If I had the chance to shake up the mental health landscape, my unique contribution would focus on creating a model of support that's woven right into the fabric of daily life for marginalized communities, much like the women and girls at UWEAST. These individuals are often refugees who carry the weight of their world on their shoulders—a world that I know all too well. Like them, I've navigated the rough seas of mental health challenges, from ADHD to depression and eating disorders, often feeling alone and adrift. What I’d bring to the table isn’t just empathy, but a blueprint for change based on lived experience. I've learned to manage my struggles, not by traditional means alone, but through community support, accessible tools, and open conversations. My approach would revolve around integrating mental health care into community centers, making it as routine as a visit to the grocery store. It'd be about equipping places like UWEAST with resources that transform them into sanctuaries of healing—where therapy, support groups, and mental health education are as readily available as a comforting embrace. The end goal? To ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone or without aid, and to prove that mental health care need not be a luxury but a fundamental right. By tapping into the communal spirit and resilience of these communities, mental health care can become a shared journey towards wellness, where the cost is not a barrier, but the return is priceless peace of mind.

My dream job looks like a canvas painted with the vibrant stories of my community—a community often overlooked and underserved, where resources are scarce and support systems are limited. It's not just any role I'm after; I want a career where my daily work means lifting up those around me, especially the marginalized East African women and girls who have come to San Diego seeking refuge and hope. I envision working with organizations like the United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST), which is dedicated to empowering these resilient spirits. In this dream role, I'm not just a bystander but an active participant in building the community from the ground up. I've witnessed firsthand how we've had to rely on our collective strength, to create opportunities for ourselves without access to the best resources. My goal is to be a conduit of change, leveraging my connections and relationships to ensure that these women and girls receive the support and advocacy they deserve. What's crucial to me in a career is the scope of impact. I'm drawn to where I can contribute most significantly, where my actions and efforts resonate deeply within the community. The potential to facilitate change and provide substantial aid is what will guide my future career search. It's not about the title or the prestige—it's about where I can serve best and affect real change. As someone who has navigated life with undiagnosed ADHD, who has felt lost, broken, and sometimes like a failure due to various mental health challenges, I yearn to be the champion for others that I had to become for myself. Growing up, dealing with ADHD, depression, and eating disorders without much guidance was an uphill battle. I want to ensure that the girls and women in my community never feel that they are facing these challenges alone. I see myself using my position to introduce resources and support systems for those battling mental health issues and disabilities, particularly in the East African community, where such topics can be taboo. On my watch, I aim to shatter these taboos and create an environment of openness and acceptance. In my dream job, I'm not just providing services—I am advocating, educating, and empowering. I'm ensuring that mental health is not whispered about in shadowed corners but discussed openly, with the support and understanding it deserves. I aim to be a living testament to these women and girls that someone is fighting for them, that they have an ally in their corner who knows their struggles and will tirelessly work to carve out paths of hope and success for them. This is more than a career; it's a calling. A calling to serve, to uplift, and to advocate—a commitment to using every bit of my strength and resources to be the support I once needed. As I search for my place in the professional world, I'm looking for an organization that aligns with this mission, one that not only acknowledges the challenges but also strives to overcome them with passion and perseverance. I'm on a quest to make a lasting difference, and I won't settle for anything less.

