“It takes strength to forgive, but I don’t feel strong.” This is a lyric In Olivia Rodrigo’s song "the grudge," that captures the complex emotions that come with forgiveness and the internal struggle many people face while dealing with the past. This lyric stuck out to me the most amongst every song in the album because I have often found myself being a people pleaser and forgiving too easily. After years of this, I’ve come to realize that forgiveness is not always necessary for someone's healing process. Growing up, I was frequently told that forgiveness was a sign of strength. “Be the bigger person Aniah, just forgive.” This belief was ingrained in me to such an extent that I felt obligated to forgive those who wronged me, even when I wasn’t ready to. As a result, I realized that instead of truly healing, I often forgave others just to keep the peace, avoid conflict, and carry the expectations of being "the strong one." This lyric encapsulates my internal conflict perfectly. It acknowledges that while forgiveness is often portrayed as the option that holds the greatest strength, there are times when one simply doesn’t feel strong enough to extend it. This sits with the hard-earned realization that I don’t always have to be the one who forgives, especially when doing so would compromise my own well-being. There is a significant difference between forgiving because one is truly ready and forgiving out of a sense of obligation or to maintain strength. The journey towards understanding the true nature of forgiveness has been a difficult one. It has involved a great deal of learning, especially focusing on how to set boundaries, which many teenagers—myself included—struggle with. The societal expectation to "forgive and forget" often leads teens to allow others to walk all over them, believing that this is the path to emotional maturity and strength. However, i’ve learned that there is more power in recognizing and asserting one’s own boundaries. Learning that it’s okay to not forgive immediately—or ever, in some cases—has been a liberating growing point for me. It has helped me reclaim my sense of self and understand that my emotions are valid and deserve respect. Olivia Rodrigo’s music, particularly her ability to convey deep and often painful emotions through her lyrics, has had a major impact on me. It has provided a much-needed outlet for my own feelings, especially when words have been difficult for me to say. Songs like "the grudge" have given voice to my internal struggles and have been a source of comfort and validation. I have found a way to articulate emotions that I previously found hard to express through her music, For many teenagers, music becomes a crutch and a form of expression used for when words fail. Olivia’s candid exploration of common themes like pain, betrayal, and the complexity of forgiveness speaks to a generation that often feels misunderstood and pressured to conform to unrealistic standards of emotional resilience. Her music not only captures the essence of our youth, but also challenges the conventional narratives around strength and forgiveness. “It takes strength to forgive but I don’t feel strong”, mirrors my own teenage experiences of grappling with forgiveness and self-acceptance. It sheds light to the importance of acknowledging and respecting one’s own emotional journey and boundaries. For many teens, including myself, this realization is a critical step towards genuine healing and self-empowerment. Olivia’s impact on my life has definitely made its mark, providing a voice to my struggles and a reminder that true strength lies in being patient and true to myself

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. The stress of schoolwork compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

As a High School senior who has gone through mental health, academic, financial and health struggles, I have found my calling and have become dedicated to making a meaningful impact on others. Despite all of these difficulties, I’ve pursued my interests with determination, and they have become a source of joy, growth, and purpose. From a young age, theater has always been my greatest passion. I love giving life to written characters. I love the ability to transform into a character, telling stories that can move audiences and connect with strangers through shared emotions. I’ve been involved in my school’s theatre department for years and have taken on various roles both on and off the stage. Last year, I was the hair and makeup designer for a production that was nominated for a prestigious Jerry Award and I was also honored to win an award for Outstanding Supporting Actress. I’ve also been passionate in social media design and becoming the social media manager for our theatre department and for our schools Acapella group. Outside of school, I’ve also been involved in community theatre, performing with the Oregon Straw Hat Players. In addition to performing, I’m passionate about mentoring and giving back to my community. I’ve spent over 200 hours volunteering, particularly in mentoring middle school students who share my passion for theatre and building sets for our school’s productions as well as the community theatres productions. I love helping younger kids find their voice and confidence on stage, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of their journey. I’ve also been a part of the Black Student Union, a girls' basketball manager, and I work as a scare actor at Screaming Acres. I balance these commitments with babysitting and nannying weekly, all while maintaining my academics and striving to succeed. After high school, I plan to attend college in the Pacific Northwest, where I will major in Psychology and minor in Theatre. Having faced my own mental health struggles and having a hard time finding the right care for me, I’m passionate about becoming a psychologist who can support adolescents, young adults, and people of color in navigating their own challenges. I want to advocate for greater mental health awareness and provide a safe space for those who often feel unheard or unseen. If I could start my own charity, its mission would be to raise awareness and provide accessible mental health services for teens and young adults, especially those from marginalized communities who can’t afford care. The financial barriers to mental health services are often insurmountable, and my charity would aim to remove those barriers by offering free or affordable counseling to those in need, regardless of their financial situation