While many people view mental health struggles solely as a negative, I have learned to recognize the growth, strength, and purpose that can come from them. Living with mental illness is by no means easy, but my journey has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my experiences, I have learned to love myself, recognize when I need help, and understand that my life is worth living. Growing up, I was always the person others could turn to when they needed someone to listen. I was the “therapist friend,” always checking in on others, offering support, and reminding them that they were never alone. I never imagined that I would one day find myself on the other side, needing that same support myself and reaching out to a crisis line when I felt like I could no longer handle everything on my own. I was a happy, energetic girl who always had a smile on her face. Throughout the years, the smile remained, but the happiness faded. My smile became a mask for what I was experiencing, and I constantly put others before myself. That changed a few years ago when my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around the same time, I was sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was also my best friend, passed away. Following these experiences, my mental health declined, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world felt like it was crumbling. I contemplated ending my life, cried myself to sleep, and harmed myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who once looked in the mirror and loved herself became someone who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who could not wait to grow up became a girl who did not want to live anymore. Through all of this, I lost the most important relationship in my life: the one I had with myself. I fell into such a dark place that I no longer knew who I was. I would look in the mirror and see my reflection, but I did not recognize the girl staring back at me. That reflection was not the happy, energetic girl I once was. I had lost the person I used to be somewhere along the way, and for a while, I did not know how to find her again. My parents already had so much on their plates, and I did not want to add to their struggles. I convinced myself that I needed to handle what I was going through on my own. I kept smiling, pretending everything was okay, and keeping my feelings to myself. I thought asking for help would make me a burden, so I kept everything inside and tried to be strong for the people around me. Eventually, I realized that I could not continue carrying everything alone, and I accepted the help I needed. I began therapy, which ultimately saved my life. Therapy gave me a safe space to express the feelings I had kept inside for so long without feeling judged or like a burden. For the first time, I had someone believe in me when I couldn’t even believe in myself. Through therapy, I learned how to cope with my experiences, understand my emotions, and begin rebuilding the relationship I had with myself. Most importantly, therapy taught me that asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and an important part of healing. Although I would never wish what I experienced on anyone, my journey opened my eyes to my purpose: helping others. I want people to know that things can get better, that it is okay not to be okay, and that struggling does not make them weak. My experiences have inspired me to dedicate myself to becoming a therapist and supporting others the way my therapist once supported me. Helping others has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I love being a shoulder to lean on, listening when someone needs to be heard, and reminding people that they are never alone. My own struggles taught me how much it means to feel heard, understood, and cared for, and I want to give that same feeling of comfort and support to others. Recently, I started volunteering for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and I can finally say that I have made it to the other side. The girl who was once in crisis is now the girl helping others through theirs. The girl who used to stay up all night overthinking is now staying up to help someone else. The girl who once looked in the mirror and cried now looks in the mirror and smiles. Being on the other side is living proof that things really do get better. It is hard to believe that I went from being the person who needed help to being the person who now gets to give it. For a long time, I thought I had lost the girl I used to be forever. I lost sight of who I was, what made me happy, and why my life mattered. Now, I understand that finding myself was never about becoming the girl I was before; it was about learning to love the girl I became. I no longer look in the mirror and see everything I have been through. I see someone who survived it, grew from it, and chose to keep going. Most importantly, I see someone I love and am proud of. The obstacles I faced were never the end of my journey; they were simply bumps in the road that shaped me into who I am today. My struggles may be a part of my story, but they will never be the ending. As I continue my journey toward becoming a therapist, I use my experiences to remind others that their story is not over either.

