Jai Nolan

Hi guys, my name is Jessica Nolan, I go by Jai. I was born April 2002, making me 17 years old as of 2019. I’m from Massachusetts and go to Groton Dunstable Regional High School. I live with my mom, dad, grandmother, and younger brother. I absolutely love Disney and hula hooping. When I was in middle school, my grandfather died and school became very difficult. I was struggling with depression since I was young. After he died, there was a lot going on in my life that it was just so hard to cope, at this time I started self harming. It was hard to be happy. It was around this time that I came across one of Nathans videos on Youtube.

The summer after 8th grade I moved to Dunstable, MA and started 9th grade at GDRHS. Throughout freshman year I still struggled with depression, cutting, and starving myself. The following school year was the same until…. I saw another one of Nathans videos on Youtube about self harm & cutting. I went to my principal and assistant principal and asked if we could bring Your Life Speaks to Groton Dunstable. Mr. Arena, the assistant principal said “ How are you planning on getting the money to have him come?”

I was extremely determined to get him to come, I said “ I’ll have bake sales, I’ll make the money, I need to bring him here!” I wrote a grant to the Groton Trust Fund, they gave me some of the money, but I still had a few hundred dollars to raise. I sold cookies and candy out of a duffel bag. When I finally reached the goal I was so happy.

May of 2018 Nathan and his crew came to my school. That morning I walked into the theater at my school, I saw Nathan, and at that moment I knew that my life was going to change, and I cried. That night we had a presentation for parents and the community. It was amazing, my family and friends loved it. Throughout the school day Nathan went to many different classrooms and presented his I-Legacy program. I got to watch him present, students and teachers enjoyed it and thanked Nathan and I. When the school wide assembly came Nathan spoke…he engaged with all the students, bringing some to tears from the emotion in his presentation. It was the best experience of my life. I will never forget it. After the assembly my phone was blowing up with comments and people thanking me for making this happen. Someone texted me saying that Nathan was so inspiring, and such an amazing speaker, but also he made a huge impact on my life. Also they said it’s amazing that you raised that money and brought him here.

Nathan coming to my school was a dream that I made happen. Now I am so much happier with life, yes sometimes here and there I still get depressed. I have a great group of supportive friends that are always there for me. Also I started doing karate which really helps. I noticed that its made me a lot happier, and feel better about who I am, but also know when I’ve reached my limit. Getting Nathan and his crew to come to GD was my impact to the world. By doing so I am Your Life Speaks first student ambassador.

If you’re a student don’t be afraid to ask your principal if you can bring YLS to your school. Don’t give up. If they say we don’t have enough money to bring him here. Work hard to raise that money on your own like I did!!! You can make a huge impact.

Remember YOUR LIFE SPEAKS!!!!