My personal mental health journey has been defined by profound moments where I navigated mental health challenges without the support I needed and experiences that brought growth and aspirations. These pivotal experiences have ignited a passion within me for advocacy and community service, pushing me towards a career dedicated to ensuring that others receive the empathy and assistance that I sometimes went without. Originally drawn towards a career in engineering, my path has evolved to prioritize inclusivity and awareness of the diverse struggles individuals face. Whether through volunteering, pursuing a career in law to advocate for marginalized groups, providing therapeutic support, or amplifying voices through journalism, I am committed to effecting positive change in communities. Central to my journey is the belief that community engagement plays a pivotal role in supporting those in need. Actively participating in volunteer initiatives, including those organized by churches beyond my own denomination, has provided me with insight into the impact of communal support networks. Witnessing the challenges faced by loved ones has been a catalyst for my commitment to advocating for mental health awareness and support. My father's experience as a non-native English speaker, coupled with the social pressures he endured due to language barriers, highlighted the intersection of linguistic challenges and mental well-being. His journey sparked my determination to address stigma and provide resources to individuals facing similar struggles. Additionally, supporting family members through their own mental health journeys has deepened my empathy and made me prioritize fostering open dialogue within communities. These personal experiences have not only shaped my career aspirations but also strengthened my resolve to advocate for comprehensive mental health education and support systems that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all. These experiences have also deepened my understanding of the complexities of mental health and strengthened my bonds with family and friends. A defining moment in my journey occurred when I initiated a book club and subsequently launched a book drive aimed at English language learners in local elementary schools. Motivated by my father's challenges as a non-native English speaker and the mental health difficulties he encountered due to social stigma, I collaborated with the National Honor Society to exceed expectations, collecting three times the required amount in our inaugural year of 2022. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue advocating for inclusivity and mental health awareness while encouraging others to join me in making a meaningful impact.

Shirley Jackson’s life is most often marked by her controversial, for the time, literary works including The Lottery, Life Among Savages, and most relevant here: We Have Always Lived in the Castle. These writings often explore the genre of psychological horror, which challenged societal norms and left people feeling unsettled during the 1960s and 70s. Whether it was purposeful or not, Shirley Jackson’s experiences and the gothic writing style she adopted because of it shaped her stories to their core. The incorporation of personal themes into her works is most notable in We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Through her exploration of such themes including family and community dynamics, isolation, and social critique, Shirley Jackson forms a complex thesis about human nature and society’s response to it by drawing from herself for inspiration and portraying it through characters, especially Merricat Blackwood, to further resonate with audiences in this gothic novel. Jackson, born in 1916, had an unstable childhood due to her mother's domineering nature and her father's lack of affection. This is exhibited in the complex power dynamic between Merricat, Constance, and the rest of the Blackwood family in We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Carpenter explains this elaborate relationship it by saying “When Mary Katherine Blackwood, at the age of twelve, poisoned her family by putting arsenic in the sugar, she was careful not to endanger her sister Constance, whom she calls "the most precious person in my world, always...the poisoning has resulted in a transfer of power from Blackwood men to Blackwood women.” (Carpenter 1). This assists in supporting several ideas about the Blackwood dynamic: there was a lack of innocence even around the children seeing as the youngest killed most of her family, it had heavy gender role influence that originally favored the patriarchy, and that Jackson has projected herself into several characters. The character of Uncle Julian, for example, is often referenced in conjunction with the family's history which can symbolize Jackson's own possible obsession with the past, especially if it has a disturbing influence on the present. Such a history may be implied due to the mutual assurance of protection between Merricat and her sister Constance just based off the trauma-based bond they share of which there is not much of a context for but it can be assumed that it was an abusive household and the inability to provide detail might be another parallel to Jackson and her relationship with her brother under her parent’s roof. However, these protective instincts may also be expanded into a theme of control and manipulation because often, throughout the book, Merricat’s actions cause Constance to carry much of the burden. For example, Constance went to jail for the poisoning that Merricat committed, and when she returned, she was so estranged from society due to fear and anxiety that she can no longer leave the house whilst Merricat can. This may be yet another projection of Jackson's own struggles into the book, this time concerning her control over herself and others. By examining these familial power dynamics, Jackson sheds light on the complexities of such relationships and the ways in which individuals, such as herself, express influence and control as responses to them. Through We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Jackson offers a subtle critique of societal norms and expectations. Miller writes, “Hester's struggle to be true to her own values, to rise above the bigotry and intolerance of her community, are universal themes; yet they are particularly applicable to the American experience.” (Miller 1). This is a reference to The Scarlet Letter which adds to the point that community alienation is both universally and historically constant, especially across literature. The townspeople's suspicion of the Blackwood family and their eagerness to condemn them without evidence is a parallel to not only The Scarlet Letter but Jackson’s life. She faced criticism and judgment from society when her husband forced her to move to a small town in New Hampshire. Her feelings concerning it are clearly and negatively expressed based off her commentary on mob mentality and prejudice through her descriptions of how the townspeople taunted the Blackwood family with children’s mean songs and threats. Jackson's social criticisms are not portrayed as much by figurative language or subtlety like some of her other messages and themes but are direct and bold to emphasize the intensity of which she feels it affected her. This ostracized theme continues in We Have Always Lived in the Castle to the portrayal of being the outsider. This is a common theme amongst Gothic novels which is a genre that authors often use to express and investigate their darker minds. Jackson's desire and general isolation are as a result of her not feeling welcome in the places she was forced to call home. In the book We Have Always Lived in the Castle, the townspeople go as far as to destroy the Blackwood mansion in the end—which may be a parallel to how Jackson felt people destroyed her. Grider provides insight into this portrayal when they said “…house functions as both setting and character… houses are active participants in the development of the narrative plot, especially in popular fiction.” (Grider 4). Essentially, the house has its own character arc through the way it is damaged, Merricat attempts to protect the house so desperately, and how the house moves on. Writing stories with such references and symbols is a coping mechanism for Jackson, just like Merricat's sense of alienation triggered her imagination as a coping mechanism as well. Merricat often dreams of flying to the moon alone, which may mirror Jackson’s desire for true and chosen isolation. This repeated theme assists in developing an eerie yet genuine atmosphere for the readers. The mental health commentary throughout adds to the book’s genuineness. Jackson's struggles with anxiety and depression are evident in the character of Merricat, who exhibits several poor mental health symptoms but the most blatant is her obsessive-compulsive behavior. It is apparent that Shirley Jackson did have some mental health issues that included depression and anxiety which was often symbolized in her writing when she would describe things as if they were stagnant or in capable of growth. Jackson said “We eat the year away. We eat the spring and the summer and the fall. We wait for something to grow and then we eat it.” (Jackson 52). This may represent how she always felt she was just barely getting by mentally and could never hold on to her happiness for long. By drawing on her person, Jackson was able to create a sense of authenticity and emotional depth between her characters. Through the lens of Merricat and the Blackwood family, Jackson confronts themes of family and community dynamics, isolation, and the critique of social norms while inviting readers to see into her own experiences. By investigating these parallels, the readers can gain a deeper understanding of both Shirley Jackson and her works.