While many people view mental health struggles solely as a negative, I have learned to recognize the growth, strength, and purpose that can come from them. Living with mental illness is by no means easy, but my journey has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my experiences, I have learned to love myself, recognize when I need help, and understand that my life is worth living. Growing up, I was always the person others could turn to when they needed someone to listen. I was the “therapist friend,” always checking in on others, offering support, and reminding them that they were never alone. I never imagined that I would one day find myself on the other side, needing that same support myself and reaching out to a crisis line when I felt like I could no longer handle everything on my own. I was a happy, energetic girl who always had a smile on her face. Throughout the years, the smile remained, but the happiness faded. My smile became a mask for what I was experiencing, and I constantly put others before myself. That changed a few years ago when my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around the same time, I was sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was also my best friend, passed away. Following these experiences, my mental health declined, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world felt like it was crumbling. I contemplated ending my life, cried myself to sleep, and harmed myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who once looked in the mirror and loved herself became someone who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who could not wait to grow up became a girl who did not want to live anymore. Through all of this, I lost the most important relationship in my life: the one I had with myself. I fell into such a dark place that I no longer knew who I was. I would look in the mirror and see my reflection, but I did not recognize the girl staring back at me. That reflection was not the happy, energetic girl I once was. I had lost the person I used to be somewhere along the way, and for a while, I did not know how to find her again. My parents already had so much on their plates, and I did not want to add to their struggles. I convinced myself that what I was going through was something I needed to handle on my own. I continued to put on a smile, pretend everything was okay, and keep my feelings to myself. I thought asking for help would make me a burden, so I kept everything inside and tried to be strong for the people around me. Eventually, I realized that I could not continue carrying everything alone, and I accepted the help I needed. I began therapy, which ultimately saved my life. Therapy gave me a safe space to express the feelings I had kept inside for so long without feeling judged or like a burden. For the first time, I had someone believe in me when I couldn’t even believe in myself. Through therapy, I learned how to cope with my experiences, understand my emotions, and begin rebuilding the relationship I had with myself. Most importantly, therapy taught me that asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and an important part of healing. Although I would never wish what I experienced on anyone, my journey opened my eyes to my purpose: helping others. I want people to know that things can get better, that it is okay not to be okay, and that struggling does not make them weak. My experiences have inspired me to dedicate myself to becoming a therapist and supporting others the way my therapist once supported me. Helping others has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I love being a shoulder to lean on, listening when someone needs to be heard, and reminding people that they are never alone. My own struggles taught me how much it means to feel heard, understood, and cared for, and I want to give that same feeling of comfort and support to others. Recently, I started volunteering for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and I can finally say that I have made it to the other side. The girl who was once in crisis is now the girl helping others through theirs. The girl who used to stay up all night overthinking is now staying up to help someone else. The girl who once looked in the mirror and cried now looks in the mirror and smiles. Being on the other side is living proof that things really do get better. There was a time when I needed someone to be there for me, and now I get to be that person for someone else. It is hard to believe that I went from being the person who needed help to being the person who now gets to give it. For a long time, I thought I had lost the girl I used to be forever. I lost sight of who I was, what made me happy, and why my life mattered. Now, I understand that finding myself was never about becoming the girl I was before; it was about learning to love the girl I became. Through everything I experienced, I discovered a strength in myself that I never knew existed and learned that the relationship I have with myself is the one I will carry through every part of my life. I no longer look in the mirror and see everything I have been through. I see someone who survived it, grew from it, and chose to keep going. Most importantly, I see someone I love and am proud of. The obstacles I faced were never the end of my journey; they were simply bumps in the road that shaped me into who I am today. What once felt like things that would break me became experiences that gave me strength, purpose, and a deeper understanding of myself and others. My struggles may be a part of my story, but they will never be the ending. As I continue my journey toward becoming a therapist, I will carry that lesson with me and use my experiences to remind others that their story is not over either.

