Loneliness is an epidemic. We believe the solution to loneliness starts with intentional connection. Through this series of video stories and connection challenges, we guide teachers and youth facilitators to create an environment where intentional and meaningful conversations take place. The ten session program provides opportunities to engage with unique and diverse experiences, challenges and successes. These stories and activities will encourage 7th-12th grade students to connect with others and learn skills to address loneliness.
develop empathy by listening to the stories of others
equip teachers to engage with students
empower students to connect with themselves
your toolkit designed to:
inspire students to create connection in their circles
The program structures relationships as concentric circles of connection, with the young person at the center. Each session develops the student's ability to identify and engage with their circles of connection. Students will be empowered and encouraged to intentionally connect and have more meaningful conversations.
Each month features a video story and questions to engage students about the story and how it inspires connection.
Videos and Conversation Starters
Each month’s activity focuses on connection in the student's life and specific actions they can take to improve their relationships.
Connection Challenges
our approach
Teachers are provided with monthly content to help them connect with themselves, their own relationships and build capacity to engage with students.
Facilitator supports
There are resources and ways to engage with Only7Seconds that can extend to families, communities and other groups.
Community supports:
*If there are multiple teachers implementing this content in their school, we provide ideas for creating school wide connections as well!
Kea Yamamoto
MARIO GONZALEZ
MAC & HAILEY POTTS
ViK Chopra
Danny Rigsby
Mariah Paz
Ethan Wall
Izzy Boring
Lyndsey Sprinkles
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MEET our storytellers
Weaving its way through our stories, loneliness is a shared human experience. These experiences form the narratives we share. And listening to the stories of others forms connection.
Stories move us toward empathy. Stories connect us together. Stories remind us that we are not as alone as we may feel. By sharing stories, we provide an opportunity for connection and to remind people that they are not alone in the experiences they may face.
Neuroscience has found that our brains are shaped by stories.
KEA YAMAMOTO
My name is Kea! I own a creative arts business and love to run. I was a cross country runner in high school and college. Summer of my junior year in high school, I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. My dream is to one day get a degree in art therapy and use my creative talents to help others!
story Themes:
Bipolar disorder, friendship, in-patient treatment
Mario Gonzalez
Hey! I’m Mario and I am currently a communications major in my sophomore year of college. A creative is who I am and I love photography, filmmaking, and documenting people and stories. Losing one of my parents at a young age has deeply impacted my life, but I have learned the importance of seeking help and mentorship. The relationships with people I look up to have made me who I am today!
story Themes:
Drugs, alcohol, grief, loss of parent, anxiety, depression, mentorship
MAC & HAILEY POTTS
We are Mac and Hailey Potts! We both grew up as musicians and music connected us. We ended up getting married and now we both do music full time. Mac is a blind recording artist and Hailey is a music teacher. We started a family with two kids (and one on the way), but we still love to connect with each other and others through music!
story Themes:
Physical disability, fitting in, interests and hobbies
VIK CHOPRA
My name is Vik! I am a gay and formerly incarcerated film-maker. I believe that connection is essential for grounding into our true, authentic selves. There was a time in the not so distant past that I almost lost my life to addiction. But today, my life is a blessing, as I am deeply connected with some of the most amazing people who inspire me and make me...me!
story Themes:
Drinking, drugs, addiction, homelessness, illegal acts, suicide
Danny Rigsby
My name is Danny Rigsby. Ever since I was a little kid, I have played basketball and I currently play basketball in college. From the outside, I sometimes looked like I had it all together, but there have been plenty of times I felt lonely. Everyone at times is lonely. But you have to reach out to people you trust and they will give you support. Life is a marathon and you have to keep on running until the end.
story Themes:
Adoption, Race, Racism, Injuries, Suicide, Making someone proud
Mariah Paz
I am Mariah! I am a high school junior and used to be a mean girl. Since then, I have learned to see people for who they really are and build relationships with them. I have experienced some difficult times in my life, but finding connection with others has helped me through those hard times. I love wrestling for school. And I enjoy connecting with my community while working at my Aunt’s coffee shop!
story Themes:
Bullying, suicide, abuse, fitting in, runaway
Ethan wall
Hey! My name is Ethan! I love to play music and sports. I’m currently pursuing a college degree in music. I have learned to not judge a book by its cover and to connect with people that are outside my normal friendship circles. Every single person matters and has a purpose!
story Themes:
Loneliness, isolation, physical health challenges, mental health challenges, depression
Izzy Boring
Hello! I’m Izzy! I am a recent high school graduate and basketball player. A hard piece of my story has been losing my boyfriend to suicide during my senior year, but through that I have learned to connect with people supporting me. I have learned that it is okay to not be okay and it is okay to be vulnerable!
story Themes:
Loneliness, suicide, mental health, religion, faith, cancer, incarceration, grief
LYNDSEY SPRINKLES
Hey! I am Lindsey. I am a recovery addict and ex-convict. I have gone from a life of active addiction, a prison sense, ego and pride to a life of recovery, redemption, and a fulfilling career. I enjoy traveling throughout the states and sharing my experience, strength and hope to show individuals anything is possible if you reach out and connect with those around you.
story Themes:
Loneliness, physical injury, isolation, drugs and substance abuse, incarceration, recovery
choose the best fit for you
With the option to be fully utilized as a digital program or paired with the curriculum kits providing resources for both teachers and students, our program can easily fit to support your classroom.
CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SCHOOL-WIDE PARTICIPATION
Connection Curriculum
Connection curriculum
Digital access only
KIT & DIGITAL ACCESS
Preorder now!
Because You Matter T-shirt - $20
ONLY7SECONDS CLASSIC T-SHIRT - $20
Add on one of our signature t-shirts!
REP ONLY7SECONDS IN YOUR CLASSROOM
interested in school wide participation?
Along with receiving onboarding support, additional monthly communication with our team, custom t-shirt options and more perks, we offer school-wide discounts for both the digital access package and digital + kit package.
Fill out the form below and our team will be in contact with you!
