Today we’re featuring Musteria (she/her), a rising senior in Seattle Public Schools. She talks about what drew her to FEEST, how she’s grown in confidence through outreach and organizing, and why mental health and student voice matter in schools. Along the way, she shares what keeps her coming back, the importance of pronouns, and her dreams for the future.

Dev: Thanks for joining me, Musteria! To start off, can you share your name, pronouns, and a fun fact about yourself?

Musteria: My name is Musteria. My pronouns are she/her. I’m gonna be a senior this year, and a fun fact about me is that I like music!

Dev: Okay, do you like making music, listening to music, or both?

Musteria: Not making music, but I like playing music.

Dev: Nice! What instruments do you play?

Musteria: I’m learning the guitar right now.

Dev: Period. A new guitarist in the making! So, what drew you to FEEST? Why did you want to join?

Musteria: My friends were already part of FEEST. I went to a few of their meetings! They had one event where they were handing out food. I stayed afterward for their debrief, and they were talking about the Wellness Room and everything. I was like, okay, this is cool. They even let me talk a little bit. The next year, I joined Summer Camp, and from there, I just stayed involved.

Dev: That’s beautiful. And shoutout to friends bringing friends in, that’s organizing right there! Let’s talk about mental health. What helps you feel grounded or cared for during the school day?

Musteria: I get really tired fast, and I feel like a lot of kids do, too. Sitting down for a really long time isn’t great because you’re not focusing. So I think passing period, walking for even five minutes, seeing your friends, just having that little break? It’s refreshing.

Dev: What do you wish your school understood better about mental health?

Musteria: That it looks different for everyone. Good or bad mental health doesn’t look the same for all people, and not every tool works for everyone. Schools have to be more flexible with how they support students, especially those who might not seem interested in help at first.

Dev: If you close your eyes and imagine a school that truly supports student mental health, what does it look and feel like?

Musteria: Including everyone. Some people are shy! lI’m shy, sometimes I want to say something, but I’m too scared to raise my hand. If schools had more ways for everyone to speak, even if it’s uncomfortable, it would help. Also, more encouragement from teachers, like, “Hey, you should join a club.” Clubs aren’t as common anymore, but things like music or art clubs would be so fun and helpful.

Dev: I love that. You mentioned being shy. What helps you come out of your shell?

Musteria: When teachers check in. Like, going around the class and asking, “How are you doing? What do you think?” That helps me not zone out and makes me feel included.

Dev: That’s such a simple but powerful example. Okay, shifting to organizing: what does organizing mean to you?

Musteria: Honestly, I didn’t know how to answer at first. But I think it’s about people bringing different opinions and planning things together. Like the party we’re organizing right now, we have different subgroups, and then we come together to make one big event.

Dev: That’s spot on. Why do you think it’s important for youth to lead organizing?

Musteria: Because youth should start before they grow up. If they don’t, then people who don’t really know what they’re doing end up with power which could be misused. Youth are the future.

Dev: What skills have you built through FEEST?

Musteria: Outreach. At first, it was the worst thing ever. I did not want to talk to people at my school. It was awkward saying, “Hey, do you want food? We’re doing this thing.” But it actually helped me become so much more social. Recently, I was at our Summer Camp, doing things I would’ve been too embarrassed to do two years ago. FEEST helped me get out of my bubble.

Dev: I love that! What’s something you’ve learned at FEEST that you now carry into other parts of your life?

Musteria: Pronouns. Before FEEST, I knew a few people who used different pronouns, but being around people here who actually talk about it made it normal and important for me. Now I always ask people their pronouns. It’s just a nice, respectful thing to do.

Dev: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new students joining FEEST?

Musteria: Talk! Be open about how you feel about things. Even if you’re wrong, you can be educated about it, and if you’re right, you can educate others. Also, letting people know what you want them to know about you is important. It helps them remember and understand you better.

Dev: Do you have a favorite memory from FEEST?

Musteria: On the last day of Summer Camp, Belina played her song on the speakers. She’s so good, and my friends and I were literally screaming because that’s the kind of music we listen to. We were like, Belina is our number one artist now!

Dev: I love that so much! Belina is very talented so that makes so much sense. Okay, what keeps you coming back to FEEST?

Musteria: A lot of things. Mostly the people, because even though we’re all so different, we’re here for the same reasons. And the meetings, I’ve learned about things I wouldn’t have known otherwise, like budget cuts leading to fewer resources in schools. Also… honestly, the GrubHub credits. Getting food is nice!

Dev: Fair! Last two questions. First, what are your dreams for the future?

Musteria: I just want to be comfortable:  mentally and financially. I want to go to college, but I don’t have a specific career path figured out. I just want to feel stable.

Dev: That’s real. And finally, if you had the mic to speak directly to our community, what would you want to say?

Musteria: Have fun. That’s it. Just have fun.

Dev: Well said, Musteria, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me!

Musteria’s reflections remind us that organizing starts with connection – whether it’s handing out food, planning an event, or simply asking someone their pronouns. She shows how small acts of courage and consistency can build a bigger movement. We’re grateful for her voice, her growth, and her leadership at FEEST.