“The history book on the shelf, it’s always repeating itself.” These lyrics in ABBA’s song “Waterloo” exemplify the historical repetition of the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Inspired by the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the #SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge is an updated version where pouring ice water over nominees’ heads spotlights mental health awareness.
According to Carolina News and Reporter, the challenge started at the University of Southern California in April of 2025, spreading worldwide.
Sophomore Cooper Harms participated in the challenge.
“The Ice Bucket Challenge was made to acknowledge mental health issues around the country,” Harms said.
To be involved in the challenge requires a nomination. Freshman Ruby Dolan, nominated by multiple friends, went far beyond using just a bucket.
“I was nervous,” Dolan said. “We had a skidloader full of water about to be poured on my friends and me.”
Dolan knew it was cold, but with it being for a good cause made her feel even better about taking on the challenge.
The challenge has rapidly gained popularity on Instagram over the past few weeks, fueled by viral videos of individuals getting drenched after being nominated.
However, the significance of the challenge extends well beyond just a splash of water.
“It was cool seeing all these different people being nominated and being involved with the challenge,” Harms said.
The word started to spread through Instagram, and the trend took off.
“I posted the Ice Bucket Challenge on my Instagram story, where I have the most followers,” Dolan said.
Sophomore Holly Gudenkauf believes mental health is an important topic, whether people talk about it through the Ice Bucket Challenge or on their own platforms.
“I think it was cool seeing everyone come together for awareness on a topic that’s talked about more than it used to be,” Gudenkauf said.
According to Carolina News and Reporter, the main purpose of the challenge was to highlight the struggle of individuals feeling like they couldn’t talk to anyone about their mental health, encouraging everyone around the world to #SpeakYourMind.
Junior Grace Sleper also participated in the challenge.
“I think it was a cool challenge that spread awareness about something that should be talked about more,” Sleper said.
