Beginning early last week, the ice water bucket challenge returned, spreading rapidly across social media for the second time, revamping an inspirational movement. The University of Southern California, or USC, had created its own “speak your mind challenge,” where those nominated would have ice water dumped on them after nominating others to do the same.
To spread awareness, this challenge prompts the importance of speaking out against mental health. A chain reaction was sparked and shows no signs of slowing down as more and more people partake. The Mental Illness Needs discussion club (MIND) created this challenge, starting with the goal of raising $500 towards supporting programs for students in need. Destroying their original goal, the campaign has raised over $100,000 in the first few weeks.
Founder of MIND, Wade Jefferson, began his program to draw attention towards pressing issues after the unfortunate death of a close friend. Affected by mental health struggles and ultimately leading this student to take their own life, Wade took action to inspire others in honor of his lost friend.
“Conversations about mental health should be just as common and just as comfortable as conversations as physical health” Jefferson said. “We’re launching the Speak Your Mind ice bucket challenge with the Active Minds organization to shine a light on mental health awareness.”
The last ice bucket challenge began in the summer of 2014 when pro golfer Chris Kennedy nominated his cousin to show their support for her husband, who had recently been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS. This illness affects nerves progressively weakening muscles and causing motor control, speaking and breathing challenges and in severe cases paralysis. Without a cure this challenge
took the internet by storm, involving celebrities such as Oprah, Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, LeBron James and many others all in support of donating and spreading awareness of this disease. Becoming the next big trend, politicians, presidents, athletes, students, neighbors and family all participated, posting their reactions all over Instagram.
Surprisingly, out of the blue videos of people getting buckets, pitchers, bowls and containers of ice water dumped on them started to infiltrate the algorithm. Growing slowly overnight, the challenge connected thousands all in support of mental health awareness.
Making its way through the Fresno Christian campus, students of all grades have been soaked in support the fight for mental health awareness, being challenged by classmates, friends and family.
Beckham Klein, 25′, braved the cold last week showing his support for mental health awareness.
“I had a lot of fun participating. It brought back memories of the original ice bucket challenge from a couple years ago.” Klein said. “Mental health awareness is important, and I’ve seen first-hand people I know struggle and a lot of people don’t understand or realize they are struggling, so I hope this helps raise some awareness.”
This USC challenge has blossomed into something greater than could ever be imagined, causing a drastic impact sweeping the nation. Starting as something simple and local, the challenge turned into a powerful source of inspiration, pushing for recognition of something relevant to all.
To learn more about the ice bucket challenge visit: The Official USC MIND website or The USC MIND Instagram
To read more from the feather check out Review: 18th Annual Econ Fair delivers its promise to satisfy students or Leadership invites students to ‘A Night In Gatsby’s Garden’
