Not Just Our Secrets, Our Truth

The “Not Just Our Secrets, Our Truth” campaign, was created to draw awareness to mental

By: Shannon Clark

WalTV began the campus campaign, “Not Just Our Secrets, Our Truth,” on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018.

The “Not Just Our Secrets, Our Truth,” campaign is a project the university’s television station came up with to draw attention to national mental health awareness week.

The WalTV and KZOW managers teamed up on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 to set up the event. KZOW Manager Diana Humble was a key leader when preparing for the campaign.

“First, we were approached by a KZOW practicum member, Tallie Horsch, to do the campaign, and then we drew inspiration from the YouTube channel, ‘Jubilee,'” Humble said.

While the event took a great deal of preparation, the team’s organization was beneficial during the filming process.

“We researched, put together a campaign and Mitch created an informational brochure and a graphic. Then we set up a table in the atrium and prompted people to write down their deepest secrets anonymously,” Humble said. “Finally, WalTV Assistant Managers Bela and Morgan sifted through the cards to choose the ones we were going to read in the video.”

WalTV manager Mitchell Keeran spoke highly of the campaign.

“I’m just thankful that 20 courageous people were willing to share something that plagued their mental health. I hope this creates a light on mental health, and I hope people don’t feel ashamed of who they are,” Keeran said.

Overall, Keeran was pleased with the outcome, but some aspects of the campaign were more difficult than others.

“The most difficult part for me would be trying to not choke up while both directing and speaking. I could feel my hands shake as I continued to pick up every note, but I hope our message is powerful and that the people who were willing to share with us can feel closure,” Keeran said.

While some aspects of the campaign were challenging, the WalTV and KZOW managers achieved their goal.

“We wanted ‘Our Truth’ to be a voice for the voiceless,” Keeran said. “The content and themes are mature, but there are truly humbling things to hear.”

National mental health awareness week began Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 and will continue through Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.