While many see mental health issues as negative, I have learned to recognize the growth and purpose that can come from them. Living with mental illness is not easy, but my journey has shaped me. Through it, I have learned to love myself, ask for help, and realize my life is worth living. Because of my experiences, mental health is extremely important to me as a student and has become a major part of why I want to become a therapist. Growing up, I was always the person others could turn to when they needed someone to listen. I was the “therapist friend,” reaching out to others and reminding them they were never alone. I never imagined that I would one day find myself needing help myself. I was a happy, energetic girl who always had a smile on her face. The smile remained, but the happiness faded. That changed when my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around the same time, I was sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was also my best friend, passed away. Following these experiences, my mental health declined, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world felt like it was crumbling. I contemplated ending my life and harmed myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who once loved herself became someone who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who loved spending time with friends wanted to be alone. Eventually, I accepted help and began therapy, which ultimately saved my life. Therapy gave me a safe space to express what I had been holding in and taught me that asking for help is not weakness. Although I would never wish what I experienced on anyone, my journey opened my eyes to my purpose: helping others. I want people to know that things get better, it is okay not to be okay, and asking for help is not weakness. I advocate for mental health by creating spaces where people feel supported, heard, and comfortable reaching out. As a member of my school’s Social Work Society Board at my University, I help organize events that bring students together and create opportunities to raise awareness about mental health and important issues within our community. Beyond my involvement on campus, I advocate for mental health in my everyday life by reminding my friends that they can always come to me when they need someone to listen. I believe that sometimes, simply knowing someone is there can make a difference. My own struggles have taught me how meaningful it is to feel heard, understood, and supported, which is why I strive to be that person for others. Recently, I started volunteering for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and I can finally say I have made it to the other side. The girl who was once in crisis is now the girl helping others through theirs. People who are struggling reach out to 988, and I get to respond, listen, and help them through it. As I continue my journey toward becoming a therapist, I will use my experiences not as something that defines me, but as a reminder of why I am here and why I chose to help others.

While many see mental health issues as negative, I have learned to recognize the growth and purpose that can come from them. Living with mental illness is not easy, but my journey has shaped me. Through it, I have learned to love myself, ask for help, and realize my life is worth living. Growing up, I was always the person others could turn to when they needed someone to listen. I was the “therapist friend,” reaching out to others and reminding them they were never alone. I never imagined that I would one day find myself needing help myself. I was a happy, energetic girl who always had a smile on her face. The smile remained, but the happiness faded. My smile became a mask for what I was experiencing, and I put others before myself. That changed when my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around the same time, I was sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was also my best friend, passed away. Following these experiences, my mental health declined, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world felt like it was crumbling. I contemplated ending my life and harmed myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who once loved herself became someone who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who loved spending time with friends wanted to be alone. The girl who could not wait to grow up became the girl who did not want to live anymore. My parents already had so much on their plates, and I did not want to add to them. Instead, I pretended everything was okay and convinced myself I needed to handle it alone. Eventually, I accepted help and began therapy, which ultimately saved my life. Therapy gave me a safe space to express what I had been holding in and taught me that asking for help is not weakness. Although I would never wish what I experienced on anyone, my journey opened my eyes to my purpose: helping others. I want people to know that things get better, it is okay not to be okay, and asking for help is not weakness. I have dedicated myself to becoming a therapist and supporting others the way my therapist supported me. Helping others has become so important to me. I love being a shoulder to lean on, and my struggles taught me how much it means to feel heard. Recently, I started volunteering for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and I can finally say I have made it to the other side. The girl who was once in crisis is now the girl helping others through theirs. The girl who used to stay up overthinking is now staying up to help someone else. The girl who once looked in the mirror and cried now looks in the mirror and smiles. Being on the other side is living proof that things really do get better. It is hard to believe I went from needing help to being the person who now gets to give it. People who are struggling reach out to 988, and I get to respond, listen, and help them through it. As I continue my journey toward becoming a therapist, I will use my experiences not as something that defines me, but as a reminder of why I am here and why I chose to help others.