or insurance status. The charity would connect licensed therapists with individuals seeking care, offering both in-person and virtual support. Volunteers would perform outreach, fundraise, and help facilitate workshops on coping skills, mental wellness, and self-care. Additionally, the charity would offer mentorship programs, matching trained volunteers with children/teens who need emotional support and guidance. Through my personal experiences and involvement in my community, I have learned the importance of empathy, resilience, and advocacy. I am committed to using my education and future career to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Growing up with limited money and on and off again parents has shaped my perspective in many ways. 2023 was a big change in my life. My parents had divorced, and my mom moved away, leaving me to navigate life primarily with my father. Now, with being the only girl and child in the household, the transition brought its unique challenges. My father works at two jobs, which means that our time together was limited. While he always makes sure he provides me unwavering love and support, the realities of his work schedule often meant that I had to navigate some aspects of my life independently. Financial restrictions have always been present in my upbringing, shaping me to be more resourceful and value hard work. Witnessing my father's relentless dedication to our family has given me firsthand understanding of perseverance. His sacrifices are made not only for our immediate well-being but also to lay a concrete foundation for my future aspirations. Coming from a recent single-parent household has significantly impacted my educational journey. The lack of financial stability meant that I often had to take charge of my own learning. I developed a strong sense of responsibility and self-motivation, understanding that my academic success and college opportunities depended largely on my own efforts. Despite the adversities, I have managed to excel academically, driven by the desire to honor my father's sacrifices and create a better future for myself. My experiences have led me to commit to my journey towards positive change in my community and beyond. Part of this is improving access to mental health resources, an area deeply personal to me due to my own challenges. I hope to take an huge part in psychology. Academically, I am focused on excelling despite the adversities, breaking stereotypes, and participating in extracurricular activities that bring me joy. My goal is to not only overcome obstacles but also to break and advocate against systemic barriers that alter progress for individuals from low-income households. I want to empower people to realize their potential and pursue their dreams, despite their circumstances. In conclusion, I plan on giving back to my community by establishing programs that support mental health awareness and provide resources for adolescents and young adults facing similar challenges. My journey has shaped my identity and aspirations in deep ways. I am determined to make a meaningful impact, driven by empathy and my firsthand understanding of adversity.

Growing up with limited money and on and off again parents has shaped my perspective in many ways. 2023 was a big change in my life. My parents divorced, and my mom moved away, leaving me to navigate life primarily with my father. Now, being the only girl in the household, the transition brought its unique challenges. My father works at two jobs, which means that our time together was limited. While he always provides me unwavering love and support, the realities of his work schedule often meant that I had to navigate some aspects of life independently. Financial restrictions have always been present in my upbringing, shaping me to be more resourceful and value hard work. Witnessing my father's relentless dedication to our family has given me firsthand understanding of perseverance. His sacrifices are made not only for our immediate well-being but also to lay a foundation for my future aspirations. Coming from a recent single-parent household has significantly impacted my personal and my educational journey. The lack of financial stability meant that I often had to take charge of myself and my own learning. Because of this, I developed a strong sense of responsibility and self-motivation, understanding that my academic success depended largely on my own efforts. Me deciding to go out of state has been stressful due to financial difficulties, but I believe that I am strong enough to do so. Despite the adversities, I have managed to excel academically and to trust and never give up. I continue to be driven by the desire to honor my all my dads sacrifices and create a better future for myself. My experiences have led me to commit to my journey towards positive change in my community and beyond. Part of this is improving access to mental health resources, an area deeply personal to me due to my own challenges. Academically, I am focused on excelling despite the adversities, breaking stereotypes, and participating in extracurricular activities that bring me joy. My goal is to not only overcome obstacles but also to break and advocate against systemic barriers that alter progress for individuals from low-income households. I want to empower people to realize their potential and pursue their dreams, despite their circumstances. In conclusion, I plan on giving back to my community by establishing programs that support mental health awareness and provide resources for adolescents and young adults facing similar challenges. My journey has shaped my identity and aspirations in deep ways. I am determined to make a meaningful impact, driven by empathy and my firsthand understanding of adversity.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work and college life, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. The stress of schoolwork compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work and this scholarship, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from anyone. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. This stress compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but getting there wasn't easy. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from teachers, administration, or peers. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. The stress of schoolwork compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. I had anxiety attacks every morning, felt constantly overwhelmed, and struggled to get out of bed. The challenges of a breakup, my parents' divorce, racism, and misogyny, all while grieving the loss of a close friend to suicide, made it even harder to keep up with school and daily life. It wasn't until I had a session with my wonderful therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I fought extremely hard internally for weeks over this question, and then it clicked. I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. With my newfound understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester and a school system just waiting to see another black woman fail, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. We face unique challenges, including systemic racism and sexism, which severely impact our mental health and well-being. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where teens with mental illnesses are uplifted and taken seriously, and advocate where we as Black women can thrive and lead fulfilling lives, free from the systemic barriers that have historically held us back and set us up for failure.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Seeing and hearing the lives of those who were admitted under similar circumstances, was incredibly daunting. All of these people had lives, people who loved and adored them and I unwrapped the blindfold that Mental Health had blinded me with. I was no different. Within days, I cared deeply about each one of these people. Seeing ages range from 11-17 with all different stories and reasonings as to why they got to where we all were, scared me. I made myself promise to stay for them. Every time I told my story or helped another person, was just another time that I remembered them and their stories. It wasn't until I had a session with my therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. I would use my voice for those who couldn't. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where those with similar situations as myself, can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but getting there wasn't easy. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from teachers, administration, or peers. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. The stress of schoolwork compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. I had anxiety attacks every morning, felt constantly overwhelmed, and struggled to get out of bed. The challenges of a breakup, my parents' divorce, racism, and misogyny, all while grieving the loss of a close friend to suicide, made it even harder to keep up with school and daily life. It wasn't until I had a session with my wonderful therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I fought extremely hard iternally for weeks over this question, and then it clicked. I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. With my new found understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester and a school system just waiting to see another black woman fail, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. We face unique challenges, including systemic racism and sexism, which severely impact our mental health and well-being. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where teens with mental illnesses are uplifted and taken seriously, and advocate where we as Black women can thrive and lead fulfilling lives, free from the systemic barriers that have historically held us back and set us up for failure.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but getting there wasn't easy. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from teachers, administration, or peers. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. The stress of schoolwork compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. I had anxiety attacks every morning, felt constantly overwhelmed, and struggled to get out of bed. The challenges of a breakup, my parents' divorce, racism, and misogyny, all while grieving the loss of a close friend to suicide, made it even harder to keep up with school and daily life. It wasn't until I had a session with my wonderful therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I fought extremely hard iternally for weeks over this question, and then it clicked. I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. With my new found understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester and a school system just waiting to see another black woman fail, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. We face unique challenges, including systemic racism and sexism, which severely impact our mental health and well-being. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where teens with mental illnesses are uplifted and taken seriously, and advocate where we as Black women can thrive and lead fulfilling lives, free from the systemic barriers that have historically held us back and set us up for failure.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but getting there wasn't easy. After leaving the mental hospital, I received little help from teachers, administration, or peers. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. The stress of schoolwork compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. I had anxiety attacks every morning, felt constantly overwhelmed, and struggled to get out of bed. The challenges of a breakup, my parents' divorce, racism, and misogyny, all while grieving the loss of a close friend to suicide, made it even harder to keep up with school and daily life. It wasn't until I had a session with my wonderful therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I fought extremely hard iternally for weeks over this question, and then it clicked. I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. With my new found understanding of my purpose, I knew I had to refocus. With only one week left before the end of the semester and a school system just waiting to see another black woman fail, I pushed myself to succeed. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. We face unique challenges, including systemic racism and sexism, which severely impact our mental health and well-being. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for all who are suffering. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women, and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where teens with mental illnesses are uplifted and taken seriously, and advocate where we as Black women can thrive and lead fulfilling lives, free from the systemic barriers that have historically held us back and set us up for failure.

