Students across New York state are getting ready to graduate and head into the workforce. One organization is helping grads understand the importance of their mental health during this transition. 

Alexis Silapaxay is checking in with leaders at the Hive, a collection of five organizations helping young people in Rochester land their first job.

What You Need To Know

  • The Hive is five organizations helping young people in Rochester land their first job

  • Leaders work with new grads in helping them understand mental health challenges in the workplace

  • The Hive hopes to prepare 15,000 youth to enter the workforce over the next four years

Allen Pinkins is a coordinator at the Hive. He worked with Silapaxay on her resume and building her confidence before interviews. 

“I was nervous about sitting down and getting interviewed," said Silapaxay. "They helped me break out of my shell."

It’s more than just remembering interview answers, as Pinkins believes a key part of having a successful job is working on mental health. The Hive hosts a mental health expo and teaches Rochester students how to communicate what they’re feeling and techniques to deal with stress. When teens land their first job, Pinkins hopes they use what they learn from the Hive to help them on the job when life gets in the way. 

“Navigating challenges, emotions [and] obstacles, it makes you a better more well-rounded employee," said Pinkins. 

Over the next few years, the Hive hopes to prepare 15,000 youth to enter the workforce. 

As Silapaxaay gets ready to head to her job, she shares the most important lesson the Hive has taught her. 

“Be yourself, because you never know how that will impact the other person," said Silapaxay.