Athletics is the key to my success! My name is Austin Jetmore, I am a Senior at South Paulding High School. As an athlete, I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to succeed in my accomplishments. Being an honor student and an athlete is hard work! Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played various sports. Of all the sports I have played, Baseball is my true passion. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I must maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Athletic drive and ambition is the drive that pushes me to achieve my very best. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my healthy competitive nature and willingness to work hard to accomplish any goal. Sports have taught me how to be competitive while maintaining great sportsmanship, integrity, and merit. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy personal wellness. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive. Winning this scholarship would offset some of my financial responsibility of attending College. I have chosen to play baseball for a college with an NCAA III ranking, no additional funds are given to athletes.

Mental health is the most important aspect of success in everything! My name is Austin Jetmore, I’m a senior with graduation in sight! I can’t think of a more important topic to write about! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to always keep my mental health in check. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I must maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive and encourage and support others to do so as well.

Leadership to me… The ability to lead others with integrity and accountability in any situation. As a high school senior, It is important for me to build relationships, communicate efficiently, and troubleshoot any situation with ease. Some of the most important traits of an effective leader are The ability to anticipate an outcome, empathize with others, and demonstrate generosity. During my high school journey, I have actively held leadership roles in several clubs. Learning new skills to strengthen my own leadership skills has always been a top priority for me. A great leader must be able to anticipate change and adapt to its ever-evolving nature. In the past, I have always been selected “Captain” on various baseball teams. Both on and off the field, It is my duty to maintain my composure while anticipating change and direction. My position as a catcher carried out duties like delegating pitches, redirecting the flow of the game, and reading the opposing team’s next move. It is my job to communicate with my teammates clearly to achieve success in a game. It is an honor and a privilege to manage the inner workings of a great win. A skilled leader must earn the acceptance and trust of others while remaining humble and empathetic. As a leader in several civic, athletic, and religious clubs at school, it is my passion to guide and lead others to their personal success and achievement. Some of my duties as a leader is to be always punctual, reliable, and authentic. These skills help to build faith and respect to lead loyalty. Leaders must be loyal, confident, and visionary. All of these traits make up a courageous and passionate leader. Commitment. A leader must remain consistently committed to supporting others to flourish. I would like to think I present myself as a great role model. I am disciplined and committed to my own personal success. I am always one of the first students in the door at school, always the first in the dugout during baseball games, and often my car is the last to leave the parking lot. I am committed to maintaining a high 4.0 GPA and Honors in all of my classes. Clubs I actively lead are the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, BETA Club, Spearhead (Leadership Club), Spartan Brothers & Sisters, Sources of Strength, and DECA. My participation in various clubs in school has given me the opportunity to thrive in my leadership strengths. As I prepare to start college in the Fall, I vow to continue my leadership on campus. I have chosen a school that was founded on leadership and marries my core values. I am confident that the skills I have learned thus far will help me to continue to be resilient, disciplined, accountable, and passionate during my new journey. I know that with proven strong leadership skills and hard work, I will be the first to graduate college in my family. I am seeking a degree in Sports Medicine with a focus on Kinesiology. I know the importance of the opportunity that I have earned. Along with the skills I have learned thus far, and a good amount of personal grit, I can achieve my dream to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Leadership is the Key to success in all my future endeavors.

Mental health is the most important aspect of personal wellness! Positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to always keep my mental health in check. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I must maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Personal Wellness is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy personal wellness. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

Athletics is the key to my success! As an athlete, I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to succeed in my accomplishments. Being an honor student and an athlete is hard work! Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I must maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Athletic drive and ambition is the drive that pushes me to achieve my very best. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my healthy competitive nature and willingness to work hard to accomplish any goal. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy personal wellness. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

