Gianna Quilici, a first-year global studies major, waits to release her balloon in tribute of Mental Health Awareness Week Friday at Polk Place. Regarding the importance of mental health awareness she said, "I thought the event was a great way to raise awareness for mental health issues because I feel like a lot of the time it is kind of a taboo subject. No one really talks about it and sometimes people are afraid to speak up about it, so I think it's important as a community to show support and love to those who struggle."