Mission Bay High senior Yemaya Bruce was a surprise recipient of San Diego Honda Dealers’ Random Acts of Kindness.
As part of their Black History Month celebration in February, San Diego Honda Dealers recognized young leaders who are creating real change in their communities.
Bruce is a student liaison for the Mission Bay High School Wellness Center. She also co-founded Mediums of Mental Health, a student-led initiative that provides wellness education, creative outlets and resources while helping to destigmatize conversations around mental health.
The group recently launched “The Check-In,” a student-produced mental health podcast available on Spotify, and has hosted community mental health fairs featuring art, poetry and wellness activities.
“As a woman of color, I understand the importance of representation and my role in shattering stereotypes, destigmatizing mental health, addressing health disparities and being a voice for students who may not feel comfortable,” Bruce said.
During a Feb. 6 on-campus pep rally, Honda Dealers representatives presented journals and art supplies, such as mini easels, paints and brushes; lawn games; interactive activities; yoga mats for center programming and community 5K events for Mission Bay High’s Wellness Center.
Honda Dealers are also making it possible to bring therapy dogs for a mental wellness experience in collaboration with Paws-to-Share and providing a movie theater rental for a Wellness Center club outing.
The presentation also included $300 in gas cards for Bruce and her fellow Wellness Center student founders.
In addition to her mental wellness advocacy, Bruce is Key Club president and a vocal soloist in the MBHS advanced jazz ensemble.
Bruce said she wants to major in neuroscience and minor in global health so she can become a pediatrician focused on public health policy and equitable access to care.
