In high school, I had a great teacher who taught us about grit. He made us take the "grit test" by Angela Duckworth. I remember scoring the highest level of grit out of all of my classmates and people questioned me. Little did they know that my oldest brother was a drug addict and dealer, my middle brother struggled with anger issues, my mother battled severe depression and anxiety, and my father battled depression and gambling addiction. In high school, I dealt with all of my family's issues as well as an unstable financial situation and intense bullying all while working, holding multiple leadership positions, and making high honor roll. In college, I continued to learn the extent of my grit. When the pandemic rolled around my mental health took a deep dive. I was recently diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Although I've had days where all I want to do was lay in bed and cry -- occasionally even thoughts of suicide and self-harm -- I have managed to maintain a 3.9 GPA, multiple internships, fellowships, and field studies. I believe that I have shown immense grit and persistence in life. Although my life has not always been enjoyable, I have managed to push through the dark gray days to find a semblance of a rainbow. I am about to graduate with two degrees and begin a Master's program in International Development. My dream is to help people who are dealing with some of the worse situations of their lives and provide them with the assistance they need. My grit and persistence have led me through a successful academic career and will allow me to instill grit and persistence in others.

I can say, without a doubt, that my dogs are my best friends and are a true gift to my life. These three animals have witnessed me grow from a young girl to a young woman. I got my Portuguese water dogs when I was eight years old and are the greatest part of my life. My dogs held me when I cried, make me laugh harder than anything else on this earth, and share a piece of my heart. I am beyond grateful for Riley, Malley, and Lilly -- I genuinely have no idea if I would have survived without them. Both of my parents suffer from depression. They have battled with the mental illness for the entirety of my life. Although I had two older brothers, the fact that my parents were sick often made for a very lonely and sometimes frightening childhood. When I felt lonely or scared, I knew that all I needed to was find my pack and I would never be alone and always be protected. We would play in the yard, wrestle with each other, watch countless movies, and share invaluable cuddles. In elementary school, I could remember that although my parents were difficult to live with at times, my dogs were always there as my companions. As I moved into middle school and high school both my home life and school life became difficult to endure. I struggled with bullies at school and my oldest brother battled a drug addiction with my father battled a gambling addiction. These situations put stress on my home life and added to the tension in my household. It felt as though there was absolutely no safe haven. However, my pack always had my back. The three of them could sense my sadness and always knew when a cuddle was necessary. There is nothing purer than having three large dogs lay next to and on you as you laugh through tears. When I chose a college, I decided to commute to save money. However, I also couldn't bear the idea of leaving my dogs. My first semester of college was the hardest situation I ever endured. My classes afforded me absolutely no time for myself. I was absolutely overwhelmed. I was scared and I was lonely. To make this hard time worse, my oldest brother was arrested for selling meth out of his dog grooming business. I was beyond mortified. Although my first four months of college felt like a living hell, I knew that I come home and give my old dogs some kisses and do my homework with them. Recently I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. The only things that ever gave me any feelings of joy were my dogs. I knew that a walk with my dogs or cuddling while watching a movie could bring me some feeling of joy. I can't help but believe that they know the best way to take care of me. It is breaking my heart to see them grow old. In November, we put down Riley and I was heartbroken but felt immense gratitude. I know that I would not have survived my childhood and adolescence without him. Although dogs are a big responsibility to take care of, it pays off by the ways in which they take care of you. A few weeks ago, I got a tattoo of a lily for my Lilly because I know that she can bring me comfort and strength even if she isn't physically with me. My dogs were the best thing to ever happen to me.

If we rush things, the world will simply just pass by us. I wish I could go back in time and convince my childhood self to my time growing up -- to be patient because when you are constantly wishing for the future you are missing the present. I wish I could tell young Ari to enjoy the snowball fights with her brothers because soon one of them will be addicted to drugs. I wish I could tell young Ari to capture every moment in the gymnastics gym because soon it will come to an end. I wish I could tell young Ari to stop wishing for a boyfriend because she will grow up and realize that boys can cause more heartache than happiness. I wish I could tell her to just be patient and enjoy the moment. This is something I have to keep reminding myself. The pandemic made us all wish for a time that wasn't the present. Perhaps we longed for the past when we could hug a friend or maybe we longed for a future in which we smile without a mask. However, this caused us to miss out on the present. Although the present may not always be great, it is an important aspect of life's journey and can teach us lessons that we will utilize in the future. Being present is the same as being patient; long for the future is like trying to get somewhere by running on a treadmill. We must take a moment to step off the treadmill, be present, and then begin to walk forward.

