Teens create charming bracelets for a cause

When sophomore Jessica Rosen walked the John F. Kennedy High School hallways, she heard something peculiar. Something disturbing. Something that sparked a need to take action. And fast.

“A lot of my peers are experiencing difficult things,” Rosen said. “My peers are going through a lot. Whether it’s depression, suicidal thoughts or cutting, I’ve heard them talking about it and it made me want to help.”

Depression. Suicidal thoughts. Self harming. These are just a few of the topics that Rosen has overheard not only at her school, but also at the mall, the public library and even at summer camp where she met Emmie Levy.

Levy, whom Rosen described as possibly the most cheerful and happy person on Earth, also noticed her peers were experiencing the same emotions as Rosen did in her peers. Although Levy attends Syosset High School, she and Rosen spoke about the struggles and troubles that plague today’s children and young adults.
So they set out to help.

All hands on deck

Levy and Rosen sat next to each other at a long table in a small conference room at Merrick Library. Levy wore a bright, cheek-to-cheek smile. Rosen wore a black bracelet accented with a small, silver pendant. It was no ordinary bracelet.

When the girls discussed raising awareness about mental health, they came up with a trendy idea. “Bracelets are sort of a centerpiece,” Rosen said. “Everyone sees them. They’re right there, in view, all the time.”

It was no easy task. Rosen and Levy continued to discuss the tough issues at hand. Why do kids think suicidal thoughts? Why do they self-harm? Why don’t they seek help? What can be done?

The girls brainstormed color ideas and words of support to be associated with each color. They researched materials and pendants. They talked some more about what they overheard their peers saying to one another. They continued to craft the perfect bracelet. Finally, after many hours and days of work, they designed Choice Bracelets.