While many people think of mental health issues solely as a negative, I also see the positives. Living with mental illness is in no way all fun and games; however, it has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my journey, I have learned to love myself and realized that my life is worth living. Growing up, I was a happy, energetic, and laughing girl who always had a smile on her face. Throughout the years, the smile part remained true, but the happy girl faded. No matter how much I was struggling, the smile was my mask to hide what I was going through, and I would always try to help others before myself. However, that all changed a few years ago, my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around that same time, I got sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was my best friend, had passed away. Following this, my mental health decreased, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world was crumbling right at my fingertips. Every day I would contemplate ending it all, yet my smile remained. I would cry myself to sleep, yet my smile remained. I would harm myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who would eat ice cream for dinner turned into the girl who barely wanted a piece of fruit. The girl who looked in the mirror and loved herself turned into the girl who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who would fall asleep right when she got into bed turned into the girl who was up all night thinking. The girl who loved hanging out with her friends turned into the girl who wanted to be alone. The girl who couldn't wait to grow up turned into the girl who didn't want to live anymore. My parents already had so much on their plates, and the last thing I wanted to do was add to it. So, instead, I acted like everything was ok and felt like I needed to handle it on my own. A few weeks went by, and I eventually accepted help and went to therapy, which ended up saving my life. Therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of the feelings that I had been holding in for so long. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world: helping others. Helping others realize that things do get better. Helping others realize it’s okay not to be okay. Helping others realize that they are not weak when asking for help. And helping others realize that their life is worth living. If I had ended my life years ago, I would not be able to help others, and helping even just one person is worth a lifetime. Growing up, I've always been the “therapist” and friend that everyone can always come to. For that reason, I have dedicated the rest of my life to becoming a therapist and supporting others, just like my therapist did for me. When I help someone else, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. So, while mental illness definitely has its negatives, it’s important to always remember to look on the bright side and grow from everything you have been through. As I navigate this journey of becoming a therapist, I will remember to not forget about myself in the process. While helping others is extremely important to me, helping myself is just as crucial. Given this, I will stay in therapy and take self-care days as needed. I will remind myself that my life is worth living and remind those around me as well. Thank you for your time and consideration :)

While many people think of mental health issues solely as a negative, I also see the positives. Living with mental illness is in no way all fun and games; however, it has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my journey, I have learned to love myself and realized that my life is worth living. Growing up, I was a happy, energetic, and laughing girl who always had a smile on her face. Throughout the years, the smile part remained true, but the happy girl faded. No matter how much I was struggling, the smile was my mask to hide what I was going through, and I would always try to help others before myself. However, that all changed a few years ago, my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around that same time, I got sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was my best friend, had passed away. Following this, my mental health decreased, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world was crumbling right at my fingertips. Every day I would contemplate ending it all, yet my smile remained. I would cry myself to sleep, yet my smile remained. I would harm myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who would eat ice cream for dinner turned into the girl who barely wanted a piece of fruit. The girl who looked in the mirror and loved herself turned into the girl who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who would fall asleep right when she got into bed turned into the girl who was up all night thinking. The girl who loved hanging out with her friends turned into the girl who wanted to be alone. The girl who couldn't wait to grow up turned into the girl who didn't want to live anymore. My parents already had so much on their plates, and the last thing I wanted to do was add to it. So, instead, I acted like everything was ok and felt like I needed to handle it on my own. A few weeks went by, and I eventually accepted help and went to therapy, which ended up saving my life. Therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of the feelings that I had been holding in for so long. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world: helping others. Helping others realize that things do get better. Helping others realize it’s okay not to be okay. Helping others realize that they are not weak when asking for help. And helping others realize that their life is worth living. If I had ended my life years ago, I would not be able to help others, and helping even just one person is worth a lifetime. Growing up, I've always been the “therapist” and friend that everyone can always come to. For that reason, I have dedicated the rest of my life to becoming a therapist and supporting others, just like my therapist did for me. When I help someone else, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. So, while mental illness definitely has its negatives, it’s important to always remember to look on the bright side and grow from everything you have been through.

