You have 24 hours.

These famous four words have been all over the internet, but where did they come from, and what do they mean?

Similar to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that raises funds for ALS research, the USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge advocates for suicide prevention and promotes mental health awareness.

Growing from a small trend to exploding overnight, with millions of people participating in the challenge, it has now made its way to the Bellaire community, with students nominating their friends and family.

To participate in the challenge, participants thank whoever nominated them and then nominate friends and family, ending their speech with, “you have 24 hours!” right before getting ice-cold water dumped on their head.

From freshman to seniors, the challenge has spread throughout the entire school.

Junior Emma Manne, who nominated freshman Greta King, discusses her experience in the challenge.

“The challenge supports mental health struggles,” Manne explains. “I wanted to participate because I got nominated to spread the cause and show people why they should do it.”

While some may find the challenge corny and unnecessary, a splash of cold water may save someone’s life. Junior Devin Morris, a Belles officer, discusses why everyone should participate in the challenge and what it meant to her to participate.

“I would encourage everyone to participate, ” Morris said. “There is a place where you can donate to fund the research and everyone should do that. It was so cool to see how it connected so many different people and my Instagram was full of the challenge for like two weeks straight.”

With the ice bucket challenge continuing to grow, it is important to take a stand with suicide prevention and mental health.

Never be afraid to speak up.