In 10th grade, Tessa Moshtaghi (’26), a mental health advocate, began to think about ways she could help positively impact individuals, especially those whose challenges are not visible.
Whether volunteering as a poll worker and phone banker in the recent presidential election or as a Teen Line volunteer, Moshtaghi devotes herself to improving the quality of life of her local and national communities.
As of 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, declared a national emergency for child and adolescent mental health. To meet this crisis, Teen Line offers anonymous, judgment-free support via calls, texts and emails from Los Angeles teenagers. Teen Line has a rigorous training program, requiring “listeners” to receive over 100 hours of training from mental health professionals and key partners to learn how to respond to crisis calls. In 2024, Moshtaghi earned a spot among its cohort.
“[Teen Line] is so rewarding to know that you made a difference or you helped someone,” Moshtaghi said “It’s really like the best feeling in the world. Nothing tops it.”
Beyond Teen Line, Moshtaghi volunteered for the presidential election of 2024 because of her interest in civic engagement. October represented a crucial time when volunteers like Moshtaghi helped to phone-bank individuals in swing states and process ballots.
“It was the fact that I couldn’t vote that got me involved. I had to find another way to get involved with it somehow because it affects me and it affects the people around me, the people that I care about,” she said, “so I had to find another way to get involved with it that wasn’t voting.”
Moshtaghi’s passion empowered her to create change in her community. Many people, such as film adviser Brooke Sebold, recognize her dedication to her civic responsibility.
“It’s so inspiring for me to see the young people in my classes who are really engaged in this way,” Sebold said. “And someone like Tessa — who can’t vote yet, but yet she’s able to contribute in this way — I find so meaningful.”
Moshtaghi’s dedication to making an impact does not stop with Teen Line or politics. Her commitment to service can be seen in her desire to get involved and contribute to causes that matter to her, such as mental health and politics. Junior Selah Johnson said Moshtaghi’s drive and desire to help others are character traits she deeply admires.
“She felt this calling that she needed to get involved and get engaged,” Johnson said. “She has the motivation to pursue her passions. Because of that, I think she’ll be able to make a lot of changes.”
Johnson and junior Noah Johnson both said Moshtaghi’s commitment to helping others is a driving force that encourages those around her to embrace their potential to make meaningful change.
“When Tessa has her eyes on something and she wants to do it,” Johnson said, “she will get there.”