Hello!

On June 22nd, 2026, I’ll be taking on an incredible challenge and pushing myself beyond anything I’ve done before. I will be trekking through the High Atlas Mountains and climbing Mount Toubkal—the highest peak in North Africa—to raise money for Student Minds, the UK’s leading student mental health charity. At 4,167 m (13,671 ft), it is the highest peak in Morocco, the Atlas Mountains, North Africa and the Arab world.

I am currently studying as an international student in the UK, pursuing my master’s in computer science. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad in such a beautiful city like Bath.

I’m very passionate about exploring new places and embracing new experiences. After spending my entire life in the U.S., I made the decision to finally pursue one of my biggest life goals: to travel and work abroad. After a lengthy process, I found myself teaching in Japan, and I cherish the moments I shared with my students there. However, I saw firsthand their many struggles—difficulties communicating, coping with the pressure of school, and the challenge of reaching out for help. These challenges aren’t unique to junior high school students; they affect even students at the university level.

I had my own struggles with anxiety at school, uncertainty about the future, pressures to fit in, adapt to a new environment, and cope with academic pressure. On top of this, being an international student in the UK comes with its own unique cultural shocks and differences to adjust to. All these experiences made me acutely aware of how important mental health support is, particularly in the education system.

That’s why Student Minds’ mission really resonated with me. Their belief that “No student should be held back by mental health” is so important. Students are the future of our workforce, our next leaders, innovators, and proponents of change and growth in our society. Supporting their mental well-being and looking out for them will help build a better future for our society as a whole.

Student Minds helps create spaces for open conversations, empowers students to advocate for themselves, and works to build a more inclusive, supportive environment for everyone. With 1 in 4 students in the UK reporting a mental health issue, the work they do truly matters.

I’m so excited to take on this trek in support of such an amazing cause. If you’re able to donate, your contributions will directly support Student Minds and their programs that help students thrive. Every little bit helps—thank you all for your support!