Teen Creates 'Project Confidence' to Lift Struggling Peers

Celia Sperber remembers what it felt like to struggle with confidence as a teenager, and she's determined to help others feel less alone.

The Penn-Trafford High School junior launched Project Confidence to distribute baskets filled with self-care items, room decor, and accessories to students across Westmoreland and Allegheny counties in Pennsylvania. Her goal is simple: make struggling teens feel recognized and valued during difficult times.

"As someone who has struggled with feeling confident in my mental health throughout my teenage years, I just feel like a lot of other teenagers could benefit from feeling recognized," Sperber said. She knows the items aren't necessities, but believes they can provide the boost someone needs to start healing.

The initiative struck a chord with Brandon Mullen, owner of MPWR Aesthetics, who offered his business as a donation drop-off location. When Sperber reached out, he'd already seen her project on social media and was impressed by her dedication to helping peers.

Mullen asked friends and family to donate to Project Confidence instead of giving him birthday gifts. As a Hempfield Area graduate who struggled with acceptance in high school two decades ago, he wishes he'd had similar support back then.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story special isn't just one teenager helping others. It's that Celia found her own path through difficult times and immediately turned around to light the way for someone else. She's not waiting until she's older or more established to make a difference.

The response has been overwhelming. Twenty-five students have already applied for baskets through the Project Confidence Facebook page, and Sperber plans to provide one to every applicant. She's seeking 20 to 30 volunteers to help gather donations, assemble baskets, and deliver them to students.

Drop-off locations include Penn-Trafford High School's main office, Penn Pals Child Care Center, and MPWR Aesthetics locations in Penn Township and Greensburg. Volunteers can also arrange pickup for donations.

Sperber credits finding her sense of self with improving her own mental health, alongside therapy and other support. Now she's offering that same opportunity to discover personal identity and interests to other teens who might be struggling.

Sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest impact, and Project Confidence proves that feeling seen can be the first step toward feeling better.