Selected Passage: "Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things. Thus death is nothing terrible, else it would have appeared so to Socrates. But the terror consists in our notion of death being terrible. When therefore we are hindered, or disturbed, or grieved, let us never impute it to others, but to ourselves; that is, to our own views." — Epictetus, The Enchiridion The central argument of this passage is that human suffering is often created not by events themselves, but by the meaning we assign to those events. Epictetus challenges a common assumption: that external circumstances are the direct cause of our emotional distress. Instead, he argues that our interpretations, beliefs, and judgments play a more significant role in shaping our experiences than the events themselves. This idea forms one of the foundational principles of Stoic philosophy and remains relevant more than two thousand years after it was written. The first sentence establishes the passage's central claim: "Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things." The wording is important because Epictetus draws a clear distinction between reality and perception. He does not deny that difficult events occur. Rather, he suggests that events and our reactions to them are separate. By separating the external event from the internal response, Epictetus shifts responsibility for emotional suffering away from circumstances and toward personal interpretation. The next sentence introduces the example of death, which is often considered one of humanity's greatest fears. Epictetus writes that "death is nothing terrible, else it would have appeared so to Socrates." This statement is not meant to convince readers that death is pleasant or desirable. Instead, Epictetus uses Socrates as evidence that different individuals can experience the same reality in different ways. If one person views death with fear and another faces it calmly, then the source of fear cannot exist solely within death itself. Fear must also arise from the meaning attached to it. The phrase "the terror consists in our notion of death being terrible" further develops this idea. The word "notion" is particularly significant because it suggests that fear is often rooted in belief rather than reality. Epictetus argues that many forms of suffering are amplified by assumptions, expectations, and imagined outcomes. This does not mean pain is unreal, but rather that human beings frequently increase their own suffering through the stories they tell themselves about what events mean. The final sentence is perhaps the most challenging. Epictetus writes that when we are disturbed or grieved, we should "never impute it to others, but to ourselves; that is, to our own views." At first glance, this statement may appear harsh because it seems to dismiss genuine hardship. A closer reading reveals a different intention. Epictetus is not blaming individuals for difficult circumstances. Instead, he is offering a path toward freedom. If our emotional lives depend entirely on external events, then we remain powerless whenever those events are beyond our control. By focusing on our own judgments and responses, we regain agency even during adversity. The deeper meaning of this passage is not that people should ignore pain or deny tragedy. Rather, Epictetus argues that resilience comes from recognizing the power of perspective. External events will always remain uncertain, but individuals can choose how they interpret and respond to those events. In this way, Stoicism offers a vision of strength rooted not in controlling the world, but in mastering oneself. The passage ultimately suggests that true freedom is found when a person understands that while they cannot always control what happens to them, they can control how they choose to view it. This passage resonates with me because I have experienced situations where I had no control over what was happening around me, but I did have control over how I responded. Through personal challenges, leadership setbacks, and experiences that tested my mental health, I often wished I could change circumstances that were beyond my influence. Reading Epictetus helped me recognize that much of my frustration came from trying to control outcomes rather than focusing on my own actions and perspective. While I could not change the events themselves, I could decide whether they would make me more resilient, empathetic, and determined. In that way, Epictetus' philosophy remains relevant not only as an ancient idea but as a practical guide for navigating modern life.

Mental health has shaped my life in deeply personal ways and continues to influence how I understand and care for others. My earliest and most defining experience with it came when my father attempted suicide when I was 11 years old, and I watched as two others almost followed. It was a moment that changed how I view mental health, resilience, and the importance of support systems. While I was young, I remember the fear, confusion, and uncertainty of that time, as well as the relief that followed when he received help and began to recover. That experience taught me that mental health struggles are often invisible, but their impact is very real for both individuals and families. In the years that followed, I began to better understand my own mental health as well. I experienced periods of anxiety, depression, overthinking, and people-pleasing tendencies that made it difficult at times to feel grounded or confident in myself. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by expectations and unsure of how to ask for help. Through those experiences, I learned that mental health is not a single moment or diagnosis, but an ongoing journey that requires self-awareness, support, and compassion. One of the most meaningful ways I began to turn those experiences into advocacy was through my high school’s Day of Understanding program. This event brings together freshmen, upperclassmen mentors, and staff to promote community, empathy, and mental health awareness. During my junior and senior years, I helped plan and lead this program, and in my senior year, I also spoke in front of hundreds of students. In my speech, I began with the phrase, “You know my name, not my story,” as I felt it not only embodied me but the event as well. I asked students to describe their first impressions of me, and they responded with words like smart, funny, and happy. I then shared that while those perceptions were kind, they did not tell the full picture of anyone’s life. I spoke about my own mental health struggles and the ones that had greatly affected me. How mental health struggles are often hidden, and how easily we can misunderstand what someone is going through. My goal was to challenge students to lead with empathy and to recognize that everyone carries experiences we cannot see. The response from the audience was something I will never forget. What began in silence turned into applause, and afterward, many students and teachers approached me to share their own experiences. In that moment, I realized that vulnerability can create connection and that speaking openly about mental health can help others feel less alone. Since then, mental health has remained an important part of both my personal growth and my advocacy. It has taught me to be more compassionate, more aware of others, and more intentional in how I show up for people. Whether in leadership roles, healthcare experiences, or everyday interactions, I try to create spaces where people feel safe, heard, and respected. Mental health is important to me because I understand how isolating it can feel when someone believes they are alone in their struggles. My experiences have taught me that empathy and support can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, sometimes in ways we may never fully see. I hope to carry this understanding into my future as a nurse by providing care that values both physical and emotional well-being, and by treating every person with dignity, patience, and compassion.