My experience with cancer, indirectly, has had a profound impact on my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. As I reflect on my journey alongside my father's battle with cancer, I am reminded of the immense strength and resilience that can be found in the face of adversity. My father had a surgical complication the year I was born and since then he walked with a cane and needed physical assistance. While living alone together for the majority of our life the dynamic of a father and daughter relationship was not typical. My dad was supportive emotionally, and financially, and his words of wisdom left an imprint on me. However, most fatherly tasks I took care of for both of us, and I would do it all over again. Witnessing my father's physical decline and being responsible for his care at a young age challenged my beliefs about the fragility of life. It forced me to confront the harsh reality that our time on this earth is limited. After my father's second stroke, he became bound to a nursing home. While there, he stopped breathing as a result of esophageal cancer, despite never smoking. I wondered why the medical professionals hadn't detected this sooner, it had already progressed to stage 3! The relationship between us transcended the physical limitations imposed by cancer. When it was time for his surgery to remove the cancer, the insurance would not cover it due to his current physical health. I felt sad for him that the healthcare system was not in his favor and already had given up on him before trying! Using his savings to pay for a glimpse of hope, the cancer removal process destroyed his vocal cords leaving him needing trachea and suctioning hourly without the ability to ever speak again. Meaning, our long tea-time talks were over. See, before his cancer surgery. we had conversations, fueled by cups of homemade chai tea, which became a sanctuary where we could explore life's complexities, exchange wisdom, and find comfort in each other's presence. The devastating news of my father's esophageal cancer diagnosis highlighted the shortcomings of the healthcare system and its failure to detect the disease earlier. This experience ignited a passion within me to advocate for better healthcare practices and to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. It sparked a desire to pursue a career that combines my love for music and my dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Inspired by the profound impact music had on my father's spirit during his battle, I embarked on a path to reach my self-actualization by establishing a nonprofit organization called "Music4M.I.R.A.C.L.E." to promote the therapeutic benefits of music and integrate music therapy into medical rehabilitation centers. Through my lyrics and organizing charitable events, I aim to connect with others, just as I did with my father, and provide solace and healing through the power of music. Cancer has taught me the fragility of life, the importance of meaningful connections, and the need to pursue my passions with purpose. It has shaped my beliefs about the value of each day and has fueled my determination to make a positive impact. While the pain of losing my father's voice will always remain, I am committed to using mine to spread awareness, inspire healing, and make a difference in the lives of those affected. Cancer may have taken away the physical presence of my father, but it's also given me the strength, determination, and empathy to make a meaningful difference in the world.

My dream version of my future self, forged through the sudden loss of my brother to suicide and father's enduring health crisis, embraces the profound lesson that resilience transcends adversity, motivating me to work diligently within the constraints of limited time while embracing a life; in pursuit of this, I aspire to leverage my musical talent as a means of vocal connection through lyrics, creating avenues of emotional and financial support for individuals navigating their own challenges, and pioneering the integration of music therapy into educational institutions and medical centers, where it can provide solace, healing, and opportunities for growth.

My sister, Farah was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that brought confusion and uncertainty into our family dynamics. Witnessing her battles with medication, impulsive behavior, and self-medication with drugs opened my eyes. Fearing her near-death experiences daily, frightened me. The most transformative event in my life was the loss of my 22-year-old brother, Ali, to schizoaffective disorder. Ali's unwavering strength in the face of adversity taught me the true meaning of selflessness. It was a heartbreaking experience to witness such a brilliant mind deteriorate. Ali's illness compromised his safety and consumed him with hallucinations and tormenting voices. I have found solace and inspiration in music throughout my life, and it became my refuge when words failed to express the depth of my grief. The music resonated not only with me but also with Ali, who found temporary relief from his inner torment through the power of sound. Recognizing this, I have channeled my pain into music, using it as a means to connect with others and create a sense of shared understanding. Driven by my belief in the healing power of music, I established a nonprofit organization called "Music4M.I.R.A.C.L.E." (Music inspires, reaches, accepts, captures, and loves equally). Since his death, I've organized charitable showcases to raise funds for St. Jude's, Mott's Children's Hospital, and the Healing Notes Foundation, and shared original songs: “High on Hope” and “Tough Times” (Tough times do not last, but tough people do). Focusing in the same capacity as before was nearly impossible. I was scared to ask for help at first because of the stigma of suicide, and not wanting to share about my brother's fate. Realizing the need for open dialogue, I reached out to my professors. I'm here to tell you to ask and the right people will listen. My other tip is whenever you feel sadness let yourself cry, but after participate in something that is healthy such as making a habit of creating art. This will teach your brain to cope in a healthy manner preventing drug abuse, self-harm, and living in limbo. Some of the most successful music, art, and businesses began after someone experienced hardship. For me, I collaborate with N.A.M.I. to organize music fundraisers on my campus. Through my sister's battle and the loss of my brother to suicide, my worldview has been shaped. I carry their resilience within me, ensuring that their stories are heard and that others find solace. With every song I write and every person I reach, my goal is to contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive world. Realizing that my brother, wouldn't choose to come back and suffer if given the chance keeps me going. He has found peace beyond my imagination, and I miss him for all the joy he brought into my life. I used to wish he was still here, but I now understand that he would continue to be tormented by his mind. Accepting this, I have chosen to live a life of selflessness, pure intent, and honesty. Leading with compassion, I strive to create a positive impact and have the opportunity to reunite with him in Heaven. For those who have lost a sibling to suicide, I want to emphasize the pain doesn't disappear. However, we learn to live with it. Since we must carry this burden regardless, use it as fuel to pursue our passions. You will survive, take your time, and actions during bereavement don't need to make sense. Remember, if you can survive this, you can survive anything, use this new strength to push limits in society, break barriers, and live unapologetically yourself.