Rohan Satija, the 2025 Student Voice of Mental Health honoree, has found personal strength and purpose in the intersection of storytelling and mental well-being. His journey began at the age of 11, shortly after moving from New Zealand to Austin, Texas, a time when he faced isolation, bullying, and anxiety. Books became his refuge, and through them, he discovered the power of storytelling to help others.
Recognizing that many students lacked the same access to books and educational resources that had helped him, Rohan co-founded the Let’s Learn Foundation. Initially starting with small fundraising efforts like lemonade stands and cookie sales, the organization has now donated over 60,000 books, 100,000 school supplies, and 5,000 mental health kits to students in underserved communities. The foundation ensures that the books it donates reflect a wide variety of characters, so every student can see themselves in the stories they read.
At 17, Rohan expanded his efforts with the Vibrant Voices Project, a monologue-writing program aimed at young people in juvenile detention centers. The program helps participants write and perform monologues about their mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Rohan has led the project for more than 60 young people across three centers.
Beyond his own initiatives, Rohan serves on the advisory boards of several mental health organizations, including Teens4TeensHelp, the Children’s Kindness Network, and Creative Visions.
The Jed Foundation (JED) established the Student Voice of Mental Health Award to honor students who make significant contributions to raising awareness of mental health issues. Rohan, along with college honoree Nora Sun, received the award at JED’s annual gala in New York City on June 4, 2025. The award includes a $3,000 scholarship.
In a recent interview, Rohan shared his thoughts on the power of storytelling in mental health advocacy.
“I feel incredibly honored,” Rohan said, reflecting on receiving the award. “It means that the struggles I’ve faced and the work I’ve done since fifth grade have been seen and valued. I’ve admired the Jed Foundation for so long, and receiving this recognition from them gives me the motivation to continue.”
Rohan’s mental health advocacy began when he was struggling with anxiety and bullying after moving to the United States. During this difficult time, books helped him cope. “Reading became a way to take care of my mental health,” he explained. “Books with South Asian characters like Aru Shah and the End of Time made me feel seen and empowered.”
As he reflected on his advocacy, Rohan emphasized the importance of sharing personal experiences. “Nothing builds empathy like stories,” he said. “Through the Vibrant Voices Project, we help youth in juvenile detention tell their own stories, reclaiming control over their narratives.”
Rohan also discussed the role of therapy in his own mental health journey. “Drama therapy was particularly helpful for me,” he shared. “It helped me reshape my story and process my emotions by writing and performing monologues.” He encourages others to seek support that works for them, whether it’s through traditional therapy or other forms like drama therapy.
Despite his busy schedule, Rohan understands the importance of self-care. “Rest and self-care are just as important as advocacy,” he said. “Taking care of yourself helps you take care of others.” Rohan protects time each week for activities like taekwondo and journaling, both of which help him stay grounded.
When asked what advice he would give to young people struggling with mental health, Rohan urged them to avoid internalizing their struggles. “It’s important to find support, whether from a therapist, a school counselor, or a friend,” he said. “Speaking openly is much healthier than letting your struggles define your worth.”
Rohan’s dedication to mental health advocacy continues to inspire others, as he uses his own story to create change and offer hope.
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