“It takes strength to forgive, but I don’t feel strong.” A lyric In Olivia Rodrigo’s song "the grudge," captures the complex emotions that come with forgiveness and the internal struggle many people face while dealing with the past. This lyric stuck out to me amongst every song in the album, particularly because I have often found myself in the role of a people pleaser, forgiving too easily. After years of this, I’ve come to realize that forgiveness is not always necessary for someone's healing process. Growing up, I was frequently told that forgiveness was a sign of strength. “Be the bigger person Aniah, just forgive.” This belief was ingrained in me to such an extent that I felt obligated to forgive those who wronged me, even when I wasn’t ready to. As a result, I recognized that instead of truly healing, I often forgave others just to keep the peace, avoid conflict, and to carry the expectations of being "the strong one." This lyric encapsulates this internal conflict perfectly. It acknowledges that while forgiveness is often portrayed as the option that holds the greatest strength, there are times when one simply doesn’t feel strong enough to extend it. This sits with the hard-earned realization that I don’t always have to be the one who forgives, especially when doing so would compromise my own well-being. There is a significant difference between forgiving because one is truly ready and forgiving out of a sense of obligation or to maintain strength. The journey towards understanding the true nature of forgiveness has been a difficult one. It has involved a great deal of learning, especially focusing on how to set boundaries, which many teenagers—myself included—struggle with. The societal expectation to "forgive and forget" often leads teens to allow others to walk all over them, believing that this is the path to emotional maturity and strength. However, i’ve learned that there is more power in recognizing and asserting one’s own boundaries. Learning that it’s okay to not forgive immediately—or ever, in some cases—has been a liberating growing point for me. It has helped me reclaim my sense of self and understand that my emotions are valid and deserve respect. Olivia Rodrigo’s music, particularly her ability to convey deep and often painful emotions through her lyrics, has had a major impact on me. It has provided a much-needed outlet for my own feelings, especially when words have been difficult for me to say. Songs like "the grudge" have given voice to my internal struggles and have been a source of comfort and validation. I have found a way to articulate emotions that I previously found hard to express through her music, For many teenagers, music becomes a crutch and a form of expression used for when words fail. Olivia Rodrigo’s candid exploration of themes like pain, betrayal, and the complexity of forgiveness speaks to a generation that often feels misunderstood and pressured to conform to unrealistic standards of emotional resilience. Her music not only captures the essence of our youth, but also challenges the conventional narratives around strength and forgiveness. In conclusion, “It takes strength to forgive but I don’t feel strong”, mirrors my own teenage experiences of grappling with forgiveness and self-acceptance. It sheds light to the importance of acknowledging and respecting one’s own emotional journey and boundaries. For many teens, including myself, this realization is a critical step towards genuine healing and self-empowerment. Rodrigo’s impact on my life has definitely made its mark, providing a voice to my struggles and a reminder that true strength lies in being patient and true to myself.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, otherwise known as ADHD, has had a significant impact on not only my life, but my schooling. I was diagnosed when I was 13, where I initially managed to cope with the symptoms and their impact on my life. However, in the past two years, my ADHD has become more prominent, presenting numerous challenges that have affected both my academic performance and personal life. One of the greatest struggles I face is staying organized. The chaos in my mind often translates into my physical reality, making it difficult to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and notes. This disorganization has a direct impact on my ability to complete school work efficiently. For instance, I often find myself procrastinating until the last minute. I can’t focus enough to complete a single assignment, so I brush it off until later, which results in stressful situations with a daunting countdown and stacked up work. My inability to focus in class worsens this issue, as I scramble my thoughts, missing crucial information and falling even further behind on my work. This cycle of disorganization and procrastination contributed to a noticeable decline in my grades, causing immense frustration and self-doubt. Additionally, living with ADHD also affects my social interactions. I struggle to maintain a smooth and steady flow in conversations, which causes me to frequently jump from one topic to another or unintentionally interrupt others. This tendency can make it