While many people think of mental health issues solely as a negative, I also see the positives. Living with mental illness is in no way all fun and games; however, it has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my journey, I have learned to love myself and realized that my life is worth living. Growing up, I was a happy, energetic, and laughing girl who always had a smile on her face. Throughout the years, the smile part remained true, but the happy girl faded. No matter how much I was struggling, the smile was my mask to hide what I was going through, and I would always try to help others before myself. However, that all changed when a few years ago, my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around that same time, I got sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was my best friend, had passed away. Following this, my mental health decreased, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world was crumbling right at my fingertips. Every day I would contemplate ending it all, yet my smile remained. I would cry myself to sleep, yet my smile remained. I would harm myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who would eat ice cream for dinner turned into the girl who barely wanted a piece of fruit. The girl who looked in the mirror and loved herself turned into the girl who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who would fall asleep right when she got into bed turned into the girl who was up all night thinking. The girl who loved hanging out with her friends turned into the girl who wanted to be alone. The girl who couldn't wait to grow up turned into the girl who didn't want to live anymore. My parents already had so much on their plates, and the last thing I wanted to do was add to it. So, instead, I acted like everything was ok and felt like I needed to handle it on my own. A few weeks went by, and I eventually accepted help and went to therapy which ended up saving my life. Therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of the feelings that I had been holding in for so long. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world: helping others. Helping others realize that things do get better. Helping others realize it’s okay not to be okay. Helping others realize that they are not weak when asking for help. And helping others realize that their life is worth living. If I had ended my life years ago, I would not be able to help others, and helping even just one person is worth a lifetime. Growing up, I've always been the “therapist” and friend that everyone can always come to. For that reason, I have dedicated the rest of my life to becoming a therapist and supporting others, just like my therapist did for me. When I help someone else, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. So, while mental illness definitely has its negatives, it’s important to always remember to look on the bright side and grow from everything you have been through. As I navigate this journey of becoming a therapist, I will remember to not forget about myself in the process. While helping others is extremely important to me, helping myself is just as crucial. Given this, I will stay in therapy and take self-care days as needed. I will remind myself that my life is worth living and remind those around me as well. Thank you for your time and consideration :)

While many people think of mental health issues solely as a negative, I also see the positives. Living with mental illness is in no way all fun and games; however, it has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my journey, I have learned to love myself and realized that my life is worth living. Growing up, I was a happy, energetic, and laughing girl who always had a smile on her face. Throughout the years, the smile part remained true, but the happy girl faded. No matter how much I was struggling, the smile was my mask to hide what I was going through, and I would always try to help others before myself. However, that all changed when a few years ago, my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around that same time, I got sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was my best friend, had passed away. Following this, my mental health decreased, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world was crumbling right at my fingertips. Every day I would contemplate ending it all, yet my smile remained. I would cry myself to sleep, yet my smile remained. I would harm myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who would eat ice cream for dinner turned into the girl who barely wanted a piece of fruit. The girl who looked in the mirror and loved herself turned into the girl who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who would fall asleep right when she got into bed turned into the girl who was up all night thinking. The girl who loved hanging out with her friends turned into the girl who wanted to be alone. The girl who couldn't wait to grow up turned into the girl who didn't want to live anymore. My parents already had so much on their plates, and the last thing I wanted to do was add to it. So, instead, I acted like everything was ok and felt like I needed to handle it on my own. A few weeks went by, and I eventually accepted help and went to therapy which ended up saving my life. Therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of the feelings that I had been holding in for so long. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world: helping others. Helping others realize that things do get better. Helping others realize it’s okay not to be okay. Helping others realize that they are not weak when asking for help. And helping others realize that their life is worth living. If I had ended my life years ago, I would not be able to help others, and helping even just one person is worth a lifetime. Growing up, I've always been the “therapist” and friend that everyone can always come to. For that reason, I have dedicated the rest of my life to becoming a therapist and supporting others, just like my therapist did for me. When I help someone else, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. So, while mental illness definitely has its negatives, it’s important to always remember to look on the bright side and grow from everything you have been through. As I navigate this journey of becoming a therapist, I will remember to not forget about myself in the process. While helping others is extremely important to me, helping myself is just as crucial. Given this, I will stay in therapy and take self-care days as needed. I will remind myself that my life is worth living and remind those around me as well. Thank you for your time and consideration :)

