Katy, an 18-year-old high school senior, had always been a high achiever. She excelled in academics, played varsity soccer, and seemed to have a bright future ahead of her. But behind her glowing résumé, Katy battled a silent struggle with anxiety and an eating disorder that began when she was just 14.

Despite her outward success, the pressure to meet impossible standards weighed heavily on her. By her senior year, Katy’s health had deteriorated to the point where she had to quit sports and take a leave of absence from school. Feeling isolated and ashamed, she withdrew from her friends and family, convinced she would never recover.

After an intervention led by her mother, Katy entered an inpatient treatment program where she began learning how to manage her mental health. Although her recovery showed promise, Katy’s confidence was shattered. When she tried applying for her first job to regain some normalcy, she faced rejection after rejection, leaving her feeling more defeated than ever.

Then Katy discovered The Green Door Café. The supportive environment and understanding team gave her the chance to rebuild her confidence, one day at a time. Starting as a barista, Katy flourished in the café’s atmosphere of acceptance and empowerment. Over time, she began leading workshops on mental health awareness for her peers, transforming her struggles into a source of strength and inspiration for others.