Brighter Days: UF student founds mental health club in memory of her best friend

It was a personal calling — one that arose from grief — that inspired UF student Alexia O’Quinn to launch Brighter Days, the university’s newest mental health club, in honor of her best friend.

When Christina Needle unexpectedly died by suicide in January 2024, O’Quinn searched for a way to preserve her memory and continue the conversations the two often shared about mental health. Needle had been open about her own struggles, and their friendship had always been a space of mutual support and honesty. Out of that shared connection, Brighter Days was born. 

“Christina was the most selfless person you could meet,” O’Quinn said. “She cared and loved so deeply. She's the friend that always loves and cares about you just as much as you do for them.” 

The two met while working together at a dental office and quickly became inseparable. O’Quinn said Needle wasn’t just a best friend; she was family. 

“We would work anywhere from nine to 13 hours and then get in the car and call each other to debrief or FaceTime later that night. Any time one of us needed something, the other was immediately there,” O’Quinn said. “She and her husband came to family holidays, and she moved me here to Gainesville. We were completely submerged in each other’s lives. This is a friendship that will never die.”

O’Quinn founded Brighter Days with Needle’s kindness in mind, hoping to create a safe, welcoming space where students, faculty, staff and even parents could engage in open, judgment-free conversations about mental health. With help from UF faculty and staff, she built a strong foundation for the club. 

Brighter Days is supported by a team of faculty advisors with experience in counseling, psychiatry and behavioral services, including Patricia M. Xirau-Probert, Ph.D., associate dean for student affairs and involvement for the College of Dentistry; Meggen Sixbey, Ph.D., assistant director of the UF Police Department; and lead advisor Michelle E. Jacobs-Elliott, M.D., assistant professor in psychiatry for the College of Medicine. 

“Mental health is vast, and every mind and person is unique in what they may deal with, what they seek and what resources they may need,” O’Quinn said. “We plan to host events that help participants feel more grounded and in control of their mind and body, bring in speakers to discuss a variety of topics, and lean on our advisors whose backgrounds align with and support our mission.” 

There are no membership requirements, just a willingness to show up, and the club is open to anyone in the UF community.

“There are so many forms of success that can branch from Brighter Days — whether that's growing, reaching more students, cultivating a safe environment, or raising money to provide free activities and resources,” O’Quinn said. “Little by little, we will be reaching new goals, and that is exciting.”

Though Brighter Days is still new, O’Quinn hopes it becomes a lasting part of UF’s mental health landscape and a reflection of the compassion Needle showed to everyone around her.

“If Christina could see what we’re working on, I think she would be proud,” O’Quinn said. “We always supported one another, and I hope she’s able to see how deeply loved she truly is and the impact she made on my life.”

For students looking to get involved, join the Brighter Days Slack channel.