In conjunction with National Hazing Prevention Week, an SFU alumnus delivered an emotional presentation to students on Sept. 24 on mental health and suicide prevention.
PJ Shell shared the story of his son, Maverick, and how he lost him to suicide.
“The story that you’re going to get today is about Maverick, but as much as it’s about Maverick, it’s about him and every one of you,” Shell said. “Because all the different things that Maverick was going through in his life, you guys are also going through.”
Shell discussed the dangers of social pressure and bullying and told those in attendance that they need to take responsibility for their actions.
“We’ve all got to take accountability for our thoughts, for our actions and for everything that we do because a lot of the problems start with ourselves,” he said.
He described Maverick as a kind, outgoing person who made everyone feel included.
“He wanted to know what made you special,” said Shell. “He was going to find some type of common ground with you and even if he didn’t, he was still going to make you smile.”
Shell discussed the hardships the Maverick experienced growing up, including changing schools, bullying and peer pressure. He said that Maverick was getting help by going to therapy up until high school.
He then described the events leading up to Maverick’s death, which included a cyberbullying incident.
The morning after the incident, Shell was upset with Maverick for skipping school. He later found out that his son had committed suicide.
“I just wanted to see my son. I didn’t get to tell him I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t get to tell him ‘I love you.’”
Shell wants people to understand that we never truly know how people are feeling and that just being kind can make a world of difference.
“We don’t know what other people are going through in their life and it costs nothing to be kind,” Shell said.
Students found the presentation emotional and impactful.
“I thought it was really sad, but I think it’s a good thing that he came to talk to us,” said sophomore Physician Assistant major Gianna Kuhlmann. “I don’t think people realize that things like that actually happen in real life.”