I used to be really disappointed in myself. I have three siblings and they have always been spectacular in a specific area. My oldest sister was the fashion and design one, the second oldest sister was the music and academic one, and my younger brother was the athletic one. They all were the very best at something. I did not often fail something, but it always felt like I did because I saw that whatever I could do, someone else could do better. Whether it was soccer, painting, piano, volleyball, tennis, theatre-everything I tried I was just average or barely above. My “thing” was being witty and creative and when people complimented that I felt somehow insulted because that did not seem exceptional compared to my siblings. Now, however, I am proud of my “jack of all trades master at none” character because I think it offers me a lot of opportunity to support my vast interests. Consequently this has changed what my idea of success looks like. Before it was just the careers that made the most money but now, for me at least, its the future that embraces my character whilst also servicing other and helping them embrace theirs. This opportunity would allow me to focus more on my volunteering mission without having to cut so many hours of service in order to pay for a college degree that will boost my ability to help others in the future. It is because of my vast interests that I can be so excited to participate in the various college degrees and opportunities while being surrounded by so many different people of so many different educational paths. My current intention is to major in creative media and journalism with a possible double-major in business as my undergraduate degree for law school. I hope that in this way I maintain my creative mind and perspective while also preparing for my future career path that may be expensive but I believe it will be worth it if I can come out being able to help others in areas like the Innocence Project. This degree may also serve as a backup plan if I decide that law is not something I want to pursue, which is doubtful, but I would still like to be prepared. My AP Literature and Composition teacher this year has been a great supporter and recommender of my future success and commented on my papers and conversation: “I love how your mind is all over the place, sign of a great mind”. I feel that accurately represents my person and the one I want to continue being while I pursue different legal, business, and journalistic avenues hopefully with the assistance of the Redefining Victory Scholarship in search of one that accurately represents my passion and character in this world. I have participated in many clubs, competitions, and service projects that connect to my interests to boost my resume and awareness while also providing myself with some insight into how I will navigate the real world. I have never felt more successful than when I founded a Book Drive for our local elementary Second English Language Learning Students with a peer which is part of what has continued to evolve my sense of success and purpose. I only hope my goals will rise with each new passion project I take on and complete with the collaboration of others and foundations that offer opportunities such as this.

