A nonprofit movement created by an Osceola County teenager is helping kids who struggle with bullying and mental health issues.

  • Teen was bullied, but now Juliet Cahow created non-profit to spread kindness
  • Positiviti helps students understand why it is not good to bully
  • To learn more about Positiviti here

Juliet Cahow knows what it feels like to be bullied. 

"I remember being in the bathroom and things would be thrown into the stall or like they would steal my stuff," Cahow said. "And it was so hard knowing that you don't fit in and that people don't want you to be a part of their group."

However, she has used that negative energy and transformed it into to something very positive. 

"It's just nice having a purpose when I wake up in the mornings," Cahow explained. 

Dealing with depression and anxiety first hand, the 17-year-old senior started a non-profit called Positiviti, three years ago. 

Volunteers with Positiviti serve as mentors at various elementary schools. The program teaches third to fifth graders about spreading kindness and putting a stop to bullying. Cahow's sponsor at Endeavor Elementary is also her mother, Joy Cahow. Joy Cahow is beyond proud of her daughter's achievements. 

"It's incredible. It's amazing to see her give back," Joy Cahow said. "She struggled a lot and instead of taking that and letting her tear her down, she's just made something so wonderful out of it."

Jack Sheridan, a fourth grader at Endeavor Elementary, said Positivi has become a safe environment for him and he wants to put to good use what he's picked up here. 

"I've learned how to help people, if they are going through any situation," he said.

Juliet Cahow's own troubles have inspired her to one day become a child psychiatrist. She hopes Positiviti can ignite mental health discussions within the next generation. 

"So Positiviti has been a healing mechanism for me and I really hope that it's been the same for the kids that I teach and then try to empower," Juliet Cahow added. "I really hope it's done the same for them because it's really really helped me."

Even though Juliet Cahow graduated this year, she plans to continue running Positiviti and expanding to even more elementary schools.