The readings for this class are so eye-opening. I've been exposed to ACE's study and "The Boy Who was Raised as a Dog," before and find it almost shocking I never looked at these stories and findings as I am now with the theoretical background. The article "Engaging Depressed African American Adolescents in Treatment: Lessons From The AAKOMA PROJECT," by Breland really struck me due to how aware the teenagers were of their mental health condition and how, even if they stumbled over their words, there was actual vocabulary to describe what they were feeling, what they would prefer, what is triggering them. I remember being in high school and just being a complete zombie with no vocabulary let alone awareness that I was even depressed. I think it speaks volumes to the advances in normalizing speaking about mental health and prioritizing it, especially earlier and earlier for our youth of all races, socio-economic backgrounds, and education levels.