• Alejandro Gonzalez - https://github.com/alejgonza04
• Gael Garcia - https://github.com/GG1627
• John Lewis - https://github.com/johnl-dev
• Hector Cruz - https://github.com/hcru77

JavaScript, React, CSS, Auth0

This project was created within 24 hours during the SwampHacks X hackathon, under the Social Good & Human Experience category. It was created with a focus on student mental health and community resources. In the tech field, taking breaks and connecting with others is essential, not only for one's wellbeing, but also to aid productivity in the long-term. Therapists often recommend journaling and reaching out to others as effective strategies for improving mental health. Journaling helps individuals process their emotions, gain self-awareness, and manage stress, while connecting with others fosters support, reduces feelings of isolation, and strengthens relationships, all of which contribute positively to mental well-being. These elements formed the foundation of our project, emphasizing the value of prioritizing mental well-being in both personal and professional spaces.

Root & Reach is a holistic web application designed to support student mental health, activism, and advocacy. Our mission is simple: "Help yourself, help others."

• Developed a JavaScript, React, and CSS web application with a nostalgic Windows XP-inspired design using a specialized styling library, intended to invoke a sense of home and nostalgia.

• Implemented authentication functionality using Auth0 for secure login and user management.

• Integrated React Router DOM for seamless navigation and intuitive user experience.

• Connected to multiple APIs, including a daily quote generator, to deliver dynamic and engaging content.

• Users are prompted to reflect on and gauge their feelings for the day, emphasizing that acknowledging one’s current well-being is a vital first step toward mental health improvement.

• Users are directed to a home screen designed to resemble a Windows XP desktop bulletin board, combining nostalgia with functionality to create an engaging user experience.
• Users are greeted with a unique daily inspirational quote upon login, delivered through seamless integration with an external API.
• Users are shown an MP4 video of dogs, leveraging research that watching animals can boost serotonin levels and enhance mood (who doesn't like dogs?).

• Users can log daily events and their associated feelings, fostering an introspective approach to understanding and processing their emotions.

• Users are able to access a calendar to visualize their progress and journal entries overtime.
• This practice helps individuals set and achieve goals, stay organized, and create a sense of accomplishment as they visually see their progress. This can boost motivation, reduce stress, and enhance overall mental clarity, contributing positively to mental health and productivity.

• Users are able to add reminders to the calendar to reach out to ones they're close with.
• Acts of reaching out and fostering connections strengthen social bonds, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote emotional support. Additionally, helping or showing care for others can boost your own sense of purpose and happiness, thanks to the psychological benefits of altruism and community engagement.
• This is especially useful for college students who are often too busy and can forget to reach out and check close ones.

• This page provides direct access to UF's mental health and wellness groups, along with upcoming events such as yoga sessions and workshops, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of community to enhance overall well-being.

Considering this was each contributor's first hackathon, we gained invaluable experience in planning, developing, and presenting a project under intense time constraints. Throughout the duration of the hackathon, we learned to adjust our scope, prioritizing key aspects of the project while scaling back on others to ensure we delivered a complete and functional product. Despite the challenges, we are proud of what we accomplished and are excited to further develop this project in the future. This includes fully developing a back-end, as well as deploying the project for people to use.

https://botoxparty.github.io/XP.css/

Alejandro Gonzalez - https://github.com/alejgonza04