Ballymount teenager captivates audiences with innovative mental health app

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Eileen Chen, a talented teenager from Ballymount in Dublin, captivated the audience at the Technovation Ireland regional showcase event with her revolutionary app, Heart to Heart Connect.

The app is designed to help students who have difficulty communicating in person, especially with teachers and guidance counselors.

Eileen created this app while participating in the 12-week Teen-Turn after-school program at the Digital Hub in Dublin 8.

“I originally wanted to do something related to medicine, but then I thought maybe I could create something that would help me in school? » My friend and I both have trouble communicating in person with teachers and guidance counselors, so I decided to solve this problem with my app.

Heart to Heart Connect mimics in-person counseling services in a digital format, providing a secure, partially anonymous platform for students to seek help. The anonymity aspect ensures that students feel comfortable and safe when discussing their issues.

Eileen's participation in the Teen-Turn program was marked by significant achievements and personal growth.

She proudly said: “I am very proud to receive the Best Communicator award at the Technovation regional presentation event. I didn't expect to win anything, but presenting in front of the judges while being nerve-wracking was also incredibly fun.

Reflecting on her experience, Eileen said: “I really enjoyed the weekly sessions. They gave me a productive break from my studies and helped me develop new skills. My mentor was invaluable, especially with the business plan. This mentorship also inspired her to consider a career in technology through the after-school program of learning to code a mobile app. “The Teen-Turn sessions exposed me to the exciting possibilities of the technology field and inspired me to integrate technology into my future work. »

Eileen highlighted the camaraderie between the participants as one of her favorite aspects of the competition. “Talking about coding and business with girls from all over the region was incredibly interesting. It’s rare to find peers who are passionate about STEM, and I found it inspiring.

Looking ahead, Eileen is excited to continue her journey with Teen-Turn and other STEM opportunities. “I definitely want to attend Technovation next year. I'm also excited about the work experience coming up this summer and participating in Project Squad.

Eileen Chen's success in the Technovation competition showcases her dedication, creativity and the potential of young innovators in technology. Its application not only addresses a critical issue within schools, but also demonstrates the power of combining technology and social impact.

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The featured image: Eileen Chen pictured with MC Harry McCann at the Technovation Ireland regional showcase event at AMD in Dublin recently.