Kristina Camacho

​Kristina Camacho – New Jersey
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Katherine Camacho
Photography by Catia Conde
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Kristina is an inspirational teen for several reasons. Leader for student council since the 4th grade. She’s currently the Treasurer for her Junior class at The Academy of Allied Health of Sciences in Scotch Plains. She is a kind warm soul. She created a group all The Youth Mindset which helps teens with mental health especially during the pandemic. The Link on IG is @theyouthmindset. Kristina also plays softball her #1 sport, she plays basketball in the winter. cheers and plays the clarinet in the marching band. She’s a loyal individual and will not leave her brother Luis who is diagnosed with Autism who is also in the marching band, so she multitasks with cheer and marching band to stay loyal to band and her brother. She has 2 younger brothers and they adore her, and she is a huge role model for them and all her peers. She gets along with everyone and is always willing to help a friend when needed. When Kristina recurved a prefect Statewide test score in the 4th grade we knew there was something special with this kind soul. She always a pleasure to be around with her Contagious smile. 

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​How did you get the idea to create the Youth Mindset?
A couple of my classmates and I realized that it is very common for someone to be stressed out to the point that they don’t know what to do, or may even suffer from depression and other mental illnesses. We also know that many teens find trouble asking for help or finding ways to destress and focus on themselves. So we as teens that witness this first hand, decided that we wanted to take charge of the situation and help. I, for one, would do anything to help a friend in need that might be upset or sad because I know I would want someone to help me, even though I would always help a person that needs it before myself.

Can you tell me more about the Youth Mindset? What you do and who you benefit?
On our instagram and website we provide many ways to destress and relax. We also have many articles, written by us, for people to become educated on different mental illnesses. We also have a live chat for anyone that may need to just talk to someone to let anything out and we chat back giving them advice on what they can do to help. We do not diagnose or give medicine because we don’t have the resources needed for that including a PhD. We mainly benefit high school students who suffer from anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental illnesses.

​Where do you hope to take this not-for- profit?
I hope that this not- for- profit can become a country-wide resource for students who realize that they need help whether they are stressed out, having anxiety more often or are becoming depressed. One thing I hate is seeing others down and I really hope that this not- for- profit can get far in helping students in need like it is intended. We are currently trying to first get more followers on social media and raise enough money to be able to host events for students to come together and be able to talk to others and just have a relaxed day without having to have any worries or mainly just a way to get their minds off of being stressed or sad.

Tell me more about your school, The Academy for Allied Health Sciences. How is this school different from a regular high school?
My school is different from a regular high school in many ways. All our classes are high honors and AP courses. We also have health related classes such as Dynamics of Healthcare in Society, Medical Terminology, Emergency Clinical Care, and many more that we take each year. Some of these courses are hands-on and others are not. By the end of our four years we will know what it’s like to be in medical school and we will be CPR, First Aid, and EMT certified. I can admit that this school is extremely challenging and it is for those students who love a challenge and will push themselves all the way through.

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​How do you balance all your activities while helping out your brother and your family?
Ever since I was little I had to do my own chores and learn to help my brother who is on the spectrum. I make sure he does it himself however he sometimes needs a push to do it right. Now that I’m older, I have a lot more to manage with sports, school, and homework. I usually try to finish my homework as fast as possible so I can help my mom around the house or help my brother with his homework or even just talk to him about his day since he doesn’t talk much sometimes. If I know I am going to be up late with homework I will help and talk to my brother first and then work on it but I always make time for him and helping my family.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
One way I keep myself organized is having a planner or notebook to write everything down in. This is very helpful during school and especially if you have sports after school it helps you remember everything that needs to be done.

Kristina will be featured in Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here for more information on issue 36

click here to nominate an inspiring teen