As an Alaskan Native high schooler growing up in rural Kansas, I firmly believe that society must change its approach to addressing the problems of the disadvantaged. The current system perpetuates inequality and disadvantage, making it difficult for individuals to break free from poverty and inequality. To shift the approach to addressing the problems of the disadvantaged, several specific changes could take place. Policies that target systemic discrimination and inequality could be implemented. This could involve providing affordable housing in areas with good job opportunities, increasing access to quality education, and expanding healthcare coverage. In addition, addressing implicit bias and discrimination could be another critical aspect of changing society's approach. Programs that aim to educate people about the harmful effects of bias and racism could be implemented in schools and workplaces to raise awareness and create a more inclusive environment. This would help ensure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed regardless of their background. Furthermore, increasing economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities could be an essential change. This could involve providing training and resources for people to start their own businesses or improving access to job opportunities through targeted hiring programs. Addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality requires systemic reform. It would entail re-evaluating laws and policies to ensure they are equitable and addressing the systemic issues that lead to inequality in the first place. This could involve changes in the criminal justice system to reduce racial disparities, implementing policies to reduce the wealth gap, and providing universal access to affordable healthcare. Finally, community involvement could be another key change. Empowering local communities to take control of their futures and address the issues that affect them most could help create a more sustainable and equitable society. This could include promoting community-led initiatives, building local capacity, and increasing access to resources. Changing our approach to addressing the problems of the disadvantaged requires a shift in our mindset as a society. We must recognize the importance of changing our approach and work towards creating a system that supports those who need it the most. This means addressing systemic issues such as racism, sexism, and classism, which perpetuate inequality and disadvantage in our society. The process of changing our approach will not happen overnight. It requires a willingness to invest time and resources into creating a system that works for everyone, including those who are disadvantaged. We need to create a dialogue among policymakers, educators, and community leaders to discuss these issues and come up with solutions that benefit everyone. In conclusion, by implementing policies that target systemic discrimination, educating people about implicit bias and racism, increasing economic opportunities, promoting systemic reform, and empowering local communities, we can create a more equitable and just society. It will require a collective effort, but the result will be a society that supports and uplifts everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

I believe that my mental health is important because it affects every aspect of my life. It affects how I think, feel, and act. It affects how I cope with stress, challenges, and changes. It affects how I relate to myself and others. It affects how I perform at school, work, and home. It affects how I enjoy and appreciate life. I have seen the consequences of poor mental health in my own family and community. I have seen how it can lead to depression, anxiety, addiction, or suicide. I have seen how it can cause pain, suffering, and isolation. I have seen how it can prevent people from reaching their full potential and happiness. That is why I am passionate about maintaining my mental wellness and helping others do the same. I have learned and practiced various strategies and habits that support my mental health. Some of them are: - Seeking professional help when needed. Expressing to my parents that I’ve needed some additional help, especially during the Covid insolation period. Working to communicate with my family and people that take a personal interest in my mental health to make sure my mental health needs are being met. - Practicing self-care regularly. I have made time for activities that nourish my body, mind, and soul. I have exercised, meditated, read, written, listened to music, and played games. I have also slept well, eaten well, and hydrated well. - Building positive relationships with others. I have surrounded myself with people who love, support, and inspire me. I have communicated with my friends and family regularly. I have also joined online communities and groups where I can share my experiences and learn from others. - Setting realistic goals and pursuing them. I have identified my passions and talents and used them to create value for myself and others. I have applied to college and got accepted to study psychology. I have also worked on improving my skills and knowledge through online courses and workshops. - Expressing gratitude and optimism. I have recognized and appreciated the good things in my life, big and small. I have also faced the bad things with courage and resilience. I have focused on the solutions rather than the problems. I have also envisioned a positive future for myself and others. I believe that by maintaining my mental wellness, I can live a fulfilling and meaningful life. I can also contribute to the well-being of others and make the world a better place.

