Suicide affects millions of people and touches every community across the U.S. Parents, caregivers, friends, neighbors—we’re all, in some way, impacted by suicide in our everyday lives.
Beginning in 1st grade, Claire Tietgen was the victim of bullying that lasted all through elementary and middle school, progressing from name calling and taunts to physical attacks. Her school denied knowledge of the bullying and took no action to protect her. At just 13 years old, Claire wrote in her diaries and on the walls of her closet that she wanted to die.
Thankfully, Claire’s story doesn’t end there. With a little inspiration from the movie “Real Steel,” she began attending mixed martial arts classes. At the gym, she developed new confidence and strength, finding a community where she belonged and where kids were actually excited to see her.
At school, she was able to turn her near-failing grades into A’s and B’s thanks to a Kolbe assessment for youth and Kolbe consultant Dr. Ramon Corrales. She discovered her unique problem-solving instincts and learned how to advocate for herself. In this new phase of life, Claire wasn’t a victim anymore–she was more resilient and confident in who she was.
Claire realized that it takes a community to help struggling kids. She founded E3 Discovery and the E3 Scholarship Fund with her father, Charles Tietgen, and became an anti-bullying advocate. Because of her story, E3 now exists to foster resilience in students across the metro, sharing the most important message: You are perfect just the way you are.
If you or your child are struggling, you can call the 988 crisis hotline 24/7 or text TALK to 741741. Growing up can be hard; but when the community cares, we can equip our children to overcome the struggles that they face.
Learn More: samhsa.gov/suicide
#SuicidePreventionMonth
