In the library filled with laughter and creativity, members of the Minds Matter club gather around tables covered in colorful stickers and art supplies. Their mission is simple yet impactful: design stickers with uplifting messages to give their peers an extra boost to get through the day. As markers danced across the material, motivating messages emerged, each sticker symbolizing the club’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment.
Her peers say Trinity Duong is extremely extroverted, ambitious and outgoing. She always speaks her mind while remaining bubbly and energetic and always doing what she can to help others.
“She’s determined and sets big goals and she’s not afraid to achieve them,” the Minds Matter Club Sponsor, Erin Einhaus, said.
This determination stems from Duong’s journey. Transitioning to a new school and managing personal challenges, she experienced firsthand the impact of mental health struggles.
“I think she’s a really ambitious person, she has a lot of goals and I think that just paired with the stress of the past few years, going to a new school, having to switch middle schools, it could be a lot for a person,” Trinity’s brother, Travis Duong, said.
Trinity Duong knows how challenging mental health can be and is determined to make a difference. As the founder of Minds Matter, the mental health awareness club, and A Meal for Mental Health, the nonprofit organization, Duong is channeling her personal experiences into action, working to create a culture of understanding and support in her community.
“I was able to get the help and the resources I needed and I understand that many people out there may not get the same resources I have. So this is something I wanted to do to help,” Duong said.
A Meal for Mental Health began with a small but meaningful effort to bring awareness to mental health. She started selling homemade dumplings to friends and family to raise funds. Initially, the proceeds were meant for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), but she decided to focus on local initiatives and is designing mental health bulletin boards to put up in local parks.
“By simply selling somebody a pack of dumplings that just have a little note about mental health, that’s already spreading awareness. And I think she’s contributing to that safe culture, which I think is really important,” Trinity Duong’s brother, Travis Duong, said.
Minds Matter has introduced a basic and effective approach. Stickers with messages like “You matter” appear on mirrors, offering students a boost of positivity. The club also designs posters for teachers’ classrooms with similar messages.
“These small actions can provide the encouragement someone needs,” Minds Matter Vice President, Gabriela Merino, said.
Trinity Duong’s leadership style is defined by her passion. Merino believes Trinity is one of the best club presidents she’s worked with because Trinity doesn’t care about the recognition, she wants to make a change.
“Some presidents just like the title, but Trinity puts her whole heart into it. She’d do the same work even without the title,” Merino said.
Through her nonprofit and school club, Trinity is working to foster a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported. Her efforts are making a tangible difference to students and teachers working with her, and her commitment to the cause continues to inspire those around her.