Throughout high school, I’ve lived in a small town in rural Kansas, where most people work hard but don’t earn much. My family is no exception. We have always struggled to make ends meet, and sometimes we have to choose between paying the bills or buying groceries. We have never had any savings, investments, or assets. We have never had any financial security, freedom, or opportunity. But I have a dream of a different life. A life where I can help others and provide for myself. A life where I can achieve what I call “generation wealth” - the kind of wealth that transcends generations and provides more than money. It also provides values, traditions, heritage, and legacy. I want to become a psychiatrist and work with people who suffer from mental health issues. I want to use my skills and knowledge to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental disorders. I want to use my compassion and empathy to support, comfort, and empower my patients. I want to use my voice and influence to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for mental health. I also want to earn enough money to live comfortably and generously. I want to save for my future goals and needs, such as buying a house, traveling the world, or starting a family. I want to invest in my education and career, as well as in other opportunities that can grow my wealth. I want to donate to causes and charities that I care about and make a difference in the world. I also want to honor my family and culture and pass them on to my future generations. I want to share the stories and lessons that my parents and grandparents taught me. I want to celebrate the traditions and customs that make us who we are. I want to preserve the heritage and identity that connect us to our roots. I know that generation wealth is not something that I can achieve overnight or by myself. It is something that I have to work hard for and collaborate with others for. It is something that I have to face challenges for and overcome obstacles for. It is something that I have to learn from mistakes for and grow from failures for. But I also know that generation wealth is something that is worth pursuing and achieving. It is something that will benefit me and others. It is something that will inspire me and others. It is something that will fulfill me and others. I want to achieve generation wealth not only for myself but for my future generations. I want to create a life that will last beyond my lifetime. I want to be a role model that will motivate others to follow their dreams.

Growing up, I was often the only Native American girl in the room. It was tough feeling like an outsider, but I never let it hold me back. Instead, I threw myself into my passions, striving to get good grades, participating in multiple teams sports, becoming the captain of the cheer team, holding various roles in the my school’s theatre programs and being a member of the competitive choir. I loved performing and using my voice to create something beautiful. But deep down, I knew I wanted to do more. I wanted to make a difference in my community, particularly in the area of mental health. I saw the need for better mental health services for Native American youth, and I wanted to help fill that gap. That’s why I plan to attend the College of St. Benedict’s in the fall to study psychology. During my time at St. Ben’s, I hope to continue working with Native American youth and volunteer at local hospitals. I know there is so much to learn and so many ways to grow. I am passionate about mental health and want to make sure that everyone has access to the care they need. As I prepare to start this next chapter in my life, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities I have had so far. I am deeply grateful for the support of my friends and family, who have encouraged me every step of the way. And while I don’t know exactly what my future holds, I hope to use my unique attributes - my resilience, determination, and compassion - to make a positive impact on my community. As a Native American woman, I know that I have a unique perspective and voice. And I am committed to using that voice to help others, to make a difference, and to promote positive change in the world. I hope that someday, I can become a successful psychiatrist and give back to my community by providing mental health services to those who need it most. According to government estimates, nearly 20 percent of Native American adults have experienced mental illness. The suicide rate for Native teens is more than twice that of white youth. Native people experience serious psychological distress at more than double the rate of the general population. These statistics are alarming and heartbreaking, but they also motivate me to pursue my goals and dreams. I believe that culture and community are essential for healing and wellness. Many Native communities share a close attachment to land and nature, a sense of connectedness with the past and with others, strong family bonds, respect for Elders and meaningful traditions. These are some of the protective factors that can help prevent or reduce mental health challenges. They are also some of the values that I cherish and want to uphold. I want to be part of a new generation of mental health professionals who are culturally competent and respectful of Native peoples’ identities and histories. I want to learn from the best practices and evidence-based interventions that have been proven effective for Native populations. And I want to collaborate with other Native leaders and advocates who are working tirelessly to improve mental health outcomes for our communities. I know that this journey will not be easy, but it will be worth it. I have faced many obstacles and challenges in my life, but I have also overcome them with courage and grace. I am proud of who I am and where I come from. And I am ready to take on whatever comes next.