Welcome to:
About ESO
Eyes Set On was created by Jalauna Phillips in 2019 as a means to mentor and inspire teens and young adults. ESO's main goal is to #endthestigma attached to Mental Health so that the coming generations feel confident asking for help and safe in their own headspace.
In addition to being the name of the organization, Eyes Set On is the theme of Jalauna’s blogs and title of her first book, “Eyes Set On, Being”. The name was inspired by Luke 9:51, when Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem to fulfil his journey of love. When Jesus set his eyes towards Jerusalem, he wasn’t thinking about the cross, he was thinking about you, his first love, his purpose. Eyesseton.com is a mountaintop to build the Eyes Set On community and give teens and young adults a platform to let their voices be heard.
Meet the author.
Peace and light to all,
My name is Jalauna (she/her) and I am the owner and creator of Eyes Set On. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I am a recent graduate of The Ohio State University. I am currently a fellow at Kipp Elementary, training to be a lead teacher. There is no one defining moment that brought me to where I am today. As a teen and young adult, I struggled with depression and self harm. Writing was my only healthy outlet. I was always writing poems and book plots and prayers. When my 8th grade teacher looked at me and said, “you write like a poet”, I realized that my words are my healing. That moment sticks with me like glue. Even now, when anxiety and depression knock at the door, I know that my words will help guide me to the light.
By the grace of God, I reached out to a family friend then, favorite cousin now, for help. He mentored me in my mental health and faith and I was able to heal, mentally and physically. Without him as my mentor and my brain’s need to put this human experience into words, I don’t know if I’d be here today.
But I found my light, and I want to help you find yours!
I am so grateful for my community and relationship with writing. That is why I created Eyes Set On. Every young person deserves a community that they can depend on and an outlet that can liberate them. I am so glad and honored that you stopped by today. I hope that I can be a light and resource for you on your journey! Follow me on my socials and sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on what my Eyes are Set On!
Best,
Jalauna
IG : becauseoflauna/eyesseton | Facebook : Eyes Set On
Blog Posts & Poetry
The Children are Being Left Behind
Teachers are calling home, no one is answering. Teachers are staying after school, no one is coming. Teachers are screaming, and no one is listening.
“Eat Your Veggies”
I long for the day when community is enough. When filling the streets for one another is enough. When enough is enough.
Black Girl in Plaid
I am proud of high school me for sticking up for herself and others but I do mourn the years she lost to fighting a battle that was too big...
On Mental Health
We all know that there is a stigma attached to Mental Health, even though it is one of the greatest common denominators of our human experience. What would society look like if we started having conversations about depression, anxiety, PTSD at an earlier age? Children wouldn’t have that “crazy uncle” or “psycho cousin”. Instead, they can offer grace and compassion to their family members who are living with mental illness and they won’t see Mental Health as something to avoid, but rather something to take care of. One of ESO’s goals is to end the stigma attached to Mental Health and ensure that youth are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to nurture good Mental Health.
Suicide Hotline : 1.800.273.8255 || Self-Harm Text Line : 741741 || National Youth Crisis Hotline : 1.800.448.4663 || Addiction Hotline : 1.800.662.4357