The Issue
I created the Emotional Literacy in Schools Act (ELSA) because I grew up as one of those high-achieving students who looked like they were thriving - but inside, I was struggling. As someone who is neurodivergent, I often felt overwhelmed, emotionally confused, and unable to explain what I was going through. I was never taught how to name my emotions, how to set boundaries, or how to understand what was not normal. That silence left deep scars.
It wasn't until adulthood that I realized I was surviving emotional abuse — and I didn't even have the vocabulary to name it at the time. That's why I created the Emotional Literacy in Schools Act.
No child should have to wait until adulthood to start healing. No child should grow up emotionally illiterate in a world that demands emotional survival.
If we want to build a safer, more connected future, we need to start with how we raise our kids — and that starts with emotional education.
As Miss Grand California 2025 I am using my platform to advocate for the change I wish I had growing up
Our current education system in California teaches students everything - from calculus to chemistry - but not how to be human. Students are graduating with honors but lack the essential emotional tools to navigate life's challenges. The absence of emotional literacy in our education system isn't merely an oversight; it's a critical gap that can have devastating effects on mental health.
The consequences of this gap are painfully evident. Youth suicide rates are rising, indicating a generation struggling to cope with emotional and psychological pressures. We need to equip our children with the skills to process anxiety, identify emotional abuse, and communicate their needs effectively. Ignoring these skills is not a lack of luxury, but a necessity for survival.
Implementing the Emotional Literacy in Schools Act (ELSA) will ensure that K-12 students in California receive comprehensive education on emotional health. By teaching students to understand their emotions, establish healthy relationships, and cultivate empathy, we prepare them not just for academic success but for life.
Emotional literacy should be as fundamental as reading or math. Students deserve the tools to thrive emotionally and mentally. Through ELSA, we can transform education to address these critical areas and foster a generation that is not only intellectually competent but emotionally resilient.
Join me in advocating for the incorporation of emotional literacy into the K-12 curriculum across California. Together, we can make a tangible difference for our children and future generations. Please lend your support and sign this petition.