challenging to form and maintain meaningful connections, which plays into my anxiety of being liked. Furthermore, I often find myself dissociating during conversations, which hinders effective communication and deepens my feelings of isolation. One of the most continuous aspects of my ADHD is the constant racing of my mind. It feels as though a million thoughts are ziplining through my head, making it impossible to focus on one task at a time. This mental chaos not only affects my schoolwork, but also plays a significant role in my insomnia. The inability to quiet my mind is already hard enough, but it also leads to restless nights and exhaustion during the day, hindering my academic performance and my overall well-being. Despite these challenges, I have learned to persevere and develop strategies to manage my ADHD. The turning point came during my junior year when I was failing all of my classes due to my lack of motivation and focus. Realizing the need for change, I got help from my teachers, family, and therapists. With their support, I implemented several strategies that transformed my approach to school and life. Through determination and the support of those around me, I transformed my academic performance. By the end of my junior year, with only a week left, I had achieved mostly A’s and B’s, a testament to my resilience and hard work. This journey taught me the importance of seeking help, adopting effective strategies, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity. In conclusion, ADHD has undeniably impacted my education, my teachers can attest to that. However, by developing coping mechanisms and seeking support, I have been able to overcome these obstacles and achieve academic success. This experience has not only shaped my educational journey but also instilled in me a sense of determination that will continue to guide me in all aspects of my life. ADHD is something I may have to live with, but it’s also something that has taught me so much. I will continue working at trying to tackle my day to day life even with everything going on in my head. I have learned to continue to power through.

As an African American teenager living in America, women's rights and Black rights are my most highlighted issues that I advocate for. Historically, Black women have often been at the forefront of social justice movements, yet we are many times tossed aside due to our race and gender. This duality resonates with me on a personal level, as I navigate the challenges and biases present in the United States. Understanding this difficult reality, I am committed to advocating for both women's rights and Black rights, recognizing that progress in one area cannot be truly achieved without addressing the other. The murder of George Floyd was a pivotal moment in my life, leading me to engage and learn more deeply about issues of racial injustice. Given that I was still young and pretty uneducated due to living in a predominantly white town, I knew that my knowledge needed to stretch farther. This moment kick-started my commitment to racial justice, which inspired me to educate not only myself but others. Similarly, the fight for women's rights is something I have been true to for quite some time. Growing up, I've witnessed and experienced misogyny that affects both women and girls, particularly within the Black community. Issues such as gender-based violence, pay inequality, and limited access to reproductive health services, hugely impact women of color. My own experiences with mental health challenges, including body dysmorphia, have made me more aware of how societal pressures and unrealistic standards of beauty can damage the self-esteem and mental well-being of young girls. Being a young Black woman, I understand the importance of intersectionality in activism. This term encapsulates how various forms of discrimination—such as racism, and sexism—intersect and compound the challenges faced by individuals. For me, advocating for Black rights inherently includes fighting for the rights of Black women, who often face the brunt of these oppressions. My dedication to improving mental health awareness and support, particularly for adolescents and young adults, is another critical aspect of my advocacy. Mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, are often stigmatized within the Black community. My own journey, which included me being admitted to a mental hospital at 16, has shown me the urgent need for accessible mental health resources. I strive to break the silence surrounding mental health, encouraging open conversations and support for those who are struggling. In conclusion, my identity as an African American teenager deeply shapes my commitment to both women's rights and Black rights. These issues are deeply interconnected, and addressing one without the other would be incomplete. Through my activism, I aim to honor the legacy of those who have fought before me, while striving to create a more just future for all. By raising awareness, and supporting mental health, I hope to contribute to a world where everyone, regardless of their race or gender, can be successful and be treated with dignity and respect.

