Today we’d like to introduce you to Mya Speller.
Mya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a young woman, I witnessed first-hand the effects of mental illness and substance abuse when it goes unaddressed. Back then, my family and I didn’t recognize that one of our family members was battling mental illness. I remember the experience being so traumatic, I initially ran from anything that seemed like it had to do with mental illness.
However, it seemed like as I was going through life, I gravitated to people who were struggling. Whether the individual was struggling with mental illness or substance abuse, directly or indirectly, I always found myself drawn to them.
I couldn’t shake the feeling of wondering how life might have been different, had we known how to address the issue at hand. That ignited a passion in me. It was at that point I realized this was my calling in life to identify the needs of at-risk individuals and groups and meet those needs. I wanted other individuals and families to receive the information and treatment that my family previously did not have access to.
For me, I knew I had to pursue higher education in the field of mental health. That led me to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Carolina A&T and Capella Universities, respectively; in the mental health field. I’m now completing my doctorate.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. I consider myself a trailblazer. It’s rewarding but it’s also challenging. I put myself out there, being willing to discuss topics that have long been considered taboo- especially within the African American community. I had my past experiences and people in my life both telling me what I set out to do couldn’t be done. However, I believe that fueled my tenacity and determination to accomplish my goals.
Please tell us about your organization.
Beyond Your Ordinary is a non-profit organization. However, we do more than one might expect from such an entity. We produce a television show (Beyond Ordinary) that tackles subjects most are uncomfortable with discussing such as HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental illness, substance abuse, and more.
We also have programs specifically aimed at helping at-risk youth receive hands-on, real life training for being successful in life. It is our top priority to make sure they have access to mentors and information that may otherwise be inaccessible to them.
Beyond Your Ordinary also partners with other key individuals and organizations to help spread the word about substance abuse and mental illness. What continues to set us apart is our commitment to not just discussing change, but provoking change. We believe in less talking, more doing.
Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you miss?
My favorite memory from childhood is playing and spending time with my sister. We grew up in a middle-class neighborhood, but unfortunately, it was drug infested and the crime rate was high. In spite of that, we were able to find ways to still enjoy life.
My sister and I played with other children in the neighborhood and we’d play games like “Hide & Seek” and “Cops and Robbers.” Another fond memory is eating from the honeysuckle tree. Those were really fun times.
Contact Info:
- Website: myaspellercullins.com
- Email: beyondordinary.tv2019@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmyaspeller/, https://www.instagram.com/beyondordinarytv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myaspellercullins/, https://www.facebook.com/beyondordinarytv/
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