While many people think of mental health issues solely as a negative, I also see the positives. Living with mental illness is in no way all fun and games; however, it has shaped me into the person I am today. Through my journey, I have learned to love myself and realized that my life is worth living. Growing up, I was a happy, energetic, and laughing girl who always had a smile on her face. Throughout the years, the smile part remained true, but the happy girl faded. No matter how much I was struggling, the smile was my mask to hide what I was going through, and I would always try to help others before myself. However, that all changed when a few years ago, my twin sister was diagnosed with multiple incurable illnesses and was fighting for her life. Around that same time, I got sexually assaulted by a stranger, and my cousin, who was my best friend, had passed away. Following this, my mental health decreased, and I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My world was crumbling right at my fingertips. Every day I would contemplate ending it all, yet my smile remained. I would cry myself to sleep, yet my smile remained. I would harm myself, yet my smile remained. The girl who would eat ice cream for dinner turned into the girl who barely wanted a piece of fruit. The girl who looked in the mirror and loved herself turned into the girl who looked in the mirror and cried. The girl who would fall asleep right when she got into bed turned into the girl who was up all night thinking. The girl who loved hanging out with her friends turned into the girl who wanted to be alone. The girl who couldn't wait to grow up turned into the girl who didn't want to live anymore. My parents already had so much on their plates, and the last thing I wanted to do was add to it. So, instead, I acted like everything was ok and felt like I needed to handle it on my own. A few weeks went by, and I eventually accepted help and went to therapy which ended up saving my life. Therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of the feelings that I had been holding in for so long. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world: helping others. Helping others realize that things do get better. Helping others realize it’s okay not to be okay. Helping others realize that they are not weak when asking for help. And helping others realize that their life is worth living. If I had ended my life years ago, I would not be able to help others, and helping even just one person is worth a lifetime. Growing up, I've always been the “therapist” and friend that everyone can always come to. For that reason, I have dedicated the rest of my life to becoming a therapist and supporting others, just like my therapist did for me. When I help someone else, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. So, while mental illness definitely has its negatives, it’s important to always remember to look on the bright side and grow from everything you have been through.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. I am attending Monmouth University in the fall and I am enrolled in a 5 year social work/mental health masters program.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world. Helping others realize that it gets better and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself once, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. I am going to become a therapist. Not just any therapist, but a therapist who ensures her clients know it is okay not to be okay and that things do get better. I am eager to learn the necessary skills to help others. It is my time to help others, not just my friends, become a better version of themselves, just like so many people have helped me. I will achieve this by majoring in Social Work and Psychology at an institute I have not yet committed to.

With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Originally I thought needing extra help like therapy was a weakness, but I soon realized that was not the case. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. She helped me cope with the anxiety I was feeling on a day-to-day basis. I constantly had this pit feeling in my stomach, always worrying that something bad was going to happen whether it was myself or my siblings' health. Experiencing my own mental health struggles and traumatic events, I have relied on therapists to help me. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. Whether a friend receives a poor exam grade or a silly break-up, I am honored to be the friend they call to work through their emotions. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. By pursuing a mental health career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. I am going to become a therapist. Not just any therapist, but a therapist who ensures her clients know it is okay not to be okay and that things do get better. I am eager to learn the necessary skills to help others. It is my time to help others, not just my friends, become a better version of themselves, just like so many people have helped me.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a crybaby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. This scholarship would benefit me because the majority of my parent's time and money goes to medical bills and caring for my sister. This scholarship will help them balance college and medical bills better.

Using my education and experience, I will address the ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a cry baby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. If mental health issues were given more consideration, attention, and awareness, more individuals would be willing to seek help, rather than struggle alone. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Originally I thought needing extra help like therapy was a weakness, but I soon realized that was not the case. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. She helped me cope with the anxiety I was feeling on a day-to-day basis. Experiencing my own mental health struggles and traumatic events, I have relied on therapists to help me. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. I am going to become a therapist. Not just any therapist, but a therapist who ensures her clients know it is okay not to be okay and that things do get better. I am eager to learn the necessary skills to help others. It is my time to help others, not just my friends, become a better version of themselves, just like so many people have helped me.