Gun Violence Gun violence is a plague on our society. As an active member in my community, I see how gun violence has affected my peers. In 2021, I witnessed my mother lose a dear friend’s child senselessly. While attending a party with friends, a drive-by shooting ensued and our community lost one of its own. A star athlete, a devoted son, a thriving/caring/giving soul lost. Watching my mother try and comfort her best friend was absolutely devastating. From this moment, I knew I had to make a stand against the violence that is increasing in my town. I live 45min from the center of Atlanta, Ga. Never in my life would I have imagined that its violence would reach my local area. This past weekend, yet another shooting at a “Sweet 16” party took the lives of 2 more of our bright futures and left several others injured. Violence is everywhere, Gun Violence is becoming a senseless norm for our society. How do we change? We have to start with our youth! Currently, I am the leader in several community service clubs in my high school. This gives me the opportunity to serve my fellow students by being an active voice on behalf of my senior class in county meetings. I also serve on the board of Sources of Strength (a national suicide prevention club). These programs give me the opportunity to work hand in hand with my fellow classmates to provide active support and guidance in the prevention of self-harm violence. By playing an active role in the support in my high school to prevent violence, I am working hard to improve my community as well. It is my passion to create more awareness and attention for the kids who have no other means of family stability. One of my goals is to create a mentorship program in my community where children can benefit from stability and guidance. As an athlete myself, I know the importance of sports and inclusion. I currently volunteer through our local park offering no-cost training and coaching for low-income athletes. It is my way of giving back to my community. As a professional, I plan to continue my support my community by working with the local Y.M.C.A and neighboring parks to include all athletes. It is my passion to make sure no child is left behind or abandoned when it comes to being a part of something stable and thriving. In conclusion, I will never forget the lives lost in senseless gun violence that surrounds me. Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of how important is to lift others up beside me. Together as a community we will rise above the sadness and reality of the poor decisions of others and work hard to seek out those who are walking dark paths. I am a believer that it starts with acknowledgment and recognition. We must help our fellow classmates to “belong”. Whether it be at home, in the classroom, or on the ball field, we are commissioned to take a stand against gun violence and help the youth of our community to seek guidance and support from strong leaders. This essay was written in honor of 14yr old “Lando”, #3, Landon Andrews. Taken from our lives senselessly murdered on October 19, 2021. We will never forget the impact you have made on our lives. We will not give up on finding those involved. We love you, and we miss you. We will continue to support and change our community, one child at a time. “LB22”…

Mental health is the most important aspect of success in everything! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to always keep my mental health in check. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I must maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

Mental health is the most important aspect of personal wellness! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to always keep my mental health in check. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I must maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Personal Wellness is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy personal wellness. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

As an athlete, I can not think of a more perfect career to pursue than entering the medical field. Training hard for my sport has taught me the need for a healthy body and mind both on and off the field. I have always dreamed of being a Medical Professional however, it was an injury sustained that clearly defined my pathway into Physical Therapy. This year, while playing in a baseball tournament out of state, I suffered a “boxer’s fracture” while catching a fastball and was rushed to urgent care immediately. It was advised that I head directly into surgery to fix my shattered hand. At the advice of my parents, I packed up my gear and headed home for a second opinion. As soon as I arrived home, we booked an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon. I was surprised to hear that in Lou of surgery, physical therapy was also a solution, thus beginning my journey of healing. After months of care and rehabilitation, I was able to heal perfectly and join my teammates the following season. My experience with this alternative medicine helped me to narrow my field of interest in the specific medical field of Kinesiology and physical therapy. In school, I have worked hard to achieve a high GPA and scholar athlete while actively participating in several leadership clubs. One of my clubs focuses on mental health as it is a suicide prevention club. During my involvement in this club, I noticed that students lack the resources for medical care in my community. Whether it may be cost or accessibility, I became aware of the importance of the need for more guidance and availability for this need. I also took great notice of the need for better healthcare in general for my fellow students. My goal as a medical professional is to make a difference in my community, specifically the high schools in my area. I wish to develop a program where students could have access to seeking out medical care that is easy for them to receive. Programs created to help deal with the daily stresses of school, parents, sports, and the environment. I believe that mental health along with physical health starts with diet/exercise along with a healthy mental state. I would love to be able to provide a platform to create success for students in my community. In my freshman year, I joined a sports management club. I was shocked when I found out that I was the only male enrolled. My second aspiration is to make this club and other social groups like this more gender-neutral so that more men can participate. Having organizations like these at school would continue to promote healthcare and wellness within our community. As I begin to get ready for college in the Fall, I am excited to take this new journey. With hard work and a mountain of Grit, I will be the first to graduate college in my family.

Rock On!!! My Name is Austin Jetmore. I am a high school senior ready to climb new mountains! I live my life bold and unapologetic. My passions are music, love of life, sports, and traveling. Every day is an opportunity for me to learn more about myself and explore new opportunities. When it comes to music, I am a living jukebox. I grew up listening to everything from Metallica/Iron Maiden to Journey/Styx. My friends are often forced to share in my various music genres while riding in my car. Adults are often surprised at my knowledge of music and my multi-generational range of tunes. Growing up in my household, I was raised with heavy metal in the background of my youth. My parents hardcore metal heads always had a heavy beat and strong lyrics playing in our home. At school, you can find me on the baseball field with a pair of earbuds with a heavy beat and the occasional “devil horns” in the air at any given moment. In high school baseball games, you’ll find me walking up to hit/pitch with only the best “walk-up songs”. Some of my favorite past songs have included: “Crazy Train” -Ozzy Osborne, “Get Up” -Korn, “Are you Ready” -Disturbed, “Walk” -Pantera, and this year… “Ruthless” -Nonpoint. Choosing the right intro is vital to setting the stage for your performance. Having a perfect song in your head while going to battle is the key to success on the field. Baseball spectators often mention how awesome my song choice is during games. Metal is Life! My academic goals are to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine with a focus on Kinesiology. I have proven myself a strong leader in my high school balancing a wide variety of leadership and community clubs while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. I know these skills will aid in my new journey of one day becoming achieving my ultimate goal of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. This summer, while playing in a baseball tournament, I sustained an injury that pulled me into the dugout for months. The recovery was long and required many hours of physical therapy. I always knew I wanted to seek a career in Sports Medicine, this however narrowed my path of interest for my career choice. My professional goal is to help athletes live their best life while maintaining good health and wellness. I would greatly benefit from this scholarship because I have chosen to attend a private university. Even with merit scholarships and state grants, the tuition to attend is overwhelming. In addition to attending a prestigious school, I have committed to play baseball for a college that has an NCAA Div. III Athletic program and no additional financial help is provided for athletes. Winning this scholarship would help me to offset the costs of attendance and additional expenses needed for my success. Although It would have been more affordable to attend a state university, I feel that the college I have chosen is the right fit for me. It is my responsibility to fund my college journey. In addition to working while at college, I will have to take out student loans to help pay for my education. Metal plays an important role in my life. Each day for me begins with a heavy intro and ends with the sound of a train horn. I cannot imagine a day without a beat in my head and a drum solo on my steering wheel. Heavy metal sets the tone for each day. I start my day hard and end with a strong finish. As the first to graduate college in my family, I will one day walk across a stage with a neck full of cords and a fist in the air!!!

My #1 Problem today! The need for more mentorship for our youth! As an active member of my community, I see an opportunity for mentorship for our youth. Recently, while volunteering in my community, I came across a single parent reaching out for help raising her male son. Conflicted with the burdens of a full workload and raising a young man all by herself, I witnessed her trying to reach out for help. The young man she is currently raising is lacking a male role model and she was looking for assistance. Sports was the very first thing that came to my mind. As an athlete myself, I know how important athletics is for young men. Teamwork, problem-solving, mental health, communication, creativity, adaptability, respect, conflict resolution, and the list could continue indefinitely. I offered her my thoughts and she simply stated that she could not provide these opportunities due to time obligations and funds needed. Hearing this truly broke my heart. I have played baseball since the age of 7. I have learned the most important life skills on a baseball field. Every child must have the opportunity to play sports. Looking back at my experiences, real-life lessons have been acquired while playing on a team. Having a strong mentorship from another male role model comradery of being a part of a unique family of teammates, these gifts really have helped me transform into a well-rounded and accomplished young man. Because of my experience with the young mom, I have made it my mission to make sports participation available for all. I have made a commitment to give back to my community once I have achieved success in my career. Looking back at the need for better equipment and training facilities in my own high school, I had already made a plan for improvement. Listening to a parent’s needs really set things in motion for me. Sports can be a large expense for a family, especially when there are multiple children living in one household. Working with my community to provide assistance with fees, equipment, and travel for children interested in athletics is my goal. I will work with the local YMCA, city athletic depts., and schools to recognize children that could benefit from playing sports. I will develop a relationship with our city government to create a program where equipment can be made available for those who show need along with fees waived for lower-income families along with multi-child discounts. During my four years in high school, I have volunteered over 300+ hours of community service. My volunteer service has taught me many lessons. I have learned the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and creating purpose in all things. I want to create a platform for youth that helps them to achieve success through mentorship and sports. I feel strongly about the need for young individuals in our community to learn what it takes to achieve a goal. It is my goal to make sure every child who seeks inclusion and development is able to be an important part of something great… like sports! In conclusion, I vow to be a voice for the mother that touched my heart. I can not imagine raising a child in a single-parent family. We have to do more as a community to help raise these children to be productive and thrive. With my help, I will do my best to help solve the lack of mentorship in for youth through the use of sports.

Mental health is the most important aspect of success in everything! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to keep my mental health in check at all times. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I have to maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that actually listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

Mental health is the most important aspect of success in everything! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to keep my mental health in check at all times. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I have to maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that actually listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

Mental health is the most important aspect of success in everything! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to keep my mental health in check at all times. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I have to maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that actually listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

Mental health is the most important aspect of success in everything! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to keep my mental health in check at all times. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I have to maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that actually listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

Mental health is the most important aspect of success in everything! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to keep my mental health in check at all times. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I have to maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that actually listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

Athletics helps me maintain a positive life through mental health. My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to keep my mental health in check at all times. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I have to maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that actually listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

My goal is to offer affordable healthcare to all. The recent Covid pandemic taught me that the need for sustained healthcare for all is a need for all Americans. I witnessed my community struggle with affordable medical care during the pandemic. I also noticed that the health of most Americans was in a terrible state. The average American today is overweight and struggling with both known and unknown health concerns. The American diet is filled with over-processed foods, high sugar content, and lacking fresh fruits/vegetables. The cost of "clean food" is unaffordable for most. When it comes to exercise, is another area of great concern. Most Americans simply do not move their bodies enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These issues gave a great platform of destruction as the average person was not able to fully battle the virus. As a healthcare student, I am passionate about reversing these issues. My first goal: Diet. When I go to the grocery store, I am greeted with pastries and snack foods at the front of the door. An entire entrance full of refined sugar and processed carbohydrates. The produce department is boring and lacks variety. The majority of the store is boxed/canned items. My goal is to help motivate grocery stores into introducing more variety of natural goods. Meeting with the general manager to create a "veggie of the week" or cooking demonstration in store to highlight fresh produce would not only help draw attention to the fresh foods dept. but motivate shoppers to spend more time in the natural foods section. I would recommend special featured items at a sale price to encourage better food choices at an affordable price. My second goal: Physical Fitness. As a Pre-med student, I am passionate about maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. I would encourage my peers (later my patients) to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. The importance of keeping the body in motion helps relieve stress, regulate sugar, increase heart rate, and decrease body fat. All these things are important to keeping Americans healthy and more prepared for any potential future viruses. It has been proven, the more healthy a person is, the better chance for recovery. When I graduate, I will make it my mission to help others around me learn simple ways to introduce exercise into their lives. I will offer affordable options anyone can do regardless of income. In conclusion, I am very concerned with the lifestyle of the majority of Americans today. I feel that healthcare should be easily attainable and offered to all. When I become a Doctor, I will make it my duty to volunteer in my community to teach others how to live a healthy lifestyle. I will work with the local YMCA and surrounding health centers to offer basic guidance and support. I think Americans all have a general want to be healthy, I think at the present time, however, it can seem out of reach and unaffordable. I would also like to include free web simars that would reach out to the community and offer support for all. If we are ever faced with another pandemic again, It is my goal that my fellow Americans be better equipped to handle a situation like the last.

As a student seeking the best education Georgia has to offer, I have chosen to attend Berry College. Some would say choosing a private university is a far reach for a "first responder's kid", but I have never backed down from a good challenge. Here I am! A senior with a passion to serve and give back while achieving personal success. Throughout my four years of high school, I have demonstrated responsibility, leadership, and commitment. As a first-generation college student in my family, I know the importance of a strong work ethic and gratitude along the way. I know that it will take continued devotion to reach my goal of obtaining my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Giving Back! Throughout my life, I've been raised to believe that to succeed, you must not only push yourself up a mountain, but you must help others rise alongside you. The sum of one's worth is not only measured by his own success but what he has done for others. I am passionate about giving back as others have supported me. During my four years in high school, I have volunteered over 300+ hrs. of community service. Some of my favorite activities have been Atlanta Food Bank's Feeding America, winter coat drives, Operation Christmas Shoebox, Illiteracy in Africa book drive, Spartan Brothers & Sisters, IMPACT baseball program for youth, and work with the National Cemetery. My most recent passion is my work with our local animal shelter. I volunteer to clean and care for the animals that are awaiting adoption. It is my duty to help socialize the animals as they are often scared and timid in an unfamiliar environment. I help to interact with the dogs/cats in order to better prepare them for possible adoptions. The love that is given to me in return is unmeasurable. It gives me a sense of purpose and worth as I know I am making a difference in their lives, and mine as well. One of my most passionate ways of improving my community is through my leadership in Sources of Strength (a national suicide prevention club). I lead/attend regular meetings throughout Georgia in preparation to serve my fellow teens and help navigate life as a high schooler. My work with this club helps build protective influences and reduce the likelihood that vulnerable youth become suicidal. This club has helped train me to be a peer leader who can connect them with adult advisors at school and in our community. As an active leader in several organizations/clubs, I have proven to be not only an honor student but a productive member of my community. Growing up in a family, with two parents who have consistently served our community, I have learned the value of helping others and giving back. I have tutored students, coached little league, and washed out kennels to better serve my "village". Now as I prepare for college, it is my promise to continue helping others as they have helped me ready my next adventure. I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor. I knew early on in my student career that it would take an enormous amount of effort on my part to achieve this success. With my continuous efforts, active engagement in my community, and a stack of faith... I will succeed!

Serving my community is something I have always been passionate about. Being the son of a First Responder, I have experienced firsthand, the need for compassion and giving to others. My very first experience with helping my community started when I started working with the Atlanta Food Bank. Alongside my father, we would help feed and clothe those less fortunate than myself. Being able to provide assistance to others gave me a sense of humility and worth thus, feeding my want to continue to help my community. Beginning in middle school, I decided to make it my mission to help others like my parents. I joined several community service clubs so that I could continue my service. When I finally got to high school, I became actively involved with more organizations. Being an active member and leader in the National Honor Society, BETA, Spanish Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has given me multiple opportunities to assist with help in my community. For each of these clubs, I am required to serve hours helping with local and state needs. Some of my activities have included: food/coat drives, Literacy for African children, Christmas shoeboxes, laying wreaths at the National Cemetary, and over 300+ additional hours of community service within my local area. Recently, I began volunteering at our local Animal Shelter. I help clean pens, walk dogs, and socialize with the animals in order to better their chances of adoption. It is important to me to help at the local shelter because all of our 4-legged family members were once shelter dogs once too. I enjoy working with the animals as they are genuinely thankful for any attention and love. The activity I am most passionate about is my leadership in Sources of Strength. This is a national suicide prevention program designed to help youth in my community reduce the likelihood that vulnerable youth with become suicidal. I know the importance of positive mental health among teens. In this club, I attend meetings countywide in order to better learn ways to help my fellow classmates. At school, I organize events to better support teens like myself help navigate high school and life in a more supported environment. I believe is my duty to give back to my community as it has supported me throughout my youth. I will continue to support my community as I further my education. The college I have chosen to attend has a rich history of service. This is important to me as I was raised from a young age to know the importance of helping out/lending a hand. My parents have taught me to be humble and kind, helpful and thankful. I know a lot of my personal success has come from the help of others, and I intend to do the same. Throughout my four years of high school, I have demonstrated responsibility, leadership, and commitment. Being an honor student, I have managed my time wisely and achieved high academic standards. I have earned the Chick-fil-a Leadership Award, Georgia Certificate of Merit (State of the Georgia/University of Georgia), and several Merit awards based on my GPA. I achieved all of these great honors while serving my community. I feel that your scholarship will help me and my family offset some of my academic costs. Thank you for your time and consideration.

"Integrity means doing what is right, even when no one's looking" As a young man, I am responsible for my actions, words, and associations always. I am a son. I live by the expectations my parents instilled in me at a young age. Their morals and strong faith helped me build the strong worth I have today. My father taught me to be a gentleman. He raised me, to be honest, sincere, caring, and kind. My mother showed me how to reach for the stars and never give up, never give in. My parents taught me how to work hard for the things I want and need. Each of these gifts has helped me to earn high achievements on my own accord. I am a brother. I have expectations to be a role model for my younger brother. Each day I strive to be the very best example of myself. I know he looks to me for guidance and I want to make sure he never has to question my intentions or decisions. Pressure is on me always lead him in the right direction. I know he's always watching me. I am a faithful Christian. I live by my faith and directions clearly laid out in my religious obligations. I know that I am responsible for my own actions and I vow to always be faithful and true to my devotions. If ever I am to be judged for my merit and valor, I want to make sure I honor and uphold my duties as a Christian. Lastly, Integrity to me, means you can count on me. I'll always be true, honest, and reliable. I will use this character value in my pursuit of my career goals. As a student wanting to pursue a degree in the medical field, I know that integrity is the single most important value I must always demonstrate.

Wow! My Favorite Question! Baseball is always on my mind. So many great memories have come out of this sport for me and others. I currently play on two teams, my high school, and travel ball. Starting with high school, I am going into my senior season playing with the same school for four years. To name the many memories I have gained, the best is the elite eight and winning region champions. Winning the region championship was a huge accomplishment for the team and the school's first-ever region title. Getting to hoist the trophy up and walk the hallways to see the trophy in the display case every day, is a great feeling. Then the same season making it to the elite eight has never been done at the school. Walking in that season critics said we could be dangerous and we were. My travel ball team travels everywhere to play baseball, this season we traveled to Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. Getting to end high school ball and then traveling with other players is the best feeling. Getting to meet new people from all over the country that come to that also share the love of baseball is awesome! Baseball is the greatest sport ever! Being one of the harder sports to play, it requires grit, time, work, and determination to be successful. Baseball is like a game of chess. Trying to determine what a catcher is going to call, and what the pitcher is going to throw requires a good understanding of the art of the game. I use the word grit to describe what it takes to play baseball. You must understand that baseball is a game of failure, the stats show that seven out of ten times you will fail in hitting the ball. This challenge is what I love about baseball. I get to achieve the overcome odds while proving the stats can be wrong. It is a love of the game that inspires me. I know that what I put into the game is what I will get out of training the mind, body, and emotions to play succeed. My hands-down, absolute favorite baseball player is Yadier Molina. He is the catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Molina is amazing behind the plate. Commanding the attention of the pitcher and team, he is a true leader. Not only is he talented on the field, but his ability to overcome obstacles is why he is my favorite baseball player. Immigrating from Puerto Rico to America to play baseball for the major league, he is an inspiration to me. I admire his talent, drive, and perseverance. My favorite baseball team is the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are the oldest team in baseball history with 155 years at the start of 1876. They have won two world series titles and multiple division-winning titles. I love rooting for my home team! I Love Baseball!!! Baseball is what I breathe, live, and eat every day, and can't wait till I get the next opportunity to play the sport I love.

