“Why are you talking about character? Aren’t we supposed to be about mental health?"
That’s what my younger son, Charlie, asked me as I was practicing slides for the Teen Ambassador retreat last month. His question surprised me, because I thought it was obvious. Maybe not. His feedback was what I needed. I changed up a few power point slides, and then thought about diving a little deeper: what does character have to do with mental health?
Our young people carry heavy pressures—college applications, SAT scores, sports rankings, résumés that feel like they need to be stacked by age 17. Our culture often tells them their worth is measured in achievements. We say we love them for who they are, but if the praise is given for what they accomplish rather than the work ethic, commitment, and teamwork, our words aren’t matching up with our actions. We have to walk the walk.
David Brooks describes the difference between “résumé virtues” and “eulogy virtues” in his book The Road to Character. I remember when Owen applied to the honor council in middle school, I had just read Brooks’ book, and we talked about the concept together. Résumé virtues are the things you list on an application: grades, awards, positions. Eulogy virtues are the qualities people will remember you for: compassion, integrity, humility, courage. Jennifer Wallace, in her book Never Enough, warns that the relentless drive for performance leaves kids anxious and depleted. Together, these ideas remind us: what sustains mental health isn’t another trophy—it’s character.
At our GFF activities, we talk about mental health, but we also nurture social connections, vulnerability, empathy, and resilience. We aim to build strength that will carry young people through life’s challenges, but that also allows them to ask for help when they need it.
Aren’t we all trying to find balance, social connection, and lasting wellness? We’d love for you to join our next event.
UPCOMING GFF EVENTS
Day of Light: Turning Your Pain into Purpose
Sponsored by Stephen's Ministry Inc.
Dr. Elisabeth Willers is honored to serve as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Day of Light, an event focused on turning pain into purpose through faith, storytelling, and community. Sharing Owen’s legacy and the mission behind The Goldfinch Foundation, she joined voices with Pastor Tim Rogers to inspire healing, resilience, and hope.
The Goldfinch Foundation is honored as the highlighted nonprofit for September and October at the Nashville Artist Collective. During these months, the GFF will get a portion of all gallery sales (online or in person) from the Nashville gallery.
We hope you will consider visiting the gallery or checking out their website to view work from some of the most talented Nashville artists and purchasing online at https://nashville.artistcollectives.org/
The day was filled with laughter, vulnerability, and learning. From improvisation exercises that tackled social anxiety to thoughtful conversations about what it means to belong. We also elected our 2025-2026 GFF Teen Officers!
“I loved the improv acting experience, because it made me think of social situations from a different perspective. I really enjoyed playing all the games and bonding with everyone that attended the retreat.“ —Teen Ambassador
Co-presidents: Frazier Head and Charlie Willers Co-VPs: Margaret Rick and Ben Mantle Marketing: Miller Reardon and Hollis Jacobs Hospitality: Mills Darst, Cole Morgan, and Ella Tirrill Development: Banks Pennington, Jia Tipnis, Owen Anderson
Beyond the Hype College Panel
Did you miss the college panel? Good news, we have a YouTube channel with the recording of the event!
Our inaugural advisory board meeting took place on Saturday, August 23 at the beautiful space at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. We had a wonderful innovative group of parents, educators, physicians, artists, community leaders, and teens sharing ideas for upcoming events and foundational growth as well as creating a strategic plan for national growth and sustainability. All who attended shared in our passion for improving mental health and social connection in our community and beyond.