My personal journey has been defined by profound moments where I navigated mental health challenges without the support I needed, experiences that have shaped my growth and aspirations. These pivotal experiences have ignited a passion within me for advocacy and community service, pushing me towards a career dedicated to ensuring that others receive the empathy and assistance that I sometimes went without. Originally drawn towards a career in engineering, my path has evolved to prioritize inclusivity and awareness of the diverse struggles individuals face. Whether through volunteering, pursuing a career in law to advocate for marginalized groups, providing therapeutic support, or amplifying voices through journalism, I am committed to effecting positive change in communities. Central to my journey is the belief that community engagement plays a pivotal role in supporting those in need. Actively participating in volunteer initiatives, including those organized by churches beyond my own denomination, has provided me with firsthand insight into the impact of communal support networks. My family's own journey with mental health has profoundly influenced my perspective and motivations. Witnessing the challenges faced by loved ones has been a catalyst for my commitment to advocating for mental health awareness and support. My father's experience as a non-native English speaker, coupled with the social pressures he endured due to language barriers, highlighted the intersection of linguistic challenges and mental well-being. His journey sparked my determination to address stigma and provide resources to individuals facing similar struggles. Additionally, supporting family members through their own mental health journeys has deepened my empathy and reinforced the importance of fostering open dialogue and understanding within communities. These personal experiences have not only shaped my career aspirations but also strengthened my resolve to advocate for comprehensive mental health education and support systems that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all. These experiences have also deepened my understanding of the complexities of mental health and strengthened my bonds with family and friends. They have sensitized me to the hidden struggles individuals may face, prompting me to initiate conversations and offer assistance proactively. By creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to voice their needs, I strive to foster a community where support and empathy are readily available. A defining moment in my journey occurred when I initiated a book club and subsequently launched a book drive aimed at English language learners in local elementary schools. Motivated by my father's challenges as a non-native English speaker and the mental health difficulties he encountered due to social stigma, I collaborated with the National Honor Society to exceed expectations, collecting three times the required amount in our inaugural year of 2022. This initiative has since become a cornerstone of my high school's community engagement efforts, demonstrating my dedication to sustainable advocacy and support for educational equity. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue advocating for inclusivity and mental health awareness while encouraging others to join me in making a meaningful impact. Through sharing my experiences and story, I aspire to inspire individuals to speak up about their own challenges and extend a helping hand to those in need. In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by personal experiences that have instilled in me a deep commitment to advocacy and community service.

I used to be really disappointed in myself. I have three siblings and they have always been spectacular in a specific area. My oldest sister was the fashion and design one, the second oldest sister was the music and academic one, and my younger brother was the athletic one. They all were the very best at something. I did not often fail something, but it always felt like I did because I saw that whatever I could do, someone else could do better. Whether it was soccer, painting, piano, volleyball, tennis, theatre-everything I tried I was just average or barely above. My “thing” was being witty and creative and when people complimented that I felt somehow insulted because that did not seem exceptional compared to my siblings. Now, however, I am proud of my “jack of all trades master at none” character because I think it offers me a lot of opportunity to support my vast interests. It is also because of my vast interests that I am excited to participate in the various college degrees because being surrounded with so many different people of so many different educational paths may further inspire my own. My current intention is to major in creative media and journalism as my undergraduate degree for law school. I hope that in this way I maintain my creative mind and perspective while also preparing for my future career path. This degree may also serve as a backup plan if I decide that law is not something I want to pursue, which is doubtful, but I would still like to be prepared. My AP Literature class this year is organized that way, and my teacher has commented on my papers and conversation “I love how your mind is all over the place, sign of a great mind” and I feel that accurately represents my person and the one I want to continue being while I pursue different legal, business, and journalistic avenues in search of one that accurately represents my passion and character in this world. I have participated in many clubs, competitions, and service projects that connect to my interests to boost my resume and awareness while also providing myself with some insight into how I will do in the real world. I hope my goals will only rise with each new passion project I take on, like with the second english language learning book drive I founded with a peer for local elementary schools, and complete.

