I believe that my desire to learn began at a very young age. I was speaking and reading much earlier than the average child. I was hungry to learn all the words, concepts, facts, etc. that I could possibly know. As a result, I only spent one day in kindergarten before the teacher moved me to first grade. Despite skipping a grade, I continued to thrive. All that sounds amazing, but the truth is, the start to my life’s journey was not as smooth as I thought it would turn out.
At a young age, my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which literally turned my life upside down. That, among other events, led to my battle with mental health issues. These issues complicated day-to-day tasks and events that should have been easy to achieve, yet for me they were impossible feats that challenged me in ways I never thought they could. Due to all of these factors, I have decided that after I graduate, I want to go on to get my master's degree and eventually get into a program that studies the effect of trauma on children, as well as ways to prevent children from developing mental health disorders due to the trauma.
My ideal job would allow me to study and actively help clients through therapy. I have always wanted to be someone who people can come to with their problems whether they are looking for advice, coping, or for someone just to listen. I have always believed that voicing and sharing your feelings is important, as I once lived in a time where I was scared to do that. This caused my struggles to become harder than they needed to be. The last thing I want is to see someone fall into the place I was in, as I believe no one should have to go through such a thing. I really enjoy being able to help people, whether it be by giving advice or just listening, and I have taken on that role with several people in my life. It allows me to feel like I am making a difference which helps tremendously in my own healing journey. My experiences have allowed me to become very aware of my needs and enabled me to advocate for them. Also, I value the skill of reflection, as it allows me to measure my progress in positive ways, while also showing me the bigger picture of life.
In addition to skipping kindergarten, I have also fulfilled all my credit requirements as a junior in high school; overall graduating two years early. I have committed to attend Western New England University to major in Psychology. My plan once I have finished my 4 years is to go on to a master's degree, hopefully in social work. A PhD is an idea in my head, but I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit to that yet. Overall, despite my struggles, I have used them to push me to be successful, proving to myself that I am capable of great things, no matter what obstacles may lie in my path. I have demonstrated my strength by persevering to finish school two years early. My overarching goal in life is through helping others, I can also continue with my journey of also healing myself.