What if bravery was not reserved for the heroes who come rushing in to rescue the day? What if we appreciated the bravery of those who are fighting mental illness every day? Educators, parents and friends are encouraged to come alongside those battling mental illness in small acts of bravery. Claudia Cornelison is a political science student, published poet, a proud member of Georgia State University’s mock trial team. She has struggled with several forms of mental illness— including depression and anxiety— and hopes to use what she has learned from those struggles to help other college students and young adults. She owes much of her inspiration to her supportive family, her loving boyfriend, and her forever loyal Goldendoodle, Boaz. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx