My entire life has been shaped in some way by my experience with mental health, although not necessarily always negatively. My relationship to people and the world around me is the healthiest it's ever been because of the struggles that I've had and all the growth I've made to get here. I started having bad anxiety as far back as I can remember. In the 90s, there wasn't much awareness around mental health and my parents didn't even know what anxiety was. I went undiagnosed for a very long time. As a preteen, the depression came and once again, my parents had no idea. I tried to hide my symptoms from them and didn't want to be a burden. It was really isolating. At 18 came the drugs and things just sort of spiraled out of control for a few years until my mid twenties. At the peek of drug addiction I formed some of the closest friendships I've ever had. Some of them didn't make it out on the other side but I will always cherish the people they were, underneath all the problems and self medicating. I've always been a huge introvert and unfortunately, drugs were my way of making friends. I am still very shy and struggle making friends but the relationships I do have, I've learned not to take for granted. I try to enjoy being around the people in my life, from coworkers to family. I offer my support and compassion because I know what it feels like when those things are lacking. As far as goals, I didn't have any until I starting prioritizing my mental health and decided to get clean. I struggled with that for a little bit but I've been clean now for about 8 years and my mental health is stable. I'm at a place where I'm comfortable and in love with life. I am able to raise an incredible little boy and keep a roof over our heads. Which is where school comes in, for a good portion of my adult life, I've been focused on the goal of survival; Now I want to thrive.

Well, let me start with the obvious answer, Eleven. Need I say more? Oh I do need to say more? OK. She's the toughest character on the show. She literally blasted "One" through dimensions and into the upside down, banishing him to an eternity alone in a dark and ashy hellscape. She can manipulate things with her mind and if you're comfortable with the sight of blood, it's truly a feat to behold. Eleven always manages to save the day, just in the nic of time. Then I would chose Mike. Mike is passionate and determined, he is not the type to run and hide. He boldly stands up for his friends and what he believes in. He may be frail but what he lacks in muscle, he makes up for in heart. Being the fearless leader and strong critical thinker that Mike is, he is a great person to have on your team. Last but not least, I would chose Hopper. Hopper is fiercely strong willed and he's a no nonsense kinda guy. He's a tough guy- a brut, but he will surprise you with just how caring and selfless he can be. He is insanely resourceful, just look at the entire fourth season if you need proof. There are many characters to consider, but I think my lineup of Eleven, Mike and Hopper have the greatest odds of defeating the foes and once again saving the town of Hawkins... and possibly, the world.