Education has been a key component throughout my life by opening doors to a better future and the potential to make an impact on future generations. I have grown so much as an individual through my schooling. I was diagnosed with epilepsy in kindergarten. Because of the potential for seizures, I have to take a high dose of a medication that makes me really sleepy with a lack of energy. However, I did not let this hold me back, often pushing past what I felt to achieve goals that need to be fulfilled. I have been part of my school's dance team the last three years, with several practices a week and performing at games and events. I am also part of Student Government at my school, on a clubs committee that supports 300+ school clubs. I am an officer for a Christian Fellowship club and President of the "No One Eats Alone" club, a club that reaches out to students who may be new or have few friends and offers them a place to feel heard and seen. On top of all these activities, I have been taking two online college classes each semester (including summer) in addition to my regular high school classes and activities. The dual enrollment has been a blessing as it is allowing me to graduate high school a year early and enter college with almost 50 units already completed. It was difficult at times to summon up the energy to be involved the way I am, but the rewards from being able to be a part of activities that make an impact makes every minute worth it. Education has been a way to open doors for me to help others. My dad was the first one in his family to attend college. His parents were hard workers and very smart but did not have the opportunity to attend college. Through a soccer scholarship, my dad was able to graduate from college and has shared with me the importance of utilizing the resources at hand to dream big. A couple years ago, I started pondering the best way to make a real impact. I knew I wanted to help people achieve their best but wasn't sure of the most direct route. By using a lot of self-reflection, I started to see potential paths that would lead me to my goals. Ever since I was young, I have truly had a passion for helping people, especially children. In elementary school I would start mini clubs and initiate special days like "Tell Me Your Problems and Get Advice Day". Within these endeavors, I tried to find ways to help my friends and classmates be the best version of themselves. There are so many children today that struggle with anxiety or a lack of self-confidence, and I want to change that...one child at a time. Higher education offers the opportunity to get my Bachelor's Degree, and then my Master's Degree in Behavioral Science, with a special emphasis in Childhood Therapy. There has been a critical, long-term shortage of child and adolescent mental health care professionals in the US, which has led to over 60% of youth with major depression or other ailments unable to receive treatment. This also includes a shortage in schools, with 90% of public schools not meeting the recommended counselor/student ratios. I hope to be a small step towards bridging this gap. The world has been rapidly changing, and many children and teens today feel like they can barely keep their head above water. They need understanding and supportive adults that are trained in methods to boost their confidence, coping skills, and resilience so they have the mindset to achieve their maximum potential. College for me offers the opportunity to chase the dream of making a difference in children's lives. It is a net positive for society when children thrive. This leads to a tremendous positive impact on the surrounding community. When children do well, society does well. I've had the privilege of being able to take part even now to make a small difference in my own community. I joined CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and took 25 hours worth of classes to be a community member that is available to help when a crisis arises, to be both a physical help and a reassuring trained voice in times of need. I'm blessed to also volunteer at my church for all events that engage children-Vacation Bible School, Harvest Festivals, and so on. These activities are in addition to my school activities. The world needs people who care, and I hope that with what I can achieve in college, I can be part of the solution.