2026 This Is My Brave: College Edition at USF

Who We Are

This Is My Brave: College Edition at USF is part of a nationwide movement founded in 2013 to elevate voices of recovery and resilience. Introduced at the University of South Florida in 2022, this student-centered production provides a powerful platform for USF students to share their lived experiences navigating mental health and substance use challenges.

Hosted by the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, this annual event brings together students, faculty, alumni, and community members to foster understanding, compassion, and connection through storytelling.

What We Do

The mission of This Is My Brave is to empower individuals to put names and faces to real stories of recovery from mental illness and substance use disorder. Through a live, on-stage performance, student storytellers present creative works including poetry, spoken word, dance, comedy, and personal narrative.

By openly discussing mental health and substance use, participants help challenge stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviors among peers and audiences alike.

“One of the major ways stigma affects people experiencing mental illness is that it prevents them from getting help,” explains Dr. Kristin Kosyluk, associate professor in the Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice. “On average, people wait about 10 years from the onset of symptoms before seeking treatment. During that time, risks increase significantly, including hospitalization, substance use, academic disruption, social isolation, and death by suicide.”

The Impact

Since its inaugural production in spring 2022, This Is My Brave: College Edition at USF has featured students courageously sharing their personal journeys with anxiety, depression, injustice, addiction, and recovery. The first production included 10 student storytellers and reached an audience of more than 350 attendees.

As we prepare for the fourth annual production, our goal is to expand this impact, reaching more students and community members who may be struggling silently. These stories of vulnerability and hope create space for healing, validation, and connection — both on stage and in the audience.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

Contributions to this HerdFunder directly support the production of This Is My Brave: College Edition at USF. Funds raised help cover essential event expenses, ensuring students can safely and professionally share their stories with the community.

After production costs are met, remaining proceeds support a fund within the USF Foundation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with mental health conditions.

Your generosity helps amplify student voices, reduce stigma, and strengthen mental health advocacy at USF and beyond.

USF Faculty and Staff: You can give online through this site, or complete this payroll deduction form (fund #530076, This is My Brave Production Fund) and email it to fscampaign@usf.edu.

Spread the Word

You can help extend the reach of this important work by sharing this campaign with your networks. Use the social sharing tools at the top of the page to invite others to support mental health awareness and student storytelling at USF.

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Join me to spread love and save lives at usf.to/mybrave. A contribution of any size matters. Thank you and Go Bulls!