On November 1st, 

Tahoma High School hosted a suicide awareness assembly with keynote speaker Kevin Hines. Hines delivered an impactful speech that even left some teary-eyed. 

Kevin Hines is a 41-year-old, California resident. In the year 2000, Kevin sadly tried to end his life by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. He is part of the less than 1% to survive a fall off the bridge. He is an advocate, motivational speaker, and filmmaker He has made 4 films and since his attempt, he has continued to spread awareness of suicide.

Hines shared his story to all people as a reminder for them and for other people; that no matter what you’re going through, it’s not worth taking your life, he also explained how if you know someone who has been struggling with mental health the best thing you can do is  to simply ask “are you okay”, “how can I help?”

During the assembly, Hines not only talked about his personal story but also gave many motivational speeches expressing that if  you are struggling to just stay alive ask for help, and to realize that your life matters and that anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong.

After interviewing Hines, I learned that one of the biggest things that continue to motivate him to do the work that he does is that in every school he goes to or any of the places he goes to, the things he says could save someone’s life.

One thing that Hines also said that stuck with me was “Your pain matters, your pain is valid because you matter.”  When people are feeling down, sometimes that is exactly what they need to hear.

#BeHereTomorrow is not only a hashtag but a movement. With 27.1K posts under this hashtag on Instagram, people are truly living this hashtag. Hines uses this in his speeches and posts. At the assembly, he states how he struggles with suicide every day of his life. Deciding to be here tomorrow is an active decision to not let suicide rip you away from your life and loved ones. 

Why is Suicide Prevention Important?

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teenagers. But it’s not just teenagers- 24,000 college students attempt suicide each year, with 1,100 being successful. But why? There are many people, platforms and things we can place the blame on. Depression festers in people of all ages, Hines reiterates many times during his speech, that we have to check on each other as “brothers and sisters.” 

School is where teens and young adults spend the majority of their time, we see teachers more than our families a week. This is why it is so important for schools to take charge and talk about it. The more we talk about it the easier it gets, the easier it becomes for others to not be silent. “Whatever you do, don’t suffer in silence” Hines passionately told students.  

In conclusion, we think that the assembly was really empowering and is something that the school should do again, we appreciate the time Hines took to come and speak with us and our hearts go out to anyone is has lost someone to suicide or committed themselves. If you want to know more about Hines you can visit his website at: Kevin & Margaret Hines Foundation (kmhinesfoundation.org).