Maggie McWilliams, President

Hi, I am Maggie, the president of chapter 154 at the University of Wyoming. This is our second year as a chapter. We could not believe the participation in Send Silence Packing, from logging on to the Pepsi challenge and voting, to hosting the awareness campaign.

In response to Kristin Chamness:

1. What has been your most successful Active Minds recruitment tool?

To date, the most successful recruitment tool has been this campaign.

2. How do you generate excitement around a heavy topic?

To generate excitement we have found by focusing on life, “the blessings of it” and the support of the entire campus and counseling center on campus helps reduce the heaviness of the topic.

3. Have you experienced any resistance and how did you deal with it?

We had never experienced a negative reaction until this project. I think the number of students who showed up and volunteered created an attraction for extremists to protest.

Maggie’s questions for the Montana State University chapter:

1. What will you do to promote Send Silence Packing on a small scale on your campus?

2. How did students respond to the display?

3. Do you know what the distance from University of Wyoming to Bozeman in miles?

Sean Moran, Secretary

I joined because I find these issues to be important and have faced suicidal ideation in the past. I am a psychology and sociology major. I would like to be a social worker focusing on mental health and violence issues.

In response to Amanda Raffety:

1. What is your favorite pastime?

I love to listen to music.

2. What is your oddest phobia?

I have a phobia of church sanctuaries.

3. What is your favorite thing about Active Minds?

I love the positive and empathetic environment.

Sean’s questions for the Montana State University chapter:

1. What is your favorite Active Minds event?

2. What do you plan to do in the future?

3. Where do you wish to go after college?

Mika Moriwaki, Treasurer and Student Advisory Committee member of Active Minds, Inc.

My country, Japan, has a much higher suicide rate and huge stigma surrounding mental disorders. I was so surprised that the United States has such a unique organization and that Wyoming has a very high suicide rate. After I came to the United States many people helped me a lot. Now is the time that I can do something for people. Also, I would like to help make a positive difference in Japan. I would like to devote myself to the mental health field for the rest of my life. That is why I joined.

In response to Jordan Isaac:

1. What is your favorite summer activity?

Going back to my home and hanging out with my friends. It is precious in my life.

2. What’s your favorite band/artist and why?

Sorry, I do not know.

3. What’s your favorite movie?

Chicago! I love musical movies and this movie is the best!!

Mika’s questions for the Montana State University chapter:

1. What event was most successful in your chapter?

2. How do you feel right now?

3. What is your favorite musician?