization?
Volunteering! We have many volunteer opportunities, including writing cards for patients in hospitals, and events that help bring awareness to everyone! Volunteering at these events is a great way to get volunteer hours, help bring awareness, and put on your resume that you are a part of NPA!