Emma Benoit

I would say mostly the support from my mom. She has believed in me even before I ever believed in myself. She has seen my unique ability to share my story in such a candid and comforting way as a gift, and she has been my number one supporter and encourager, so I would say she has kind of built up this version of myself that has the confidence and ability to go out onto stages so boldly and share my testimony with the world without any fear or hesitation.

I think it would have to be when I was encouraged by a mentor of mine in this field. She said to me, Sometimes, the only qualification that you need is the belief in yourself that you're qualified to be in the space and to share what you feel compelled to share. So that was really transformative for me, because I was really adamant on chasing my education, chasing my degrees, but I wasn't really able to put all of my energy and focus into school, into academics, because I was getting opportunities to share my story.

I would say, own your story. Don't try to be anyone that you're not. Don't assume that your lived experience is undervalued compared to people that have formal, traditional training. Our stories and our voices are some of the most powerful things that we have to offer the world. So I would encourage anybody that's interested in building a public speaking platform, or sharing their stories in any capacity to do it boldly, and to do it proudly. Honor your past self, all the versions of yourself that had come before you, and really recognize that each season of life, each version of yourself, has led you and brought you to this exact moment. So, just be confident in your own ability to share your own lived experience.

The biggest challenge has been the stigma around mental health, suicidality and mental illness, getting into spaces where there are more misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Opportunities include being a featured guest on Dr. Phil and The Dr. Drew Show, and giving keynote speeches at Rutgers University, Wyoming Office Attorney General and Victim Services Joint Symposium, Florida Behavioral Health Association Conference, and National Hope Squad Conference.

My biggest thing that I love to tell everyone is, don't judge a book by its cover. ... never assume that you know more than you actually do, and to really be bold with your story, and to share your truth. ... we have a lot more in common than we don't, because we're all human beings living life for the first time. ... giving grace and having empathy is my number one piece of advice.