My family and I watched the movie "Blindspotting" in 2020, shortly after the murder of George Floyd. Tears were running down our faces as we sat on our living room couch together. We realized the impacts the movie had as it echoed through us, capturing the raw, painful truths of racial injustice that have been a part of our lives for generations. "Blindspotting," is a movie that was directed by Carlos López Estrada that addresses police brutality, gentrification, and systemic racism mostly through the character Collin -an African American man. The movie's depiction of these issues struck something deep within me. Watching it during such an emotional time when the world erupted with BLM protests triggered by the senseless murder of George Floyd, made the experience even more intense and transformative. As a black teenager living in America, the themes in this movie were not just solely cinematic portrayals; they were reflective of my daily life. The movie's exploration of identity and survival in a racially divided society aligned deeply with my own experiences. Growing up, I faced racism and the constant fear of being judged or mistreated because of my skin color while living and attending a predominantly white school. These feelings have only grown stronger since 2020, and the movie brought them to the surface in a way that was both therapeutic and painful. The most impactful scene in the movie for me, is when one of the characters, Collin, is stopped by the police. The tension and fear in that moment are so striking and reflect the real-life anxiety that many black people feel when encountering law enforcement. This scene really hit home for me. I have an overwhelming fear of being pulled over, a fear that has shaped my behavior and decision-making. I am overly cautious in everything I do, refusing to engage in any risky behavior, especially when I am with my (white) friends. If caught, I know that in the eyes of others, I am more likely to be blamed, judged, or even harmed than they are. Like the friendship of Collin and Miles, being in interracial relationships have added another layer of complexity to my life. Platonic or romantic. My friends and boyfriend are white, and while our bonds are strong, they are not immune to the societal pressures and prejudices that come with our different racial backgrounds. Walking through life in my brown skin, I am painfully aware of the stares, the whispered judgments, and the racism that I encounter. "Blindspotting" captures this tension, portraying how deeply ingrained biases and systemic racism affect relationships and individual lives. Watching "Blindspotting" with my family was a deeply emotional experience. We sat in awe, not just because of the powerful storytelling, but because it mirrored our own pain and struggles. It was a moment of bonding and a collective acknowledgment of the challenges we face. “Blindspotting" has stayed with me every day since I first watched it. The film’s message of resilience and the necessary measures of confronting uncomfortable truths have inspired me to speak out against racism and to advocate for not only myself but for change. In conclusion, "Blindspotting" is more than just a movie to me; it’s a reflection of not only my life but the lives of so many black people in America. It captures my fear, my pain, and my hope that comes with living in a society that often devalues our existence. Watching this movie during the height of protests made it a notable moment in my life, one that continues to influence my world to this day.

Growing up with limited money and on and off again parents has shaped my perspective in many ways. 2023 was a big change in my life. My parents divorced, and my mom moved away, leaving me to navigate life primarily with my father. Now, being the only girl in the household, the transition brought its unique challenges. My father works at two jobs, which means that our time together was limited. While he always provides me unwavering love and support, the realities of his work schedule often meant that I had to navigate some aspects of life independently. Financial restrictions have always been present in my upbringing, shaping me to be more resourceful and value hard work. Witnessing my father's relentless dedication to our family has given me first hand understanding of perseverance. His sacrifices are made not only for our immediate well-being but also to lay a foundation for my future aspirations. My experiences have led me to commit to my journey towards positive change in my community and beyond. Part of this being, improving access to mental health resources, an area deeply personal to me due to my own challenges. Academically, I am focused on excelling despite the adversities, breaking stereotypes and participating in extracurricular activities that bring me joy. My goal is to not only overcome obstacles but also to break and advocate systemic barriers that alter progress for individuals from low-income households. I want to empower people to realize their potential and pursue their dreams, despite their circumstances. In conclusion, my journey has shaped my identity and aspirations in deep ways. I am determined to make a meaningful impact, driven by empathy and my firsthand understanding of adversity.

