Lincoln Southwest High School sat tall, casting a vague shadow down on the beginnings of the 2nd Annual Student Council (StuCo) Color Run. Colorful flags were hung up around the perimeter and the admissions table was buzzing with excitement. Carefully drawn out chalk covered the cement, even with the knowledge of it being covered up with rainbow powder seconds later.

As people gathered around the start, StuCo members were laughing, including junior Mary Beth Hart. Hart’s laughter expanded upon her face, as she threw chalk colors to set off the beginning of the race. She stood there, holding her past and present struggles, all with a smile.

When first meeting Hart, people notice the smile and optimism that she carries with her. But, beneath the surface, is another thing to carry. 

“I struggled with anxiety when I was younger. I would worry about just daily life,” Hart said. “I still battle it but it has gotten a lot better.” 

It wasn’t an easy battle. She fought through challenges within sports and school. Hart’s softball career started at a young age. She found so much joy in the sport, but with that came the pressure of wanting to be perfect. Starting club softball made her anxiety worse, worrying about not doing enough.

“I was scared to make a mistake and I wanted to please people,” Hart said. “I had a lot of nervousness because my confidence had not grown yet and I got anxious in uncomfortable situations.” 

Anxiety is like a wave. Becoming stronger and softer depending on the day. A strong wave of anxiety happened toward the beginning of Hart’s freshman year of high school. Before moving to Lincoln in the summer of 2021, Hart lived in Washington for the first 14 years of her life. Not only did Hart have to navigate a new state, but she also had to start high school in August. During first term, Hart had Spanish 2 and she constantly felt like she wasn’t learning as fast as everyone else. Hart also worried that she didn’t fit in, but grew to realize that people were there for her like Mrs. Rosanne Navas, who teaches Spanish.

“Mrs. Navas always helped me with whatever I needed and she helped me gain a lot of confidence,” Hart said. “She was so encouraging and welcoming. I am so grateful that she was always there to support me.”

Hart recognized that throughout her journey with anxiety, there were many resources to help. Breathing exercises and relaxing techniques were just two methods she learned. Teachers such as Navas helped her through classes, but Hart found one of her biggest supporters within her family. Her mom, Lisa, became someone who Hart could talk to about anything.

“She continues to help by checking in with me and encouraging me to be myself and pursue my passions in life,” Hart said. “She always makes sure I feel supported and loved.”

Not only did Hart’s mom help her feel supported, but she also gave Hart the foundation of who she was as a person. Hart was taught to treat others with kindness and was surrounded by her mom’s positivity. 

“I love making people happy and uplifting others. I believe a lot of my motivation to be positive comes from this,” Hart said. “I want to make everyone feel supported and loved and kindness is really important to me.”

According to Forbes Health, 19.1% of the population, or 40 million Americans, are affected by anxiety in day-to-day life. Hart leads with positivity. She hopes that her joy can help take away someone else’s pain. 

 “When I experience anxiety, I often get a stomach ache and it is difficult to distract myself from it,” Hart said. “So when I see others struggling with anxiety, I make sure to offer help in any way I can. I can relate to them and I always remember the moments when I experienced very similar feelings. I want to let them know that they are never alone and I am always here for them anytime they need me.”
Hart spreads her positivity through the many activities she does at LSW. She is involved in StuCo, Unified Council and unified activities, softball, student ambassadors, Southwest Athletic Leadership Team (SALT), Hope Squad and Teens Influencing Equity (TIE) Club. It’s not just her personality that radiates joy, but her mindset that sets her on a path of positivity.

“I always like to wake up everyday with a smile. I try to be optimistic about each day and even when it’s hard, I can look to other people to make me happy,” Hart said. “The people around me always inspire me and I feel really lucky to be in such a great community.”

Hart has grown in confidence because she learned how much her joy can impact others. Her close relationship with her brother, Paul, has also made her realize how much her actions impact those around her. Her brother is three years younger and when they got to Lincoln, their bond only grew.

“I learned that I was able to support my brother and help him with anything he needed,” Hart said. “I now know how to make him feel better and brighten his day and he learned the same things about me.” 

Hart still has anxiety, and will occasionally feel anxious, but she never lets that dampen her mood. Her confidence has grown along with her and she has been able to showcase how anxiety does not define who you are.

“Learning how to work hard to solve problems taught me that I am stronger than my worries and there is always a way to overcome tough times,” Hart said. “Carrying anxiety has impacted my view on life so much. It has shown me that it is important to learn that everything will be okay. However, tough times will happen often, and I learned about being resilient and determined.”