Interviews
Ava Cota – #13Reasons4Me
By: Maggie Stankiewicz
Q) What inspired you to watch the show “13 Reasons Why” and to later create your #13Reasons4Me movement?
A) I have always been interested in shows that bring attention to large topics such as suicide and the hardships of being a teenager. And that is one of the reasons I fell in love with “13 Reasons Why!” I thought that they really showed this story in a different light that I had never seen before, but also did not back down from really taking the story all the way to where it made an impact. And that’s what I wanted to do was make an impact! So, I thought why not bring my idea and this amazing series together!
Q) How did you settle upon the two poignant hashtags #13Reasons4Me and #13ReasonsofLove?
A) I came upon these because these two hashtags represent exactly what I want this challenge to be. I want to spread love to others and help people spread love within themselves!
Q) How long did you work on this project before deciding it was ready to launch?
A) It’s was actually pretty quick. I honestly don’t even remember how I came up with the idea because I really wasn’t trying to be creative at all…I guess you could say it found me. [laughs] But within a week’s time after coming up with the idea I have the video out on my YouTube channel!
Q) Hannah Baker had a hard time figuring out her 13 Reasons Why Not. How do you hope this movement can help others find more reasons to love themselves and their lives?
A) I think that people often focus so much on the negatives, what is going wrong in their lives and what they wish they were. So, I am hoping that this movement can help people realize the amazing things/people they have in their life! Self love and a positive mind set will propel your life so much further!
Q) How did you decide that social media would be the best place to host this challenge?
A) I mean where else right now? Social media is such a HUGE part of our culture now, which I feel has many positive and negative effects on our culture, especially with teens! So, I wanted to bring something super positive onto these platforms to help create a better environment!
Q) What are some of your #13Reasons4Me that have helped you embrace positivity the most?
A) I think one of my biggest struggles with loving myself has been my height. I reached 6’ at age fifteen and that was kinda crazy. I was always somewhat the odd one out and didn’t really know how to deal with it. But many people in my life have helped me realized that this is what makes me “me” and now I absolutely love it! I think also realizing what qualities you love about yourself has helped me really feel good about the person I am and know what to look for in people when making friends!
Q) You are very encouraging of spreading love. Have you discovered new or more forms of love in your own life since starting this movement?
A) I am a very strong believer that self love is the best kind of love and there is an infinite amount of ways to show yourself love! I think that praise from others is amazing, but when u can be proud of yourself and have that feeling of true happiness within, there is no feeling better!
Q) How can people get involved with #13Reasons4Me and #13ReasonsofLove?
A) It’s super easy to get involved! You can head over to my YouTube channel to get more information and directions on how to make your own video! Link below!
Q) Who is this movement for? Can everyone lend their voice to the cause?
A) This movement is for everyone. It’s to help stop the hateful actions that are being taken every day and to remind people that everyone has love in their lives!
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and this movement?
A) I would just simply like to say thank you. Thank you for always supporting me and thank you for giving me this voice to be able to start a movement such as this one! Love you all!
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