Inner Vision, Future Mission: My True SELF at Hughes High School

Elan Schwartz and Charli Littleton leading Ladder of Success activity during session 1.

This past February, The Well launched a 10 week My True SELF (Social Emotional Learning Fun) group for selected 9th-12th grade students at Hughes STEM High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. This was in collaboration with Project Connect, a nonprofit organization within Cincinnati Public Schools that provides advocacy paired with specialized educational services and lifestyle enrichment opportunities for children who have neither a voice, nor a choice, in experiencing homelessness. 

The goal of the group is for students to gain the knowledge and tools they need to develop greater capacity for self-awareness and self-management, social and relational interactions, and improved decision making that benefits society as a whole.  Students are encouraged to engage in a co-creative learning atmosphere enriched with mindfulness, movement, healing arts and expressive arts practices. 

The inclusion of these experiential learning practices are backed by scientific research and reflect findings that mind-body-based practices support brain development and neurophysiological regulation of the body which is needed to counter the negative effects of chronic stress and trauma on the body and mind.

Each session began with a meditation guided by Charli Littleton or Stacy Sims, that introduced the theme of the class for the day. Students would then be led in an expressive arts practice by The Well facilitator and interdisciplinary artist, Elan Schwartz. After taking time to share and engage with one another, the session would close with a Mindful Music Moment.

Through activities like Ladder of Success, Partner Interviews, River of Resiliency, Self-Portraits, and Mindful Poetry Moments students were given space to reflect on their past, pause in their present, and envision their futures. These experiences encouraged them to contemplate their journeys, connect with their present selves, and recognize the power they hold in shaping what comes next.

In order to track progress, students were given a pre and post well-being assessment using the tool 100 Million Healthier Lives. We saw marked improvement in self esteem, self worth, and overall excitement for their futures. Over the course of the sessions, the group showed a collective growth—from struggling to sit still and stay quiet during the first meditation to actually looking forward to it by session ten, creating a sense of calm that was built together.

Ultimately, this was a practice in connection where students were given the space to express their inner self while sharing with their peers.

A special thank you to Amara Johnson and Dorian Price from Project Connect for making this happen! The Well is excited to continue this collaboration in the 2025/26 school year.

Ladder of Success: Students were to draw a ladder with a goal at the top, obstacles along the way, and where they currently stand.

Partner Interviews: Students interviewed one another and presented their partner to the class.

Self-Portrait: Students drew what they felt represented them.

Self-Portrait: Profile drawing.

Mindful Poetry Moments: "Broken Promises" by Emily Grimes, 12th Grader.

Mindful Poetry Moments: Artwork created by Ronen Lundy, 11th Grader. Based on the Mary Oliver poem "Wild Geese."

Mindful Poetry Moments: Untitled poem by Jakobi Lundy, 11th Grader.