Have you heard of the Educator Chipotle Challenge? If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you might remember my post from last fall that featured my friend Kala? She’s the ambitious school counselor who dedicated herself to EAT CHIPOTLE EVERY DAY FOR ONE YEAR to raise money for students and educators in Davis, California – specifically to support classroom needs and offer more mental health services to kids.

You can read all about the ECC here.

Well, she’s still at it. She hasn’t given up, hasn’t missed a day, and definitely won’t stop until she’s met her GoFundMe goal of raising $100,000.

Last week she asked me to appear on live TV to share the word about the ECC and hopefully increase her fundraising.

We had a blast!

Kala’s desire is to see more kids have access to support for increasing issues with mental health. In our school, we are seeing upticks in cases of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, self-harm, and overwhelming stress.

According to the article “Teenagers Say Depression and Anxiety Are Major Issues Among Their Peers” recently published by the New York Times, “Most American teenagers — across demographic groups — see depression and anxiety as major problems among their peers, a new survey by the Pew Research Center found.”

The survey found that 70 percent of teenagers saw mental health as a big issue. Fewer teenagers cited bullying, drug addiction or gangs as major problems; those from low-income households were more likely to do so.

The article further states that “some psychologists have tied a growth in mental health issues among teenagers to increased social media use, academic pressure and frightening events like terror attacks and school shootings.”

I’ve definitely seen issues with academic pressure and college readiness.I’ve written WAY TOO MANY TIMES about school shootings and the impact it is having on teachers and school kids.

It seems like nearly every day I’m helping one of my students navigate life issues that have NOTHING to do with school curriculum – but everything to do with growing up and finding strategies to navigate the increasing demands kids are put under to be successful.

They feel like everyone is watching them – that everyone is ranking/viewing/judging their every move. And that their FUTURE depends on every decision they make.

It makes me so sad.

You can watch the full interview below:

I know most of you might not know Kala, but you know me. I wouldn’t be sharing the Educator Chipotle Challenge if I didn’t believe in what she’s doing and the HUGE need we see in our public schools.

We would both be so grateful if you would share about the ECC on your social media! If you’re feeling inclined to financially support the Educator Chipotle Challenge, please access the GoFundMe page HERE.

Oh – one more thing. If any of you have connections to The Ellen Show, Kala would LOVE to visit with Ellen Degeneres and share her story! Kala’s an awesome dancer, too – I know they would hit it OFF!

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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