History

Founded in 2022 by Amber Jin, Hug Me represents the North American extension of a broader Chinese initiative dedicated to emotional well-being and open communication among young people. The organization was born from a deeply personal moment — a conflict between close friends that escalated not from malice, but from emotions left unspoken and feelings left unacknowledged. In reflecting on that experience, Amber recognized something both troubling and universal: in today's fast-paced, high-pressure academic environments, students are often ill-equipped with the tools and spaces needed to express what they truly feel. Stress, anxiety, and emotional isolation quietly accumulate, and yet so few platforms exist to address them in a meaningful, youth-centered way. Hug Me was founded to change that.

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From its earliest days, Hug Me set out to offer something simple but profound — a safe, open, and compassionate platform where students could share personal stories, explore their inner emotional lives, and find solidarity in the experiences of others. What began as a small digital storytelling initiative, centered on collecting anonymous narratives and publishing thoughtfully curated articles, quickly revealed itself to be something students genuinely hungered for: a community that listens without judgment and speaks with empathy.

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As that community grew, so too did Hug Me's vision and reach. The initiative expanded into a multi-platform model, embracing social media to meet students where they already are, and launching monthly thematic discussions that invite deep personal reflection. Topics such as "Departure" and "What Would You Say to Your Past Self?" have resonated widely, drawing participants into conversations that are at once intimate and broadly relatable. These themes are chosen with care, guided by a belief that the questions we are most reluctant to ask ourselves are often the ones most worth exploring together.

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In 2023, Hug Me took another meaningful step forward with the introduction of virtual sharing sessions — a format that weaves personal storytelling together with psychological insight and guided discussion. These sessions, made possible through the dedication of an expanding network of collaborators and volunteers, have transformed Hug Me from a publishing platform into a living, interactive community. Participants are not merely readers or observers; they are active contributors to a shared dialogue, exploring critical themes such as identity, relationships, belonging, and mental health through both personal experience and academic understanding.

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Today, Hug Me proudly connects a diverse and growing network of participants spanning multiple cities and countries. Our community is made up of students, storytellers, listeners, advocates, and dreamers — individuals who believe that vulnerability is a strength, that every story deserves to be heard, and that empathy has the power to bridge even the widest of emotional distances.

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We warmly welcome anyone who has ever struggled to find the words for what they feel, anyone who has ever wished someone would simply ask how they were really doing, and anyone who believes in the importance of creating kinder, more emotionally aware communities for the next generation. Wherever you are in your journey, there is a place for you here.

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Welcome to Hug Me. You are not alone.