Promoting Kindness With Sydney Brett

New York-based model Sydney Brett is preventing bullying one workshop at a time. Through Sydney’s non-profit organization “Stronger Than You Think,” she implements anti-bullying and mental health education for youth. Sydney's mission is to stop hate at its core, especially as a victim of childhood bullying due to her struggle with dyslexia. Sydney’s curriculum is crucially needed in a world where social media can be the root of insecurities for many impressionable children coming to terms with their identities. If you are interested in Sydney’s work in the modeling industry, her amazing non-profit, or her hope for this generation, please continue reading the interview below!

Where are you based?
I live in Long Island, NY, and I am finishing my last year of college in High Point, North Carolina.

What inspired you to get into modeling?
I always enjoyed being in front of the camera, and wanted to give modeling a try!

What is a modeling highlight for you? Any fantastic or unbelievable stories?
Having the opportunity to travel to places I never imagined and being able to work with all different well-respected photographers.

Can you tell us about your non-profit "Stronger Than You Think"? What is your mission? What inspired it?
Stronger Than You Think is a 501 C 3 merging together anti-bullying and mental health. When I was in elementary school I was bullied for having dyslexia and wanted to turn a negative into a positive and that is why I created the organization. My mission is to promote kindness and teach those around me to be an "upstander" rather than a bystander.

Is the message of mental health awareness significant in the modeling business?
Mental health awareness should be taught everywhere. Especially in the modeling industry, there is so much stress to meet unrealistic beauty standards.

What advice would you like to give to others being bullied?
Do not be afraid to ask for help, and to know that things will get better!

Can you tell us a bit about the workshops your organization offers girls?
My workshops are open to everyone, although I have set programs I am always willing to customize the workshop to fit an individual or groups needs.

Your non-profit, "Stronger Than You Think," features an "Unfiltered Photo Shoot" where children take unedited shots and discuss social media's effect on the youth. What is usually the discussion around that prompt? What are your thoughts on this issue?
Social media can be used for both positive and negative things, but it is important to teach that there are a lot of unrealistic beauty standards, and not everything you see on social media is real. Social media is specifically designed to show someone’s highlight reel rather than what is really going on in their life.

Do you feel like there is more awareness of mental health, especially after the pandemic? How can our readers get involved with non-profits like yours?
I think there is more awareness about mental health recently and the issue of mental health seems less taboo. Our organization is always looking to help others, as well as the programs offered there is a free mentorship program. It is best to send an email to standup@strongerthanyouthink.us and I will respond promptly.

What is your hope for today's generation regarding social media and their image of beauty?
I think todays youth is smart and I am hopeful that they realize not everything you see is real and that people should be more accepting of one another.

Any upcoming projects you can share?
I am in process of creating an anti-bullying curriculum to hopefully be used in schools across the county.

What is your motto in life?
Be the change you wish to see in the world.

If you love Sydney as much as we do, please follow her on the platforms below:
www.strongerthanyouthink.us
Instagram: @stronger.than_youthink @Sydneybrett_