With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Originally I thought needing extra help like therapy was a weakness, but I soon realized that was not the case. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. She helped me cope with the anxiety I was feeling on a day-to-day basis. I constantly had this pit feeling in my stomach, always worrying that something bad was going to happen whether it was myself or my siblings' health. Experiencing my own mental health struggles and traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, I have relied on therapists to help me. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. Whether a friend receives a poor exam grade or a silly break-up, I am honored to be the friend they call to work through their emotions. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. By pursuing Counseling and Clinical Psychology, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label. While I would love to experience being a therapist to teenagers, specifically teenagers who have gone through traumatic events, I would also like to work with kids with disabilities. Kids with special needs have a huge place in my heart as I have spent hours volunteering and working with them. For years I have volunteered at Top Soccer, an organization for kids with disabilities to play soccer and have fun, regardless of their capabilities. I also work at Daisy, an organization for kids with special needs. Daisy has different programs that run throughout the year, as well as camps where kids participate in stimulating activities, make friends, socialize, and learn their worth. Given this and my passion for helping others, I think that being a therapist for kids with special needs will be the perfect addition to my future path as a therapist. I am going to become a therapist. Not just any therapist, but a therapist who ensures her clients know it is okay not to be okay and that things do get better. I am eager to learn the necessary skills to help others. It is my time to help others, not just my friends, become a better version of themselves, just like so many people have helped me.

The mental health system is broken, and I want to be a part of the change. There is an ongoing stigma on mental health. The phrase “You are such a psycho!” or “What a cry baby,” and the expectation to “Just be happy,” are commonly directed at individuals who struggle with mental health issues. People who go to therapy or need to take medicine every day are seen as weak. They are judged from an illness that they never asked for, and may not be physically visible. Mental health needs to be taken just as seriously as physical illnesses that one may be able to physically see. When I first started going to therapy, I noticed myself fabricating doctor's appointments or making up other excuses to try and hide the truth. The societal stereotypes on mental health resulted in me feeling ashamed about going to therapy. Receiving additional support and guidance should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but to many people, myself, it is. Mental illnesses are often minimized as if they aren't important. Yet, the reality is that people lose their lives to these types of conditions every single day. Suppose that I had a rough night due to anxiety and needed an extra hour of sleep or a mental health day to rest up, this absence would not count as an excused absence. Conversely, if my twin sister Chloe woke up with a head or stomach ache, and needed to skip school, this absence would be excused. This is not to say that one reason is more important than the other - in fact, just the opposite. Both physical and mental health should be taken equally as seriously. Mental health is a real, relevant problem that needs more awareness and attention before more lives are lost. With my brother and twin sister being in and out of the hospital, my parents' plates were already full. The last thing I wanted to do was to add to it with my mental health problems or just normal teenage drama. Given this, therapy gave me the perfect safe place to share all of my feelings that I had been holding in. I trusted my therapist with everything. Even after going through traumatic events like being sexually assaulted, my therapist was always there for me to provide comfort and guidance. These circumstances taught me that I can do the same for others. While I wouldn’t wish the things I've been through on anyone else, it has opened my eyes to my purpose in this world, helping others. Helping others realize that circumstances do get better, it’s okay not to be okay, and that you are not weak to ask for help. Growing up I've always been the “therapist” friend that everyone can always come to. No matter the time of day, I would always be there for others. My friends always tell me that I always know what to say in every circumstance, regardless of the situation. As we walk through their emotions, I make sure to validate how they feel and think of positive strategies and coping skills. When I help someone else feel better during tough times, it helps me just as much. I love being a shoulder to lean on, making sure everyone knows that they are never alone. Through this career, I can continue this passion of mine and live up to the “therapist friend” label.