May 8, 2026, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Canadian University Dubai (CUD) recently hosted Peace of My Mind, a student-led global initiative developed by Communication and Creative Industries students under the creative direction of Dr. Arianna Mazzeo, Professor of Communication and Creative Industries at CUD. Bringing together students from CUD alongside participants from institutions including Harvard University (United States), Concordia University (Canada), and the University of Cape Town (South Africa), the initiative explored youth mental health through creative storytelling, interactive sessions, and technology-driven experiences.
The initiative was developed as part of a teaching approach that integrates multiple courses, including social media, participatory media, and inclusion-focused communication. By combining these areas, students moved beyond traditional classroom frameworks to design and deliver a real-world experience centered on well-being, emotional awareness, and creative expression.
At the heart of the initiative was the belief that creativity can play a meaningful role in helping individuals process complex emotions. As Dr. Arianna explains:
“Creative processes give young people a language for what often feels unspeakable. In times of uncertainty, whether shaped by conflict, fear, or instability, art becomes more than expression; it becomes a way to process, to regain agency, and ultimately to transform fragments of anxiety into a sense of inner coherence and peace.”
The live session unfolded as an interactive and reflective experience, guiding participants from emotional awareness to creative transformation. Through structured activities such as storytelling, rapid ideation, and collaborative exercises, attendees translated abstract fears into tangible forms, demonstrating how creative practices can support clarity, resilience, and emotional balance.
A central feature of the event was the AI-powered interactive experience, developed by students, which guided participants through symbolic stages of a healing journey. By combining technology with storytelling, the experience created a deeper level of engagement while highlighting the potential of accessible, innovative tools to support mental well-being.
The event also featured contributions from guest speakers, including Dr. Simona Azzali, Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Interior Design at CUD, and Mr. Alex Brunori, Vice President, Brand Strategy at G42, who explored the intersection of creativity, technology, and human experience.
With participation extending beyond CUD to include students and attendees from international institutions, the initiative underscored both the global relevance of youth mental health and the value of cross-cultural dialogue in addressing it.
Beyond the event itself, Peace of My Mind reflects a broader direction in teaching and learning at CUD, one that emphasizes applied experience, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies into creative practice. By positioning students as both creators and facilitators, the initiative demonstrates how higher education can empower learners to respond meaningfully to real-world challenges.
Looking ahead, Peace of My Mind is set to evolve into a more immersive, real-life experience through the development of a physical AI room, enabling participants to engage more deeply with the journey of healing. At the same time, the initiative will expand its reach through enhanced social media strategies, continuing to raise awareness of youth mental health on a broader scale.