Mental health is the most important aspect of success in everything! My experience in keeping a balance of positive mental health is key to maintaining a working balance between the things I must do and the things I need to accomplish. I learned early in my high school career that juggling a work/life balance is necessary to keep my mental health in check at all times. Being a student is always a challenge. Keeping grades up, learning more about myself, and growing into a young man can always present a good amount of stress. For me, playing a sport (baseball) offers me a way to relieve some of the stresses found in the classroom and daily life. For many years, I have played sports. As a catcher on my high school and travel team, I have to maintain a healthy mental status as I am responsible for calling pitches and keeping my teammates encouraged. In the past, when I've felt myself getting overwhelmed by my sports or classroom responsibilities, I head to the field for some extra practice and "blow off steam". There's just something special that takes place on the baseball field/cage that takes my mind off pressing issues. Having positive mental health also helps me in the clubs I lead and participate in. One club in particular "Sources of Strength", ( a national teen suicide prevention club), has given me the opportunity to not only improve my mental health but offer support to my community. Helping my classmates learn strategies to help cope with the daily stress of being a teen/student/young adult, helps me to feel accomplished and proactive. Mental health is important in my relationships. Being able to positively handle situations with my family and friends while working hard to accomplish my own personal goals is vital to my success. I am fortunate to have the skills needed to work through most situations with ease because of my knowledge of my own mental status. When I'm stressed, I know I can talk with adults that can help me navigate my next course of attention. I know that I am surrounded by a community that I feel safe reaching out to if I have questions. My peers feel can rest assured that I will help when needed also. As far as my career aspirations, I am seeking to achieve my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I feel that society, as it stands today, is dependent solely on medication and less on actual therapy and self-care. I feel that many injuries today can be managed with a more holistic approach. Healing must come from a healthy mental status first. When we think are injured, it can affect our mental status. A poor mental state of mind can lengthen the time it takes to heal. Offering more balanced medical care should start with a plan of repair mentally. Physical care starts with a doctor that actually listens to your concerns. It is my dream to be a medical professional that treats patients with love and actual concern. I want to offer my services with proper follow-up and treatment. In conclusion, I feel that I have learned how to navigate my transition as a young adult with healthy mental health. Each day, I try and learn new skills to keep my life balanced and productive.

I am passionate about Sports Medicine! As an athlete, it is vital to my success to stay in shape and maintain wellness. As a career, I want to help other athletes reach their goals by providing medical care and guidance. I have always had an interest in field of health care. This year, as a Senior, I sustained an injury that left me unable to play for my high school and travel baseball team. I was at a tournament in Ft. Meyers, Fl and broke my hand. It was recommended by Urgent Care that I go straight into surgery because of the severity of my injury. I decided to return to Georgia for a second opinion. When I met with the Orthopedic Dr. upon my return, he suggested other paths of recovery. After several weeks of wearing a cast and physical therapy, I was once again able to return to the field. After this experience, I started to research the field of Sports Medicine further. In my research, I became interested in Kinesiology. I felt that my recent injury taught me that not all injuries must result in surgery. By the use of physiology and movement, athletes can improve their mobility. Because of my experience, I have become interested in this field of study and wish to further my education in the field of Sports Medicine. As a student, I have applied myself 100% and currently hold a 4.0 GPA. I'm active in several clubs and organizations at my high school. Some of my clubs include the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Beta, DECA, Spearhead, Sources of Strength (a suicide prevention club), and Spartan Brothers & Sisters. I volunteer my time at school and in my community because it keeps remaining humble and helpful. I work hard to maintain my grades even when I balance several commitments at any given time. I have received several awards for my academics and merit. Some of my recently received is a Georgia Certificate of Merit from the State of the Georgia/University of Georgia and Chick-fil-a Leadership. In my high school baseball program, I have earned Scholar-Athlete, "Most Valuable Player", and Spartan Awards (the highest award for Merit and leadership in our high school athletic program). These accomplishments are important to me as they prove my committed success both on and off the field. I know the importance of keeping the mind and body in shape while achieving these goals. I am hoping that anyone reading this essay will see why I am passionate about pursuing a degree in the field of Medicine. My achievements prove that I am committed to my own personal success and dedication. My goal is to receive my Doctorate in Sports Medicine and help athletes like myself achieve their very best.

