LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For many high school seniors, graduation is right around the corner. 

What You Need To Know

  • Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for ages 10–34 and is the 11th leading cause of death overall in Kentucky.

  • From Feb. 1-13 2023, 37.4% of adults in Kentucky reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, compared to 32.3% of adults in the U.S. 

  • LaJuan Odom took his own experiences into a film, "Real Love," which showcases the struggles of depression and overcoming it 
  • Odom will graduate from Phoenix School of Discovery and attend Western Kentucky University in the fall, majoring in film production

One Louisville student has left a long-standing impact on his school and peers through his own film.

From a young age, LaJuan Odom had an interest in movies and films. When he created his first superhero script, he realized his love for writing.

“I used to always watch different movies and shows, but it allowed me to just feel connected in some way, feel like I wasn't alone in certain subjects," Odom said. "That was kind of the start of my love for film.” 

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Odom said he fell into a dark place. 

“I was like a broken vase, shattered," he said. 

Soon after arriving at the Phoenix School of Discovery his junior year, Odom found his way with some like-minded creative students interested in producing films

“I was depressed when I started being here, but I surrounded myself with people who seemed to genuinely care ... and that helped me, (inspired) myself to do better as well," he said. 

Part of that transformation was tapping into what he loved most: films, but not just any type of film.

“My first film, 'Real Love,' (a) mental health narrative short film showcases the struggles of depression and how you can overcome it, to shed light on that topic and let other people know that they're not alone," he said. 

Odom said many elements of the short film's elements relate to his own experience. 

According to the Suicide Prevention Program, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for ages 10–34 and is the 11th leading cause of death overall in Kentucky.

“The reason why I made this film is because the rise of suicide actually keeps increasing," Odom said. "And I (want) to, whether it's a big or small impact, make some sort of impact to raise awareness to this issue, to hopefully kind of decline that number in some way."

"That's the goal of the films I make, that it sticks with people and that it inspires them to do something.”

Nancy Breitenstein, Phoenix School of Discovery counselor, said she's overwhelmed with Odom's transformation, and it's the reason she loves what she does.

“He wants to share his development, his journey ... especially other young people," said Breitenstein, who has been a counselor for 20-plus years. 

Odom said he never imagined he could be where he is now.

“I feel like I am making a difference, and that was the main goal of my films from the helpful staff and even students," Odom said.  "They helped me rise up, transform and soar into the person I am today. Just like our motto, I rose, (transformed) and soared.”

Odom is working on another project, "Social Phobia," which he said tackles social anxiety and the pressures of high school, college and adulthood. 

He will graduate from Phoenix School of Discovery and attend Western Kentucky University in the fall, majoring in film production.

Editor's note: LaJuan Odom contacted Spectrum News 1 to let us know he will now pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in film at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, starting in the fall of 2024. (June 5, 2024)

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