Karina Quiroga & Adelaida Perez: Advancing Mental Health and Illness Awareness
Abstract-
The focus for our project stemmed from mental health research and its repercussion on the current generations, which consequently affect future generations. Our goal was to determine how current generations and the public perceive mental health. Through research, we found that stigma within different cultures and media is a major factor that affects people's perception of mental health and determines whether people seek help when experiencing mental health conditions. Sources emphasized the importance of advancing mental health and illness awareness in order to decrease the stigma and stated that, given the current pandemic, stressors to mental health have risen. Therefore, we decided to coordinate two presentations to bring awareness to mental health and illness, while exposing Miami Dade College students to resources they could use within campus, like therapy. As a result, students furthered their knowledge regarding mental health, which has a significant impact on our peers and future generations.
About the Authors-
Karina Quiroga (left) is currently finishing her sophomore year at Miami Dade College Honors College as a computer science major. Inspired by her brother, a computer science major, her love of math, and problem solving, she decided to learn more about the field. She is now well versed in languages such as C++, Python, and Java. As a Hispanic with an attachment to her Argentinian roots she became the Co-Founder of the first Latinx Coalition at Miami Dade College. She is also Vice President of Influential Ambitious Motivated Women Club and Think Tank Thursday Coordinator for the Honors College where she encourages and helps both women and students reach their goals and learn of new events or information. At MDC, she has been involved in research and conducted two research projects such as looking at COVID-19 and its effects on the Nasdaq and Bitcoin market and identifying genes for autism classification. As the Honors in Action Director for Phi Theta Kappa she’s led a research group to inform her college community on the topic of advancing mental health and illness awareness. Out of school, Karina spends her spare time singing at her church choir, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Adelaida Perez (right) is a first-generation student of Guatemalan and Honduran decent studying at the Honors College at Miami Dade College. She enjoys connecting with new people and giving advice to students like her. Adelaida will be graduating with her associates in Biology this year at Miami Dade College. During her time at MDC she was President of the North Campus Chapter of Global Medical Brigades, the Secretary of the honors society, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Community Service Chairperson of the LatinX Club. She has also conducted research on Ganoderma fungi with Miami Dade College and the University of Florida, conducted mental health research, become a Human Rights Ambassador, and has promoted the United Nation Sustainable development goals throughout her campus. She aspires to become a physician and specialize in internal medicine. One of her many goals is to visit Guatemala and learn more about her culture.