I didn’t truly realize the beauty of life until I was 16. I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal thoughts, ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. After leaving the hospital, I received little help from teachers, administration, or peers. I struggled to catch up on missed work and had failing grades in almost every class. The stress of schoolwork compounded my efforts to stay mentally healthy, making recovery even more difficult. I was once a 4.0 student with high expectations for myself, and watching my academic performance decline was painful. I had anxiety attacks every morning, felt constantly overwhelmed, and struggled to get out of bed. The challenges of a breakup, my parents' divorce, racism, misogyny, and the loss of a close friend to suicide made it even harder to keep up with school and daily life. It wasn't until I had a therapy session with my wonderful therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I thought extremely hard for weeks about this question, and then it clicked. I wanted to prevent others from experiencing what I had gone through, especially adolescents and young adults. This became my mission and passion: to help people out of the situations their mental health puts them in and to show them that growth isn't linear. With this newfound purpose, I knew I needed to refocus. Despite having only one week left before the end of the semester and a school system just waiting to see another black woman fail, I dedicated myself to improving my grades. I studied relentlessly, worked through each assignment, and managed to raise my grades from an F average to mostly A's and B's, avoiding summer school and earning back my GPA. Mental health is crucial, and my experience solidified my desire to help others, particularly BIPOC women. We face unique challenges, including systemic racism and sexism, which severely impacts our mental health and well-being. My goal is to become an advocate not only for mental health, but for mental health in BIPOC women, using my degree and personal experiences to provide support and resources. I plan to engage actively with my patients, listen to their needs, and collaborate on solutions. By building trust and understanding, I aim to become a reliable source of support for BIPOC women. Advocacy will be a critical component of my work. I will offer counseling and use my story to help others navigate personal and systemic challenges. On a broader scale, I will work with advocacy groups to push for policy changes addressing the root causes of inequality and discrimination. Continuous learning and self-reflection are essential to my approach. I am committed to ongoing education about the issues affecting BIPOC communities. By staying informed and reflective. I now believe in my ability to achieve anything and want to help others learn the same. My dedication to empowering those with mental illnesses, highlighting BIPOC women and contributing to social justice and equity drives my actions. Through my work, I hope to create a society where we as Black women can thrive and lead fulfilling lives, free from the systemic barriers that have historically held us back and set us up for failure.

I don't know when, how, or where it all went wrong. I don't know when things went downhill or when my mental health started to deteriorate, but it did. 16 years old and admitted into a mental hospital for suicidal thoughts, ideation, self-harm, an eating disorder, severe anxiety/depression, and body dysmorphia. It feels relieving being able to finally type all of that out and accept it, but it wasn't easy. Coming out of the mental hospital, I had barely any help from teachers, administration or my peers. In every class, I was struggling to catch up from the weeks that I was gone and the missing assignments piled up. I had F's in almost every single class, and it felt almost completely worth it to keep going. I was already trying so hard to not get back into the dark place that I had been stuck in, and adding on constant schoolwork stress felt unfair. It felt useless and I felt powerless. I was once a 4.0 student. I had high expectations for myself and watching it all slip away was honestly the most painful thing in my recovery. I couldn't make it out of bed in the morning. I feared learning new things and getting ready for new assignments when I still struggled to complete a missing one from months prior. I had anxiety attacks every morning. My breathing felt nonexistent, and my hands shook. I had a constant migraine for months and couldn't even drive myself to school let alone focus. I was going through a breakup, my parent's divorce, racism, misogyny, and the loss of a close friend due to suicide. Yet I was still expected to go to an 8-hour school day and then come home after theatre rehearsal and do more homework. I laughed at this lifestyle I had. Feeling stuck, never being able to catch up, never going back to the student or person I was. Everything felt so useless and I admitted defeat and gave up. It wasn't until I had a therapy session with my wonderful therapist who asked me one question. What was my goal in life? What did I want to achieve and do? I thought extremely hard for weeks about this question, and then it clicked. I wanted to prevent others from going through what I had just experienced. Especially teenagers-young adults. My mission, my passion, the missing piece in my life, I figured out. I want to help people out of situations that their mental health puts them in. I want to allow them to grow and know that growth isn't linear. That it's not as easy as people say. I knew from this that if I wanted to complete my goal if I wanted to help others and change the mental health world; I would need to lock back in and focus. By this time, I had one week left before the last day of school. One week left to change a whole semester of bad grades and missing assignements. I studied every single day. Throughout lunch, at home, at friends houses. I worked through each assignment while plowing through the roughness of mental health. I worked down to the T untl the last day came. It striked midnight and I stepped back from my laptop. I did it. I went from a F average to mostly A's and B's. I avoided summer school and earned back my GPA. I know I can do anything now. And I want to help others learn the same.