In 2018, seven fellow students and I, guided by Elizabeth Ma’am, founded the Health and Mind Club. At the time, mental health remained a deeply stigmatized subject. Many students struggled quietly because speaking openly or seeking help itself felt difficult. Our aim was simple: to ensure that no student felt alone and that everyone knew support was available.

As the Founding President, I initially saw the club as an opportunity to help others. I did not realize how much it would shape me in return. From developing the club’s first website to delivering speeches and conducting workshops, I found myself taking on responsibilities far beyond anything I had experienced before. These opportunities gave me confidence, strengthened my ability to communicate and taught me how to turn an idea into something meaningful.

More importantly, the club transformed my perspective. I learnt that leadership is not merely about directing a team or speaking before an audience. It begins with listening, understanding and creating an environment in which people feel safe enough to be vulnerable. It also taught me to approach others with greater empathy, recognising that many struggles remain unseen.

Seeing what the Health and Mind Club has become today fills me with immense pride. What began with eight students and one teacher has grown far beyond anything we imagined. I remain deeply grateful to my fellow founding members and Delhi Private School Sharjah for giving us the opportunity to build something that continues to support students. The club will always remain one of the most meaningful parts of my school journey and an experience that continues to influence the person I am today.
Aryan Mittal
Founding President
2018-2020