Every day I try to have a positive impact on the world. I have actually decided that my career will be dedicated to making an impact on the world. I am nearly complete with my degrees in political science and sociology and have been learning how to make an impact for the last four years. I am especially proud of my work with my group, SHUstainable Human Settlements and Resources. As the director, I have led my team in research and outreach on the drinking water and air quality of the Pittsburgh area. We have presented to local high schools and college courses about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of sustainable cities. In less than a month, I will be presenting my policy brief on the importance of clean drinking water to the Pittsburgh city council. Human rights are a true passion of mine and they must be protected in every corner of the world. In the US we believe that we are being taken care of, but in reality, we need activists to ensure that we are receiving what we deserve. That is why I have dedicated 200+ hours to SHUstainable and will continue to advocate for clean and safe water and sanitation for all people in every area of the world. I believe that everyone can make an impact on the world and it is never too early to start. Although I plan to work in international development, I believe that the best impact is made within your own community. I truly believe that no matter your specialty, expertise, and experience you can make an impact on the world.

Generosity means giving even when you do not have. It means utilizing your skills and talents and making the world around you a better place. Although I am an optimist, I believe that much of this word is very self-centered. It is not the average person's fault, our society shapes us in a way that demands that we are in constant competition with others. However, as a sociology student, I believe that it is crucial to break norms -- even in the smallest manner--in order to create progress. I am generous by giving what I have when I have it. At times this is donating money to charities and organizations that do good work such as UNICEF. Other instances call for my time and effort such as when I spent the summer advocating for the elimination of extreme poverty with the Borgen Project. Most recently, I have been dedicating my expertise to my community by researching and advocating for better drinking water and air quality in the Pittsburgh area. I also believe that generosity can also make you a better person because it allows to you gain more experiences and empathize. A few weeks ago I gave blood for the first time. I had never donated before but I am so glad that I was able to give what I had to make an impact on someone. Generosity isn't always about giving money; it is about doing something good simply to do something good.

Mental health issues have been an issue in my life for as long as I remember. I have witnessed both of my parents fall into depression during various times in my life. In fact, I rarely recall times in which both of my parents were mentally well. As grew up and recognized that mental health issues run in my family I did everything in my capacity to ward them off: I exercised, I ate healthily, I spent time with friends, I volunteered with charities and community organizations, I meditated, I did yoga, I practiced gratitude, I stayed away from drugs and alcohol. However, there were two things I couldn't ward off--genetics and the pandemic. The pandemic sent me spiraling into a state of anxiety and depression that I didn't even realize was possible. I kept hearing people say that everyone was struggling but that just made me feel like my issues didn't matter. I tried to push through my anxiety and depression, but it became so much that I began to see a therapist. My therapist helped me through a lot of issues but talking cannot fix hormonal imbalances. Although I regularly attend therapy and did all my wellness practices, I fell into a deeper and darker depression; so dark that I felt as though there was no light in the world. I felt as though there was no point in my existence. During this time of deep despair, I turned to my parents. They are two people who have struggled with the feeling of hopelessness and the people who were able to keep me here on this earth. Although I wish my parents never had to suffer from the torture of depression and anxiety, I am beyond grateful that their personal experiences aided them in protecting their daughter. I am currently doing pretty well. I am on antidepressants and am working with my therapist and psychiatrist to find the best solution for my depression and anxiety. I feel that because I share this common experience with my parents I now have a stronger relationship and understanding of them. I understand now that their adolescents were difficult. I understand why so many days of my childhood were filled with sunshine and others were covered by dark clouds. I understand how difficult it must have been for my parents to raise their children while they could barely even keep going. I simply understand my parents much better. My experience with depression and anxiety made me empathize with people far more than previously had. Although I was a kind and loving person prior to my depression, I try my best to fill the world with love and warmth far more than I ever had. At my lowest, anything could make me cry. From an email with a firm tone to a friend canceling plans, I would begin to well up in tears. In those moments I just wanted to break down, but I became a master at masking my pain. I would swallow my tears and smile through the dispair. When I felt like this, the smallest act of kindness would get me through the end of the end. Because of this, I do everything in my nature to be beyond kind to everyone. I give out compliments like candy. I will take the time to have a conversation with everyone and anyone. I will go above and beyond for another person to recognize that they are worthy to exist. It was never the large things that got me through, it was always the small things. Because of my mental health issues, my goals have changed. I wish I could say that I am 100% able to overcome my depression and anxiety, but I have an incredible fear of burnout. Two years ago, I would have to people that I want to work at the United Nations and protect human rights. Although that is still what I wish to do, I am terrified that that amount of pressure will kill me. Now, my goal is to just get a job in the realm of international development. I wish that I wasn't afraid to reach my goals but I don't want to suffer once I get there. Perhaps in the future, my outlook on mental health and career aspirations will change, I must remember that I am truly at the beginning of my mental health journey. I would never wish depression and anxiety on another living soul. It breaks my heart that millions around the globe suffer from these issues, especially the two people I love more than anything. However, I am glad that I am not alone. I am glad that have people to connect with and people to help. I recognize that many people are not as lucky as I am. I am so grateful for the support that I have received during my dark time and I am grateful that I am finally beginning to see the world with a bit more light.

