- ONE OF YOUR PEOPLE PROJECT -
Hillsborough County Public Schools
We spoke with two recent HCPS graduates about their experiences in high school and how they were able to manage their mental health while in college. The panelists volunteered to share their stories.
HCPS QUICK CLIPS
How Valerie's teachers and counselors helped her while in high school.
How Amarii found help and hope after flatlining in high school.
How Valerie Founded "Not I, But We" in high school.
How Amarii transitioned to high school his senior year.
THE COLLEGE PANELISTS
Valerie Muzyka
Hometown: Tampa, FL
High School: Sickles High School
College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Year in College: Class of 2025
Major: Neuroscience and Public Policy
Dream job: Neuroscientist (PhD) conducting research on neurodegenerative diseases such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer’s
Valerie’s Places: Honors Carolina, Accelerated Research Program, ActiveMinds, UNC Young Democrats, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
High School Places: Founder of “Not I, But We”, President Student Government Association (SGA), Varsity Volleyball, Public Liaison for National Honor Society, National American Miss, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Vice President Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
Reach Out to Valerie on Instagram: @valeriemuzyka or by email: vmuzyka@unc.edu
Amarii Whilby
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
High School: East Bay High School
College: The University of Tampa
Year in College: Class of 2021
Major: Graphic Design and Museum Studies
Occupation: Freelance Illustrator
Dream job: Art/Artistic Director or Interior Designer
Amarii’s Places: I have made friends and found support on campus through classes and participating in clubs, such as the Photography Club.
High School Places: Varsity Men's Swim, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Students Working Against Tobacco (S.W.A.T)
First-Generation Student: Yes
Reach out to Amarii on Instagram: @amarii.whilby
ABOUT THE ONE OF YOUR PEOPLE PROJECT
New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen talks with current and recent students about life in college. For more videos visit BeforeCollegeTV on YouTube. For more information about Harlan Cohen visit him online at: www.HarlanCohen.com or follow him on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok | LinkedIn | Snapchat (helpmeharlan).
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by panelists and participants are their own and are in no way endorsed, officially affiliated, or representative of the institution, Harlan Cohen, or BeforeCollegeTV. All views expressed on panelists social media are not endorsed or affiliated with Harlan Cohen and BeforeCollegeTV. Students views, opinions, and advice are their own. ALWAYS contact official representatives to verify and validate any information provided