In the bustling and chaotic lives of University students, finding positivity often takes a backseat. While mental health resources are available — such as Counseling and Psychological Services and TimelyCare — Hopelessly Yellow promotes mental health in a unique way through its digital platform. This group utilizes an abundance of artistic mediums which are all integrated through their brand image of positivity.
The organization is structured into different focus teams that highlight music, writing, lifestyle, social media and graphic design. These teams create or curate content designed for Hopelessly Yellow’s social media audience on platforms such as Instagram and Spotify. This content can take the form of well-being posts such as “What’s in my bag?” or “Albums of the Summer.”
While the themes that encompass the posts remain diverse in nature, the common thread is the aim to promote positivity through art and media. This allows the group to address topics which may be overlooked and counteract negative feelings that may arise from exam seasons or back-to-school anxieties.
Hopelessly Yellow was founded at the University of Michigan in 2021, and the University’s chapter was started in Fall 2024 by second-year College students Rachel Roseberg and Janie Packman.
“U.Va. has a lot of mental health resources that students can rely on if they're … struggling or personally feeling mentally unwell,” Roseberg said. “But, we found that there weren't many resources for people who maybe didn't feel bad enough to seek help, but just wanted something they could use to relate to or find inspiration to be more positive.”
While many individuals seek out Hopelessly Yellow for their variety of resources, the students who are a part of the organization are in agreement that the art of creating in itself promotes mental health. When explaining the process of creating content, Roseberg highlighted the dynamic and sometimes spontaneous process of finding content to post.
“The beauty with Hopelessly Yellow, is that it's such a collaborative environment where everyone's just working to uplift each other,” Roseberg said. “I don't think there's any sort of built in structure … I think [the content posted is] more so just what everyone's mind is on.”
Packman, who also serves as a music director of the University chapter, said that the organization has formulated a community within the club solely through the sharing of their “yellows” — or what brings them happiness. To spread happiness to the larger University community, the group starts by cultivating joy among its members.
“We all shared our yellows and what brings us joy,” Packman said. “I think, [it] added a whole new level of community to the organization in that we all care about each other on a personal level as well.”
Hopelessly Yellow also utilizes music as a medium to convey messages of wellness. To acknowledge the complexity of emotions, the organization curates themed playlists that emphasize accepting emotions rather than changing them. The themes chosen by the team members are often centered around relatable situations, such as studying or daydreaming, which students may use as an inspiration to channel their emotions. Packman underlined the power of music as a beneficial medium to regulate her emotions.
“I think we're right now in a society where we, especially at U.Va., [are] all working so hard we don't really have time to sit down and just feel and let our emotions go freely”, Packman said. “I think that music is just such an incredible outlet to let that process happen.”
Moving forward, Packman stated that the group’s efforts are focused on outreach to the broader University and Charlottesville community. As Creative Director, Roseberg plans to have external events, which refers to those outside the membership of the club, centered on gratitude and affirmations. Roseberg said she plans to foster community engagement by hosting more creative events on Grounds.
“One idea that we're really excited about is rock painting, where we would get rocks … paint them and put cute little quotes on them and put them around Grounds,” Roseberg said. “So when people see them, it's like a little pop of joy in their day”
Hopelessly Yellow hopes to gain Contracted Independent Organization status in the near future after applying this semester. Roseberg highlights her perception of how she hopes the club can create a ripple of positivity within the Charlottesville community.
“We're posting content that's made to make people smile, and those things will have an impact at the end of the day,” Roseberg said “It's just like giving a smile to a stranger, or telling someone you like their pants, just like going into the world knowing that the little things you do still make an impact and make other people happy too.”
Read More
On Repeat: Black artists reshaping the future of music
By Richard Townsley | 5 hours agoTo celebrate Black History Month, this list highlights albums from some of the most compelling voices in their respective scenes today.
Brianna Whitaker finds fulfillment in theater as Spectrum’s Artistic Director
By Emily Pitts | YesterdayWhitaker is able to find true fulfillment in the performing arts, a passion which she will carry with her through the rest of her life and infuses into her work.
Hoo’s Watching: This Valentine’s Day, give some love to these 2010s romantic comedies
By Caroline Lee | 5 days agoHere is a list of hidden gems from the late 2010s to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
