UCLA Student Caitlynn Hauw Reunites with High School Counselors After 2020 Suicide Attempt
Caitlynn Hauw, a UCLA psychology student, reunited with her high school counselor Vanessa Ho and teacher Jeff Wenger. Hauw had attempted suicide in December 2020 while at Westview High School in San Diego. She credits Ho and Wenger for encouraging her college application and providing support during mental health struggles.
Notre Dame College, Dhaka / Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)Reunion Highlights Support from High School Educators Caitlynn Hauw, a college student at UCLA studying psychology, reunited with Vanessa Ho, a counselor at Westview High School, and Jeff Wenger, a journalism teacher at the same school.
The reunion occurred after Hauw prepared a letter for Ho and Wenger. Hauw attends UCLA following her acceptance into the university. Hauw stated that she was not going to apply to college until encouraged by Ho and Wenger.
Vanessa Dang, Hauw's mother and a single parent raising four children, confirmed details of Hauw's past challenges. Cbs News reported on the events surrounding Hauw's experiences.
Suicide Attempt and Hospitalization in 2020 Caitlynn Hauw attempted suicide in her sophomore year of high school in December 2020.
The attempt led to Hauw being in the hospital. Vanessa Dang emailed Vanessa Ho to inform her that her daughter was in the hospital following the incident. Hauw struggled with her mental health during high school in San Diego.
Jeff Wenger noted that Hauw was absent from Westview High School for a few days or stretches at a time. These absences related to her mental health challenges.
Counselor's Role in Daily Support Vanessa Ho allowed Caitlynn Hauw to study under her table in her office.
Ho also permitted Hauw to cry laying down on the floor in her office as other students side-eyed. Ho told Hauw she would pick her up from her house if needed to attend school. Hauw has therapy twice a week.
These supports from Ho contributed to Hauw's ability to continue her education. The counselor's actions provided a space for Hauw during difficult periods.
Resources for Mental Health Support The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, with trained crisis counselors available 24 hours a day.
The NAMI Helpline can be called at 800-950-6264. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
Story Timeline
5 events- Recent (post-2020)
Caitlynn Hauw reunites with Vanessa Ho and Jeff Wenger after preparing a letter for them.
1 sourceunattributed - Post-high school
Caitlynn Hauw is accepted into and attends UCLA, studying psychology.
1 sourceunattributed - High school period
Caitlynn Hauw receives encouragement from Vanessa Ho and Jeff Wenger to apply to college.
1 sourceCaitlynn Hauw - December 2020
Caitlynn Hauw attempts suicide and is hospitalized; Vanessa Dang emails Vanessa Ho about the incident.
2 sourcesVanessa Dang · Vanessa Ho - High school sophomore year
Caitlynn Hauw struggles with mental health and is absent from Westview High School for stretches.
2 sourcesCaitlynn Hauw · Jeff Wenger
Potential Impact
- 01
Potential encouragement for other students facing mental health issues to seek help, following Hauw's story of recovery and college success.
- 02
UCLA's psychology program benefits from students like Hauw who bring personal experience to their studies.
- 03
Increased awareness of school counselor roles in mental health support for students like Hauw.
- 04
Highlighting availability of national resources like 988 lifeline may lead to more calls for crisis support.
- 05
Single parents like Vanessa Dang may recognize the value of communicating with school staff during family crises.
Transparency Panel
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