Mental health issues have been an issue in my life for as long as I remember. I have witnessed both of my parents fall into depression during various times in my life. In fact, I rarely recall times in which both of my parents were mentally well. As grew up and recognized that mental health issues run in my family I did everything in my capacity to ward them off: I exercised, I ate healthily, I spent time with friends, I volunteered with charities and community organizations, I meditated, I did yoga, I practiced gratitude, I stayed away from drugs and alcohol. However, there were two things I couldn't ward off--genetics and the pandemic. The pandemic sent me spiraling into a state of anxiety and depression that I didn't even realize was possible. I kept hearing people say that everyone was struggling but that just made me feel like my issues didn't matter. I tried to push through my anxiety and depression, but it became so much that I began to see a therapist. My therapist helped me through a lot of issues but talking cannot fix hormonal imbalances. Although I regularly attend therapy and did all my wellness practices, I fell into a deeper and darker depression; so dark that I felt as though there was no light in the world. I felt as though there was no point in my existence. During this time of deep despair, I turned to my parents. They are two people who have struggled with the feeling of hopelessness and the people who were able to keep me here on this earth. Although I wish my parents never had to suffer from the torture of depression and anxiety, I am beyond grateful that their personal experiences aided them in protecting their daughter. I am currently doing pretty well. I am on antidepressants and am working with my therapist and psychiatrist to find the best solution for my depression and anxiety. I feel that because I share this common experience with my parents I now have a stronger relationship and understanding of them. I understand now that their adolescents were difficult. I understand why so many days of my childhood were filled with sunshine and others were covered by dark clouds. I understand how difficult it must have been for my parents to raise their children while they could barely even keep going. I simply understand my parents much better. My experience with depression and anxiety made me empathize with people far more than previously had. Although I was a kind and loving person prior to my depression, I try my best to fill the world with love and warmth far more than I ever had. At my lowest, anything could make me cry. From an email with a firm tone to a friend canceling plans, I would begin to well up in tears. In those moments I just wanted to break down, but I became a master at masking my pain. I would swallow my tears and smile through the dispair. When I felt like this, the smallest act of kindness would get me through the end of the end. Because of this, I do everything in my nature to be beyond kind to everyone. I give out compliments like candy. I will take the time to have a conversation with everyone and anyone. I will go above and beyond for another person to recognize that they are worthy to exist. It was never the large things that got me through, it was always the small things. Because of my mental health issues, my goals have changed. I wish I could say that I am 100% able to overcome my depression and anxiety, but I have an incredible fear of burnout. Two years ago, I would have to people that I want to work at the United Nations and protect human rights. Although that is still what I wish to do, I am terrified that that amount of pressure will kill me. Now, my goal is to just get a job in the realm of international development. I wish that I wasn't afraid to reach my goals but I don't want to suffer once I get there. Perhaps in the future, my outlook on mental health and career aspirations will change, I must remember that I am truly at the beginning of my mental health journey. I would never wish depression and anxiety on another living soul. It breaks my heart that millions around the globe suffer from these issues, especially the two people I love more than anything. However, I am glad that I am not alone. I am glad that have people to connect with and people to help. I recognize that many people are not as lucky as I am. I am so grateful for the support that I have received during my dark time and I am grateful that I am finally beginning to see the world with a bit more light.

I believe the best way to help someone is to ensure that they feel comfortable in their current environment. Every human is caple of doing this in large and small ways. For instance, my dream job is to work with female refugees and ensure they have all of the resources they need in a time of crisis, however, this not something I can feasible do at this moment. However, every day I strive to ensure that people who are near me feel safe, loved, and calm. I take this to two levels. First, I always offer my friends help in whatever way I can. Perhaps it is accompanying them on an experience that is nerve-racking or even just making sure they have someone to each lunch with. I always to try to make sure that my people are comfortable. The second level is through my advocacy. I am currently the leader of a political advocacy group called SHUstainable Human Settlements and Resources. We advocate for clean air and clean drinking water in the Pittsburgh area. I am using my talents in the political realm to help a large number of people and make a difference. I firmly believe that every human deserves to feel comfortable and safe in all settings and that is why I do my best to keep my favorite people comfortable and the thousands of strangers that I do not know.