Dog Life!! I can't imagine life without a dog in it! My name is Austin Jetmore and I'm a senior at South Paulding High School in Douglasville Ga. The importance of sharing my life with my dogs is vital to my mental health and peace. In our home, we currently have two rescue, mixed breed Chihuahuas. In the past, we've rescued larger breeds like Rottweiler and Walker hounds. This is the first time we've ever shared our home with little guys. Being a teen, often I can feel overwhelmed at my consistent drive to be the very best. Coming home to a wagging tail and a smile every day gives me joy and purpose. I enjoy taking my two dogs with me to the park. Both of my dogs enjoy car rides and sit right beside me in the passenger seat when we venture out. Since I was a little kid, my family has been passionate about rescuing animals. Each one of our adopted family members come with their own unique stories. Often we are surprised at how their personality shows after a few weeks of consistent love and affection. Having a home full of dogs is a full time responsibility for each member of my family. My responsibilities are to make sure they are fed, walked, and loved. What I love best about sharing my life with a dog is the ultimate friendship they each offer. No matter what kind of day I have had, I know I can expect an excited friend waiting for me as soon as I come home. The bond between a boy and his dog is unmeasurable. I can't wait for our next adventure that we can share together. My favorite vacations are always spent with my canine buddies. I love trips to the beach, mountains, and parks. I love the excitement on their faces when we take them to a place they've never been. Having a dog helps me feel needed. I know at the end of the day, they each depend on me to care for them. Dogs play a huge role in my life. I currently play baseball for my high school and national travel baseball organization. I also hold a 4.0 GPA and have dreams of being a Dr. of Sports Medicine. Because of the high expectations I hold for myself, and my drive to be the very best, relaxing with my dogs is important for me. Being able to come home and spend quality time with each of them keeps me grounded and balanced in all of my other commitments. At the end of the day, nothing beats a great snuggle on the couch with one of my furry family members. I'm blessed to share this life with two loyal friends.

Mental Health is the Key to success in every aspect of my success. As a high school senior, I have learned that keeping a school work/life balance is vital to achieving each one of my goals. Some of the things I have found help me to juggle the daily stresses of deadlines and achievements in the classroom, sports, and life in general. I have find myself in stressful situations as I strive for excellence in school and in sports. My inner drive to succeed often keeps me up at night. I have found that playing sports help me to regulate my emotions. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while playing for both my high school and national travel baseball teams. There were times it wasn't easy playing for two teams. Some nights, I would go from one practice to another. I once bought a head lamp to study on the hour long car ride home from practice in my parent's car. Most nights I wouldn't get into bed before midnight. Every morning however, I would go in early for tutoring, a club meet, or just to hit in the cages before school. It is my belief that, sports can play a vital role in the success of a person's mental health. Being a member of a team helps with inclusion and acceptance. Playing a sport also helps manage the stress of academic pressures. I am a leader in the Sources of Strength Club, a Suicide Prevention Resource Program that helps teens in my community deal with the daily stress of high school and being a youth. As a teen, I realize the importance of mental health for myself and friends. I have watched my peers struggle with school work/life balance. Our club helps focus on 8 sources of strength that help build a strong mental health. Generosity, Spirituality, Physical Health, Mental Health, Family Support, Positive Friends, Mentors, and Health Activities... These pathways that help provide a platform for success in a positive mental health. Some of my responsibilities as a leader in this club include: Student Mentoring, field trips to speak on behalf of the my high school student body, community outreach on suicide prevention, and attending meetings on how to improve my ability to help peers. I am passionate about helping others with balancing their mental health. I am also a volunteer in my high school "Spartan Brothers and Sisters Club". This is a club that helps to bridge the connection between rising freshmen and high school. It is my belief that there can be stress when joining a new school. Providing a comfortable transition to a new school is the key to success for mental health. Finally, my faith has helped me navigate my own personal mental health. As a leader in my high school FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Club, I work to provide a spiritual foundation for fellow athletes. Having a religious pathway for myself, has offered me a strong platform to help when I've felt the need for a mental health resource. I encourage others to seek spiritual guidance and support even if it is different than my own personal religious views. Having a spiritual foundation is helpful in maintaining a strong mental health. In conclusion, I am on a pathway of leadership. I vow to continue to be an advocate for mental health in my community. I will encourage others to seek mental health and not be afraid to reach out when help is needed. I will always offer to listen and provide support for others. Mental health is important to all.