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Miss Auburn discusses schizophrenia advocacy, children's book project on podcast
Summary
Chandler Gross, recently crowned Miss Auburn, told hosts of the Auburn on Main podcast that her community-service platform centers on destigmatizing schizophrenia; she is drafting a children's book about a 7-year-old with schizophrenia and is seeking a publisher.
Miss Auburn Chandler Gross told listeners of the Auburn on Main podcast that she is using her title to change perceptions of schizophrenia and to create resources for young people and families.
"I wanted to make an impact and change people's perception of what a schizophrenic person looks like, acts like, does," Gross said on the show, describing how seeing past Miss Americas and family history inspired her to speak publicly about the condition. Gross said she had her first psychotic episode at 15 and was diagnosed at 17.
Her community-service initiative is focused on schizophrenia awareness and support. Gross said she is writing a children's book about a 7-year-old boy named Theo who "explains that his brain works in a special different way," with the aim of helping children recognize symptoms in themselves or others and to reduce stigma. She said she initially planned to self-publish on Amazon but is exploring traditional publishers.
Gross said moving from Atlanta to the Auburn area helped her access appropriate medication and care. "In Atlanta I was on like too little of the medication that I was supposed to be on," she told hosts Jonathan Glover and Chester Boyd, adding that a correct medication dose made a meaningful difference in her recovery.
Gross also discussed public speaking at the Miss Auburn event, saying that reading an excerpt from her work in front of about 200 people was "nerve-racking" but rewarding. She said the Miss Auburn scholarship will help with continuing education; she is accepted to Arizona State University online and plans coursework related to psychology and event planning to support her advocacy and book project.
Gross declined to offer medical advice on the podcast; her comments described her personal experience, treatment history and educational plans.
The podcast episode is available through the City of Auburn communications channels. Gross said she plans to continue public appearances and outreach as Miss Auburn while pursuing publication for her book.
