Heal-4U Magazine

Founder of Heal-4U

Quick Intro!- Hello everyone, my name is Chimezirim Evelyn Opara! This year 2022, I began the wonderful yet tiring journey of starting my own magazine. The ride has been nothing but full of surprises! I hope you enjoy the wonderful interview I had with AMOIZE Magazine! View the Complete Interview on Youtube (psttt. click the word “youtube”)!

Interview Q & A

 

AMOIZE: I already know you Chimezirim but I will still like you to introduce yourself to our readers. So, could you please tell us about your humble self and education?

 

Answer: Hello everyone, my name is Chimezirim Evelyn Opara. I’m a high school student at Bronx Health Sciences High School. I’m 16 years old and in the 11th grade! This Year 2022, I created Heal-4U magazine. Heal-4U is an online magazine that discusses mental health problems and the social issues that affect young teens and adults. It serves as an outlet for the younger generation to connect with people with similar backgrounds and life stories. 

 

AMOIZE: How did you build up a magazine for teens at such a young age, do you believe you were born with it, or did you develop it?

 

Answer: I built up my magazine with my passion for advocacy. I have always been a  strong believer in actions being louder than just words. American author Tony Robbins once said that “Knowing is not enough! You must take action. ” It isn’t enough to be against a certain issue. However, one must take steps to make changes in problems that exist. 

 

AMOIZE:Can you tell us what the magazine is all about and what inspired you to start it?

 

Answer: Heal-4U is a magazine that discusses mental health issues through expository pieces such as short poems, articles, even stories!Heal-4U establishes connections with people who may suffer from similar problems. Growing up, the topic of mental health was vaguely discussed. It wasn’t until middle school that I was opened up to different mental health disorders. I’d always been fascinated with the mind and the brain. This is why I want to become a psychologist and neurosurgeon. I believe that the fear that “our children are too young” should cease. I imagined kids who feel as if there might be something wrong with them just because they suffer from a mental health issue. I want to spread knowledge and inform many. This ache to teach is what inspired me to start Heal-4U. 

AMOIZE: Well, this question might sound funny; do you think it is easy to be an entrepreneur?

 

Answer:  There’s a popular saying that goes, “Nothing worth having comes easy”. When I began my journey as an entrepreneur, I underestimated the time and work required to achieve progress. However, the important factor in my journey is that I never gave and never plan to. I’ve had days when I felt unmotivated to put in work into my magazine. But, when I think of the positive change I could bring forth with my actions, I feel rejuvenated. 

AMOIZE:What keeps you going as a young teenager with school and running an online magazine?

 

Answer: There comes a point in one’s life when they discover their passion. To me, this was in the 5th grade when I read Ben Carson’s “Gifted Hands”, an autobiography about his life and journey to becoming a neurosurgeon amongst other things.  Gifted Hands discussed the life and emotions Carson went through when he experienced difficulties in his education. I was able to resonate with this story because I, too, was in the 5th grade and struggled with math! It was at this point in 5th grade that Carson became my role model and a new fire within me was lit. I wanted to understand the mind more and became fascinated by the science of the brain. I also ached with a desire to teach people about my passion. This is what has led me on the journey of creating my magazine called Heal-4U. This same passion is what keeps me going as a young teenager. This passion of mine is what enables me to balance all the different aspects of my life. Heal-4U is my passion project, a step amongst many in my journey of life! 

AMOIZE: What are your thoughts on entrepreneurship for young people that want to start their own business?

 

Answer: To every teenager or youth out there, I want you to realize that we are the leaders of our own future. It is up to us to decide how we want our future to be, although uncertain. Like Martin Luther King once said, “You don’t have to see the  whole staircase, just take the first step” Taking the first step, reaching out, that is what matters. You may encounter hurdles, you may not always succeed, but keep trying. 

 

AMOIZE:What kind of vision do you have for both Heal 4 U and for yourself in the future?

Answer: Persistence guarantees that results are inevitable. I plan to continue Heal-4U even after high school. I plan to expand and extend the reach of Heal-4U to a global platform, to connect with all teens, all young adults, leaders of our generation with the help of God.