Hello!
I am Sofia Rivera, the founder of The Cookie Jar. During my middle school years, I struggled with depression and anxiety. I had never fully understood mental illness at that point in my life, and I couldn't see how bad it was until the one day I broke down and confessed to my parents.
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I had and still have an amazing support system, family and friends who helped me heal, and I can never thank them enough for the love they show me. I realize, however, that not everyone is as fortunate as I am. Many teens who are currently battling mental illness have no one who will help, no one to listen. I created The Cookie Jar as a way to extend a lifeboat to anyone who needs it. Sometimes the most loving words come from strangers.
Why a Cookie Jar?
It was my father who gave me the idea, actually. He's always told me to create a jar and fill it with past experiences, so that I can remember how I faced a challenge the first time it came around. Although I have yet to make that jar, I thought it would make an amazing idea for teens everywhere to benefit from.
middle school me, months into lockdown