Danielle, Senior

Hello! My name is Danielle and I’m a member of Active Minds in Bozeman, Montana. We are a fairly new chapter that started last semester. I came to Active Minds to help start mental health conversation. Mental illness was in my family and it helps to talk about it. I want to hear others and promote resources that MSU has.

In response to Maggie McWilliams:

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

On a smaller scale, I want to keep the idea of SSP by being open about mental illness. Suicide is too often ignored, and hopefully through this big event, people will start talking. We are doing a movie and panel discussion tomorrow that will hopefully answer more questions and keep the essence of SSP going.

2. How did students respond to the display?

Students responded mostly positively to the display. There was a lot of shock at the numbers. Many commented on how powerful it was and we all received stories, memories and thank yous.

3. What is the distance from University of Wyoming to Bozeman in miles?

I have no idea the mileage! I’m going to have to ask.

Overall, this experience was one of the most rewarding  ones I’ve ever had. Thousands of students go to hear and see our message today! How exciting! I hope you are having an amazing week!

Danielle’s questions for the next chapter:

1. What were your reactions to Send Silence Packing?

2. What is a piece of advice you would give another Active Minds chapter?

3. What do you want to do as a profession?

Susie Lenssen, Senior and President

Hi! My name is Susie Lenssen, I am the president of Active Minds at Montana State University and a senior in Industrial Engineering. I have also been a competitive figure skater for 15 years.

In response to Sean Moran:

1. What is your favorite Active Minds event?

My favorite Active Minds event is Send Silence Packing (we have only been a chapter for two semesters).

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

In the future I hope this chapter continues to grow, host events and work with other clubs.

3. Where do you wish to go after college?

After college I am moving to Seattle to hopefully find an engineering job… or work as a private figure skating coach.

Susie’s questions for the next chapter:

1. How well has your campus received Send Silence Packing?

2. How and why did you get involved with Active Minds?

3. What events would you suggest to a new club? (How do you get more members?)

Katy Thomas, Senior

I heard from a friend about Active Minds and thought it was a wonderful cause. Montana has the second highest suicide rate among young people. We must help those with depression and mental illness!

In response to Mika Moriwaki:

1. What event was most successful in your chapter?

I would definitely say that Send Silence Packing was very influential and showed the whole campus who we are.

2. How do you feel right now?

I feel touched. I am so sad after reading all of the stories on the backpacks. It amazes me what a serious issue this is and how many people are affected by it.

3. What is your favorite musician?

My current favorite musician is the group Passion Pit. I love their music and it puts me in a good mood.

Katy’s questions for the next chapter:

1. How has today made you feel?

2. What’s the most inspirational story you’ve heard today?

3. What is your major and what do you intend to do with it?