Be AWARE: Empowering the Next Generation Through Mental Wellness

By Leslie Kaiser

Hi friends! My name is Leslie Kaiser, and I’m honored to serve as Miss Lake Anna’s Teen 2025, a local titleholder within the Miss Virginia Organization. I’m a high school senior and recently committed to Regent University, where I’ll be studying Christian Ministry this fall! My heart for serving others is deeply connected to my Community Service Initiative (CSI): Be AWARE, which stands for Advocacy, Wellness, Awareness, Resources, and Education—a platform dedicated to assisting and empowering youth with their mental wellness. 

My Story: From Struggle to Strength 

When I was just 11 years old, I transitioned from private school to public school—a massive shift for someone who had only ever known a small classroom setting. That change came with unexpected challenges, including relentless bullying from classmates. My self-esteem plummeted, and I soon found myself battling severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and even suicidal thoughts. 

For six years, mental illness had a tight grip on my life. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that everything changed. That year, I gave my life to Jesus and found true healing. From that point forward, I felt a calling to serve the next generation, to be a light for others so they wouldn’t have to endure the same darkness I once faced. 

The Birth of Be AWARE 

Be AWARE was born during a nine-hour drive back from visiting family in Tennessee. Around hour seven, I had what I call a “lightbulb moment.” I realized that my “why” was clear: I wanted to help youth overcome mental illness and equip them with the tools I wish I had.

Be AWARE is all about meeting young people where they are and providing real support. I believe that “weak mental health is unequivocally detrimental and debilitating to our youth and the next generation,” and that’s why I’m passionate about raising awareness. Mental wellness is just as important as physical health—they go hand in hand. You can’t thrive physically without being well mentally. 

Making an Impact 

My goal through Be AWARE is to reach as many youth as possible—to speak in schools, share my story, and be a source of hope. I’ve dedicated my crown to serving others and making sure young people know they’re not alone. If I could overcome six years of mental illness and stand strong in my purpose today, they can too. 

When I started this initiative, I set a goal of reaching 500 students. Today, I’m humbled to share that Be AWARE has impacted over 1,000 young people through school visits, social media outreach, and speaking engagements. While numbers are encouraging, my true focus is on lives changed. I often ask myself, “How many hearts can I touch through this platform?” and I pray the answer continues to grow. 

Follow the Journey 

As I prepare to compete for Miss Virginia’s Teen this June, my focus remains on spreading light and love through Be AWARE. If you’d like to follow along, I’d love to have your support! 

Together, let’s build a generation that’s stronger, healthier, and more aware.

--------------------------------------

Leslie Kaiser is the current Miss Lake Anna’s Teen (VA). You can follow her on her title's Instagram as well as her CSI's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.