If you’ve been on Instagram in the last month, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “This is the USC MIND Ice Bucket Challenge.” The challenge started on the University of South Carolina (USC) campus when Head Football Coach Shane Beamer nominated Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati to have a bucket of icy water dumped on him.
What some may not know is that the USC MIND challenge is based on the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, when people were challenged to get dumped on to support ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Now, the challenge carries a different meaning. The word “MIND” in the USC Mind challenge stands for:
- Mental
- Illness
- Needs
- Discussion
The goal of this project is to raise funds for people with mental illness through a fun, interactive challenge that grows awareness and builds a supportive fund. In 2015, many large celebrities participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge, but this year it’s more student-focused, with the main cause being mental health awareness. It spreads when those who undertake the challenge then nominate 1–5 people to do likewise, keeping the trend alive and fast-moving.
“At its peak, I couldn’t open Instagram without seeing the Ice Bucket Challenge at least five times. It was everywhere,” said FCHS senior Marley Rochester.
The trend grew quickly as students nominated friends, siblings, and even teachers.
“It was fun because I got to do it with my brother. At the time, I didn’t know what it was for, but now I realize I was part of something bigger and impactful to the communities I’m a part of,” said sophomore Quinton McCloud.
Mental health awareness wasn’t the only thing that was raised by the challenge. To date, the challenge has raised over $180,000, and the number is still growing. If you wish to donate to the challenge, visit the Active Minds website or follow USC Mind on Instagram at @uscmind.
