After noticing many students struggling with their mental health as a result of remote learning and Covid-19 in 2021, marketing instructor Tim Brooks created the RUOK Club. The club helps students with coping techniques and mental health first aid.

”It was sort of a community idea,” Brooks said. “The club is a peer health support group where students support students. The name RUOK (are you okay?) was chosen because it was catchy, easy to remember, and emphasizes what the club represents. The first thing we always do are ‘check-ins.’ Everyone introduces themselves and lets everyone know how they’re doing; most of the time, these discussions take up the entire time of the club.” 

Students in RUOK have found it beneficial to have a club like this that builds community in a way where students can be vulnerable and share similar experiences even with different backgrounds and situations. 

”I found out about this club through the posters in the school,” said freshman Davi De Araujo. “I was going through some problems and only found mental relief through the RUOK club. There, I met some really nice people who helped and supported me through my problems. It really helped with my mental health; I always feel lighter and less stressed when I leave that class, ” said De Araujo.

Another club member, Leyna Nguyen, also found the club particularly helpful. 

“I found out about RUOK last year with my friend when we were looking for a club to attend that day,” said Nguyen. “We joined because we wanted to check out more clubs at EHS. The group of people that welcomed us were so wonderful we just had to keep showing up,” said Nguyen. “I think mental health is something everyone needs to be aware of so I stayed to show support for the cause,” said Nguyen.

They expressed their thoughts on the club, and whether or not other students should join RUOK.

“RUOK has really helped me; every time I leave I feel lighter and there’s less stress on my shoulders. It’s something that I really needed,” said De Araujo. “I think students should totally join. Even if they don’t want to talk about their mental health or problems, they can always hangout and have a good time with their members of the club,” said De Araujo. “It’s nice to know that this club can always be an outlet for me to express struggles or even excitements in my life,” said Nguyen. “Other students should definitely attend at least one of the club meetings,” said Nguyen. “Having a group of people to listen to problems, can make a world of a difference in anyone’s life,” said Nguyen. 

The RUOK club has helped many students struggling with their mental health, problems and situations, and through that, has built a new sense of community and friendship.