Welcome our amazing group of spring 2021 interns! We are so thrilled to have these individuals on our team and to advocate for mental health alongside them.
Meghan Nelligan 
Where do you (or did you) go to school? What do you study?
I recently graduated from Syracuse University, where I studied English, Psychology, and Women and Gender Studies!
Where did you grow up?
I’m from Montville, NJ.
Which team are you interning for, and what are you most excited about your role?
I am interning for the Communications team. I am most excited to strengthen my writing skills through blog pieces as well as help expand our social media presence to reach more individuals!
Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
At Syracuse, I was the President of the Active Minds chapter. Through my leadership role, I saw how necessary mental health awareness was, and even for myself, having a resource like Active Minds to turn to truly saved my life. Now in a postgrad world, I want to use my knowledge and passion for mental health awareness to impact others and destigmatize mental illnesses while also using my love for writing to do so.
What makes you get out of bed each morning?
My dog Roo typically gets me up in the morning, but it is nice to have to wake up to take care of something you love! I also dream of my morning cup of coffee, so that always gets me ready to get up and get going.
What are you currently binge-watching?
I just finished bingeing Lupin on Netflix. I love how shows in other languages are more accessible nowadays through subtitles or dubbing. It reminds me of a quote by Parasite’s director Bong Joon Ho, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” In quarantine, my family and I have watched more shows in other languages than English, and they are some of the best stories I’ve seen in a while.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love being around my family and just talking about anything from politics to the bachelor. I also love going on walks with my three dogs, practicing yoga, writing poetry, and reading.
Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day would begin with Dunkin’ iced coffee. It would then include listening to Taylor Swift while driving to the beach, where I would spend the afternoon with friends and family. And the day would end with a nice homemade meal, playing a game with my cousins, or just watching a movie at home. Any day where I can see the people I love is a good day in my book!
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to be kinder to herself, to always appreciate the moments she spent with loved ones, and to allow herself to continue growing and learning. I would tell her to take a deep breath and not put so much pressure on herself!
Ben Heim 
Where do you (or did you) go to school? What do you study?
I go to Lenox Memorial High School in Massachusetts, and I plan to study public health.
Where did you grow up?
I’m from Lenox, MA.
Which team are you interning for, and what are you most excited about your role?
I am interning for the Programs team (specifically the Chapters Team), and I am most excited to learn how public mental health research can be applied to programming.
Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
As a chapter leader and a member of the Student Advisory Committee, I wanted to continue to support the mission of Active Minds on the administrative side. I believe that the mission of Active Minds must be heard across the world, and I want to help share that message.
What makes you get out of bed each morning?
Doing my duty to myself and the world gets me out of my bed each morning.
What are you currently binge-watching?
Re-watching old survivor seasons
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy reading, zooming with friends, and playing with my dogs.
Describe your perfect day.
Yoga, a good book, and friends make the perfect day.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to embrace uncertainty and take risks.
Skyler Lesser-Roy
Where do you (or did you) go to school? What do you study?
I go to Kenyon College outside of Columbus, OH. I’m a political science and music double major.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Larchmont, NY, a small suburb right outside of NYC!
Which team are you interning for, and what are you most excited about your role?
I’m a program intern and am so excited to get started! I’m passionate about health policy and health equity and eager to learn how to make mental health care more accessible to everyone.
Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
My campus has worked with several Active Minds events and I always found the message and drive of the organization to be inspiring. Having such a close-knit and motivated team has already helped me feel incredibly supported.
What makes you get out of bed each morning?
I’m a heavy sleeper, so anything caffeine-based will helps me get up especially, green tea!
What are you currently binge-watching?
Rick and Morty. During the pandemic, I’ve only watched comedies to make sure I stay laughing!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love performing, whether it be singing with my acapella group, acting in a play, or playing the piano. If I can, I also love to hike and travel as much as possible.
Describe your perfect day.
Getting up and having a bagel breakfast with my family, then heading to the beach with some friends (living near the water growing up was amazing). Once I get back home, the perfect night is watching an action movie with my family and cuddling with my cats.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would say to stop worrying about what-ifs, and instead, be proud of how hard you work as a young adult. Also, stop caring what everyone thinks about you; most of them are only worrying about themselves!
Evan Fried
Where do you (or did you) go to school? What do you study?
