Junior Ryan DeCosta lives his life in a “radically possible, powerfully you” way, as both a Mitchell College student and a youth engagement coordinator with the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC).
“Both Mitchell and CPAC have helped me learn lessons, build friendships, and increase my knowledge to fight for social justice, including disability rights, LGBTQ+ rights, suicide prevention, mental health services, and policy change,” he says.
“Your voice is the most valuable at a table where decisions are made for your future, so let yourself be heard.”
Drawn to Mitchell for its diverse and inclusive campus, Ryan found that it fit with his lived experiences.
“The connections I have built with my professors and classmates has really strengthened my love for Mitchell College.”
Once challenged by mental health issues and a learning difference, Ryan uses his story to “heal loudly, discover radical possibilities, and effect radical change” by strengthening his voice to help “amplify and encourage others to use theirs” at school and at work.
A psychology major, Ryan is a member of Mitchell’s Mental Health Coalition Board and the Mitchell JED Team, which focuses on mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention. He looks forward to expanding his contribution to the conversation about mental health on campus, which he believes is “a topic that affects everyone.”
Ryan says the lessons he has learned in his courses at Mitchell “always help support my knowledge and strengthen who I am as a learner, writer, and reader, but I bring more to the classroom from my insight gained at CPAC.”
Behavioral Sciences Professor Jennifer Mauro, who has had Ryan in several classes, agrees.
“Ryan’s commitment to mental health, well-being, and inclusivity extends beyond the classroom and into his work with multiple organizations, including CPAC. His insights — often connected to concepts of resilience, well-being, and developmental psychology — enrich the learning community for all,” she says.
A Niantic-based nonprofit organization, CPAC has a mission of educating, supporting, and empowering families in Connecticut with children/youth (birth to age 26) who have a chronic condition or disability.
As a youth engagement coordinator, Ryan works to educate and support youth and families, mentors youth in self-advocacy and leadership skills, conducts community outreach, and represents the youth voice at local, state, and federal meetings.
“A typical day at my job is working on our social media platforms and developing project proposals for workshops, panels, podcasts, and more. I communicate and work with boards on local, state, and national levels to improve systems and break down stigmas around people like me who have disabilities. One day I will be on the computer and the next I am speaking in front of large audiences of young people, stakeholders, educators and administrators, and parents. We share stories about the struggles of navigating in a world that moves so fast and doesn’t always allow everyone to catch up or be recognized for the genius that is in front of them. We give opportunities for the unrecognized to be the ones running the dialogue.”
Ryan finds great reward in helping young people build self-advocacy skills to help them create change, as well as providing them with networking opportunities to build their resumes — and their self-confidence. He believes these skills will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Looking down the road in his own life, Ryan says Mitchell College has helped to prepare him for his next step, including the goal of earning a master’s degree in social work.
“I will continue to expand my knowledge up until I graduate from Mitchell through internship and networking opportunities and staying involved on campus. Every experience allows you to learn more about yourself, grow as a person, adapt to change, and expand your knowledge of your field of study.”
Photo credit: Jennifer Mauro
