Bella's Room was the dream of Veteran's Memorial High School Senior, Bella Trevino. As a freshman student, Bella struggled with cyberbullying, which created panic attacks and anxiety. Bella had difficulty staying in class and would often visit the counselor's office.  The anxiety was overwhelming and she found it difficult to cope at school. With little tools available at school, Bella would often leave to deal with her panic attacks at home. During her freshman year, Bella started to lose ground and her grades started slipping.

 By her Sophomore year in 2019,  Bella had worked to overcome her anxiety and depression and was on the path to finding her way through performing in Theatre Arts. She was back on track once again and began to thrive academically.  Then Covid hit. With the onset of the pandemic, Bella, like many students, once again struggled with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. 

 When in-person instruction began in 2021, Bella was thriving both academically and personally. But her experience had made her more aware of the importance of mental health accessibility.

 In October of 2021, Bella was helping in the counselor's office during her OPEX class, when a freshman student came in experiencing a panic attack. All the emotions of Bella's freshman year came flooding back. While looking for a conference room to use for the student's panic attack, Bella contacted her mother, to see what else could be done to help students dealing with a mental health crisis.

"Something has to be done for students, mom." A simple text, pleading for help. "Simple things mom. Like privacy, low lighting, lotions, stress toys. ANYTHING." "Mom, can we help them?"

 The response? "Yes. Let's call the principal as soon as I pick you up."

Within hours Bella had spoken with VMHS Principal Scott Walker, requesting space for students dealing with mental health issues at school. Mr. Walker was on board immediately and found a room within days of the conversation.

 Soon Assistant Principal Tamara Ritchie and Counselor Sarah Baumgartner were working with Bella on making the room a mental resource center for students in crisis. 

Within weeks school administrators, school staff, counselors, and community leaders like Bel Furniture and HEB  were working with Bella to create her vision. 

Today the room is a safe haven for students struggling with mental health issues at school. No longer taking time from the school day to recover from a panic attack, anxiety, depression, etc., students are now able to return to class within a short amount of time. 

Bella's Room is a gift from a student to her fellow classmates. Bella's hope is that all that enter her room feel safe, valued, and respected.