January 11, 2022

Student influencer Kobe Brown use social media to advocate for mental health and social justice

One of the Seven Social Standards that The Social Institute believes in is: Finding Your Influencers. This means surrounding yourself with positive role models who support you and encourage you to play to your core. To help students find these positive and credible influences, we began our Student Influencer Program. Each week we select a different student to take over our Instagram and highlight how they act as a positive influence and inspiration in their communities.

This week, we are excited to introduce Kobe Brown. Kobe Brown is a Junior Student Athlete at UNC Charlotte majoring in Criminal Justice. He is a member of the school’s track and cross country team, but is passionate about getting more involved on campus. Recently, he joined the Student Athlete Executive Board where he specializes in athlete wellness. He is also a member of the Student Government Association (SGA) Senate as part of the Diversity and Equity Inclusion Committee. Kobe doesn’t stop his involvement there. He also serves as a member of the Student Advisory Board under campus’s Counseling and Psychological Services. He continues to use these roles to fuel his passion for mental health and social justices!

Recently, we interviewed Kobe to learn more about him and how social media impacts his life. Here’s what he had to say:

What do you value about yourself or others?

I value my drive and will to achieve my goals utilizing the necessary means. I value compassion and respect given by others.

What are your personal goals?

I want to achieve my maximum potential within my athletic endeavors. In addition, I want to achieve financial stability within my respected career path. Finally, I want to have absolutely no regrets before everything is all said and done.

How do has going back to in-person school affected you?

I have tried to maintain an optimistic mindset throughout the whole year. The pandemic showed me early on that nothing is guaranteed and to enjoy people and experiences that will not always be there. Like everything in my life, I have learned to adapt and maneuver through adversity. 

What are the things you try to accomplish each day?

I try to be the better version of myself everyday. This can be getting faster, stronger, or smarter. I just try to make everyday count.

What or who inspires you most?

My family for sure. From seeing how hard my parents work to help me achieve my goals,  to all my siblings who I strive to be just as successful as. Having a family who pushes me to be better and is willing to help me through my struggles has been a key factor of why I work so hard.

How has social media acted as a positive influence on your life?

Social media has allowed me to express myself through my ideas, pictures, and thoughts. In addition, it has become a universal way in which news can reach me and the rest of the world almost instantaneously. 

Of our Seven Social Standards, which one would you most resonate with and why?

Most likely Use Your Mic for Good. I am a strong advocate for mental health, and I actively try to use my virtual platforms to provide advice and resources for those looking to improve or maintain their mental health. In addition, I use my social media platforms to highlight current social justice events going on around the world.

If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give to him about navigating social media or social relationships? 

I would go back and tell my younger self that you don’t need to be like someone else. I felt when I was younger there was a huge emphasis on being connected to social norms and finding popularity through them. As I got older I became more in tune with my own skin and started seeing that I don’t need to live vicariously through others.


About The Social Institute

The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive SEL program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.