Most of you remember the ice bucket challenge from back in 2014, which started because people were trying to raise awareness for ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease and to encourage donations for research. However, the ice bucket challenge has come back. Seemingly even more popular through the widespread of the challenge through social media to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. This started by students attending the University of South Carolina who wanted to boost programs for students in need. So, what started as a small idea at a local school has now turned into a worldwide trend.

This challenge has spread quickly, people all over the U.S. are grabbing buckets, filling them with ice water, and recording themselves while mentioning the USC Speak Your Mind Challenge. After getting drenched, they post the video online and tag more people to do it next with a time limit of 24 hours.

When asked about her experience participating, Timpview student Brinley Gardener said “I felt honored to be nominated and I really enjoyed participating, it was a fun challenge and I’m glad it’s for a good cause.” Brinley nominated multiple people and out of the people she nominated only one person completed the challenge. When asked how she felt about the people not participating, she responded “I feel a little disappointed.”

One of her nominees that did not participate, junior Josh Rust, said “I did not feel pressured to participate, I really just did not have the time. Among the students that were interviewed on the challenge, about 50% of them decided to participate. The ones who did participate noted that they felt a lot of peer pressure to complete the challenge and the ones that didn’t said that they didn’t have the time nor the want to participate.

I think it’s safe to say this challenge spread like wildfire. Within just the last couple weeks, kids, parents, and even celebrities are joining in. Now, the new Ice Bucket Challenge is more than just a trend, it’s a movement. It shows that helping others can be fun, cool, and something everyone can be part of. Whether it’s for charity, awareness, or just a good laugh with friends, the Ice Bucket Challenge has made a big splash once again!