I used to be really disappointed in myself. I have three siblings and they have always been spectacular in a specific area. My oldest sister was the fashion and design one, the second oldest sister was the music and academic one, and my younger brother was the athletic one. They all were the very best at something. I did not often fail something, but it always felt like I did because I saw that whatever I could do, someone else could do better. Whether it was soccer, painting, piano, volleyball, tennis, theatre-everything I tried I was just average or barely above. My “thing” was being witty and creative and when people complimented that I felt somehow insulted because that did not seem exceptional compared to my siblings. Now, however, I am proud of my “jack of all trades master at none” character because I think it offers me a lot of opportunity to support my vast interests. It is also because of my vast interests that I am excited to participate in the various college degrees because being surrounded with so many different people of so many different educational paths may further inspire my own. My current intention is to major in creative media and journalism as my undergraduate degree for law school. I hope that in this way I maintain my creative mind and perspective while also preparing for my future career path. This degree may also serve as a backup plan if I decide that law is not something I want to pursue, which is doubtful, but I would still like to be prepared. My AP Literature class this year is organized that way, and my teacher has commented on my papers and conversation “I love how your mind is all over the place, sign of a great mind” and I feel that accurately represents my person and the one I want to continue being while I pursue different legal, business, and journalistic avenues in search of one that accurately represents my passion and character in this world. I have participated in many clubs, competitions, and service projects that connect to my interests to boost my resume and awareness while also providing myself with some insight into how I will do in the real world. I hope my goals will only rise with each new passion project I take on, like with the second english language learning book drive I founded with a peer for local elementary schools, and complete.

The printing press is part of what invented society and consequently my passion to make the world a better place. Due to developments accredited to people such as the Sumerian, the Tang Dynasty, and Johannes Gutenberg, ideas expanded and movements boomed due to the printing press. This also caused a rise in literacy which in my opinion is what allows global change. I give credit to the printing press and literature in general for my identity, so much so my obituary could probably have a bibliography. I do not think that any singular part of me, or any person for that matter, is original. We have all taken personality and character inspiration from somewhere else and this connects on a pure level. Everything is rooted in something else. But it is these parts and their individual makeup in each person that makes everybody unique and I believe society can use this to initiate change. Thomas Foster has constantly preached about the idea that all literature is rooted in the Bible or Shakespear, I think society is the same way. Not rooted in the Bible or Shakespear, but in norms that medias have constructed. Men were the first to learn to read and write for modern society and now they rule it. Read any established classic and you’ll find the roots of it: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley shows the cycle of women being only in the caretaker and martyr like roles, symbolism of objectification and materialism in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, oversexualization to satisfy men in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, giving up life to save the unhappiness of a man's in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Society would not have progressed without it and if by some miracle it did it would have left women behind-I would have been left behind without ever getting to identify with a March sister or Bennet, a Bronte or Porter. I would be as I am now but without everything I have come to love about myself and my passions that I hope to continue pursuing with the printing press's new forms: social media. Writing has always been a strong form of advocacy which is why I have been inspired to pursue journalism so I may leverage struggling voices and minorities while advocating for them.

My personal journey has been defined by profound moments where I navigated mental health challenges without the support I needed, experiences that have shaped my growth and aspirations. These pivotal experiences have ignited a passion within me for advocacy and community service, pushing me towards a career dedicated to ensuring that others receive the empathy and assistance that I sometimes went without. Originally drawn towards a career in engineering, my path has evolved to prioritize inclusivity and awareness of the diverse struggles individuals face. Whether through volunteering, pursuing a career in law to advocate for marginalized groups, providing therapeutic support, or amplifying voices through journalism, I am committed to effecting positive change in communities. Central to my journey is the belief that community engagement plays a pivotal role in supporting those in need. Actively participating in volunteer initiatives, including those organized by churches beyond my own denomination, has provided me with firsthand insight into the impact of communal support networks. My family's own journey with mental health has profoundly influenced my perspective and motivations. Witnessing the challenges faced by loved ones has been a catalyst for my commitment to advocating for mental health awareness and support. My father's experience as a non-native English speaker, coupled with the social pressures he endured due to language barriers, highlighted the intersection of linguistic challenges and mental well-being. His journey sparked my determination to address stigma and provide resources to individuals facing similar struggles. Additionally, supporting family members through their own mental health journeys has deepened my empathy and reinforced the importance of fostering open dialogue and understanding within communities. These personal experiences have not only shaped my career aspirations but also strengthened my resolve to advocate for comprehensive mental health education and support systems that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all. These experiences have also deepened my understanding of the complexities of mental health and strengthened my bonds with family and friends. They have sensitized me to the hidden struggles individuals may face, prompting me to initiate conversations and offer assistance proactively. By creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to voice their needs, I strive to foster a community where support and empathy are readily available. A defining moment in my journey occurred when I initiated a book club and subsequently launched a book drive aimed at English language learners in local elementary schools. Motivated by my father's challenges as a non-native English speaker and the mental health difficulties he encountered due to social stigma, I collaborated with the National Honor Society to exceed expectations, collecting three times the required amount in our inaugural year of 2022. This initiative has since become a cornerstone of my high school's community engagement efforts, demonstrating my dedication to sustainable advocacy and support for educational equity. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue advocating for inclusivity and mental health awareness while encouraging others to join me in making a meaningful impact. Through sharing my experiences and story, I aspire to inspire individuals to speak up about their own challenges and extend a helping hand to those in need. In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by personal experiences that have instilled in me a deep commitment to advocacy and community service.