I went to Dickinson College in Pennsylvania.
Where did you grow up?
I’m from Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Which team are you interning for, and what are you most excited about your role?
I’m interning on the graphics team and looking forward to helping such a great cause, and from a design perspective, expanding my motion graphics skills.
Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I had known about the org. for some time and personally felt that there were not enough resources for students struggling with mental health issues when I was in school. AE seemed like a great way to get involved and learn more about working as a designer in a communications/non-profit capacity.
What makes you get out of bed each morning?
I love fulfilling creative projects and am always inclined to explore artistically. It feels great to be able to contribute and add value to work for good causes. It helps me feel whole! When I can, I also love to paint and hit the golf links on the weekends.
What are you currently binge-watching?
I just finished all of West Wing.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Artwork, golf, hiking, watching viral videos of Corgis on Instagram.
Describe your perfect day.
Those things in that order^
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Do what you love, not what you think you have to love to conform! Listen, be patient and cross bridges when you come to them.
Steven Peralta Cornejo 
Where do you (or did you) go to school? What do you study?
I am currently attending Drake University in the Graphic Design program, where I will graduate with a B.A. this May.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Quito, Ecuador, before becoming a U.S. citizen. I have lived in Chicago, IL but currently reside in Des Moines, IA.
Which team are you interning for, and what are you most excited about your role?
I am interning for the communications department at Active Minds. I am excited to help create content for the social media platforms, campaigns, and just overall contribute in any way I can!
Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
My previous position was as a graphic designer for the Iowa International Center, and I enjoyed working with a non-profit organization because it allowed me to become an active member of an underrepresented community–refugees, international immigrants, and students–so I was interested in Active Minds and how they contribute to the conversation of mental health in youth, something which I personally never discussed at my school and is very important in today’s political and social climate.
What makes you get out of bed each morning?
What makes me get out of bed each morning is the sunrise; I love to watch the sun, and it reminds me of the hard work my parents did for me to be successful and to give me the opportunities that many kids do not have in other parts of the world, including my hometown.
What are you currently binge-watching?
I am not much of a TV or Movie person, although I am still trying to actively finish the entire Naruto series and a couple of other animes my sister has suggested and bugged me over the years to watch. I occasionally binge on other shows like Shameless or The 100.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My free time is currently occupied with thrifting for upcycle furniture and other stuff through upholstering, wood staining, painting, etc. It’s super cold where I live, so I would normally be outside biking, hiking, driving to a city, or doing something outside like kayaking, but since I am inside, most of my time is spent on home projects and my art, of course.
Describe your perfect day.
The perfect day for me would be a good long sleep, followed by yoga in the morning to start the day. It would probably be a planned trip to hop in the car and drive to a new town for some hiking or kayaking, followed by a picnic and just enjoying the weather with friends or family!
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Some advice I would give my younger self would be: not taking anything for granted, bask in the moments that you have, and learn to reflect, not suppress, the bad moments. I would probably tell my younger self to be more active in my community by joining clubs, picking up new hobbies, and not be afraid to seek out friends and passions. And, of course, to wear your helmet when skateboarding and biking–I still have the scars to prove that one!
Bibi Phadnis 
Where do you (or did you) go to school? What do you study?
I’m a senior at the University of Southern California. I’m studying business administration with minors in the entertainment industry and computer programming.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brookfield, Connecticut.
Which team are you interning for, and what are you most excited about your role?
I’m interning with the Programs department and primarily working with the Speakers team. I’m excited to learn more about event planning and how to create and encourage meaningful conversations about mental health.
Why did you want to intern for Active Minds?
I joined Active Minds because I want to learn how to be a better mental health advocate and contribute to helping others, especially during such a tough time. Mental health is really important to me, and I’m so excited to be part of an organization that makes such a positive difference in people’s lives. I’m also interested in exploring the intersection of entertainment and social impact and believe that Active Minds will give me the tools to do so.
What makes you get out of bed each morning?
Knowing that every day is a brand new day and a new opportunity for me to improve myself and the world around me.
What are you currently binge-watching?
Killing Eve and re-watching Breaking Bad
Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day involves sleeping in, having a yummy brunch, and hitting the beach with a group of friends!
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to enjoy being a kid and not be in a rush to grow up. Also, to take advantage of nap time!
