As a young child and first generation child born in America, I found that mental health was not talked about enough. It was never being brought attention to my young mind. Then middle school and high school came, forcing my mind to understand these complicated feelings. We understand what we are taught, but in my case that was nothing. When 7th grade came, it impacted me mentally, causing a lot of unwanted feelings. I started to see others going through the same thing I wanted to speak to. As time passed, I subdued my feelings until I entered high school. My mental health was rising, buried like a time capsule box needing to be discovered. I knew as time went on there needed to be a change. Therapy was a consideration many times in my thoughts which I want to bring up. My story could be told furthermore, but I am one of many whose feelings should be a priority. I want to take time wherever I am to address mental health. Whether that is at an event or just simply passing by a person. A compliment and deep conversations of subdued feelings are healthy for the mind. At events, school, and work I want to speak up about it. I want to bring attention to how important it is that household families speak up about mental health. Everyone has struggles here and there, whether in real life or social media, I want to show the reality of life.

I could name multiple of elementary teachers who’ve influenced me till this day but never knew I’d say the same for high school. My freshman year was a series of emotions just like most typical freshman, those who’ve seen the perks of being a wallflower could potentially relate. Although i’ve only seen that movie once and don’t quite remember it the teacher known as Mr. Anderson stuck out to me. As a freshman I had an English class with multiple students who didn’t seem they had a care for the subject, teacher, or class. I was usually often observing and in that class we learned about Shakespeare, you know Romeo and Juliet. My teachers name was Mr Rubino, and I recall us being on that subject for about half the year or so it felt. I had no complaints, but I thought I wouldn’t be able to or understand Romeo and Juliet. I say this because the subject he wanted us to relate to him or make a connection many times. I didn’t feel as if I could but I brought myself to even though I had much going on around that time. I’ve always enjoyed writing but felt I wasn’t as good anymore. He changed those thoughts, my parts of doubt about myself after I wrote the prompt. Mr. Rubino came up to my desk the next day as he whispered, “I was just reviewing essays and I read your essay and it was really good, I know your really good so I want you to pass this class." I listened to him compliment my work as I tried not to smile. My mind went racing with passion again. I thought my passion for writing had faded but it was brought to light by Mr. Rubino that day. Throughout my years of high school what he said had stuck with me. He spoke as if he believed in me and could see that I had more in me. That moment and his words pop up in my head anytime I feel doubt about my abilities to do something I’m ambitious about. I go on now feeling optimistic about my capabilities in life weather it be in school, work, or any aspects of life. When I feel I’m not doing well at whatever I’m trying to accomplish I think back to how he complimented a work I didn’t even think was half worthy.