Living sustainably isn't just about making a statement; it's about taking real, everyday actions that accumulate into a significant impact on our planet. That's why, in my daily life, I've woven intentional choices that contribute to a greener world, reflecting my commitment to reducing my carbon footprint. As an intern with San Diego 350, an organization at the forefront of tackling climate change, I've realized that combating global warming calls for collective action. Within SD350, I'm part of the Climate Conference Team, where we're actively bridging connections with other local nonprofits. The collaboration isn't just about dialogue; it's about mobilizing resources and community influence to create substantial change. This dedication to my role has led to my nomination as Team Leader of Outreach, a position where I aim to magnify our message and galvanize community action. But advocacy work is just one facet of my sustainable lifestyle. Transportation, a significant contributor to carbon emissions, is an area where I consciously make greener choices. I drive a hybrid car, which drastically reduces gas consumption compared to traditional vehicles. Yet, I try to leave the car at home, opting for public transport, biking, or walking whenever possible. It's about doing my bit to cut down on fossil fuel reliance and encouraging others to consider how their commute impacts the environment. Another innovative step I've taken is integrating the Ecosia search engine extension into my web browsing. Each search with Ecosia contributes to tree planting efforts, turning a routine online activity into a force for environmental restoration. It's a small but powerful reminder that our digital lives can have a positive ecological footprint. Participating in local beach cleanups with community organizations is yet another avenue where I contribute my time and energy. These cleanups are not only about removing litter from our beautiful shores but also about preserving marine life and raising awareness of the pollution that threatens our oceans. Similarly, I'm diligent about recycling, understanding that waste reduction and proper sorting of recyclables can significantly reduce landfill waste and the resulting emissions from waste processing. Beyond these individual actions, I recognize the importance of systemic change. That's why I'm collaborating with Alliance San Diego, where we're rallying support for Monica Montgomery, a politician with environmentally progressive policies. Our advocacy aims to secure her a seat as County Supervisor. We need leaders who will implement robust regulations on the oil and gas industries, which are the juggernauts of climate change. Advocating for candidates who prioritize green policies is critical because while individual actions are necessary, impactful legislation can steer us towards a more sustainable future at a much larger scale. In essence, sustainability for me is about the choices I make every day and the larger initiatives I contribute to through my work with nonprofits and political advocacy. It's a testament to the belief that every small habit—from choosing a hybrid car to supporting green politicians—matters. And it's this patchwork of efforts, from personal lifestyle adjustments to collective action, that can weave a greener future. By living sustainably and advocating for environmental policies, we're not just reducing our carbon footprint; we're also setting a precedent, lighting the way for others to follow suit in the urgent fight against climate change.

Taking care of your mind is just as important as acing a test or scoring a degree, especially when you're juggling the books and figuring out who you are. I know this firsthand. As someone who didn't have much money growing up and was the first in my family to graduate from college, I've felt how much mental health can make or break your school days and shape your future. Battling depression, ADHD, and bulimia hasn't been easy, but I've learned how to take care of myself and it's made all the difference. Yoga weekly, eating right, sticking to a sleep schedule, staying off social media, and keeping both a physical planner and phone alerts help me stay on track. Working out is my secret weapon against depression. All these steps keep me grounded and focused, helping me manage my mental health not just to survive, but to truly thrive. My school years weren't just about hitting the books; they were a true test of mental toughness. This battle and victory lit a fire in me to stand up for mental health as I dive into my master's in nonprofit administration. I've got big dreams to lift others up, to be that leader who makes a difference right where it's needed. At the United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST), where I work now, I meet women and girls who remind me of my own story. They've come to San Diego from all over East Africa, many with barely anything in their pockets, trying to find their place in a world that's pretty new to them. They're dealing with a lot: not enough cash, feeling out of place, and often, some really tough past experiences. To help out, I've been getting our community the tools for a healthy mind. I teamed up with the KROC Center to get these families free passes. Why? Because when you move, you feel better – it's as simple as that. And when you feel better, you do better in every part of your life. I didn't stop there. Knowing how hard it can be to get help for your mind, I reached out to apps like Calm and Balance. I managed to snag free subscriptions to share a bit of peace and focus with those who could hardly afford these little lifelines. Meditation and a calm mind shouldn't be something only the well-off can enjoy. But true advocacy isn't just about deals and partnerships. It's about conversations, the ones I have every day, trying to wash away the shame that can come with mental health struggles. I share my story. I listen. I show that it's okay not to be okay and that by sharing, we build bridges and understanding. I lead workshops, have real talks, and give the power back to the women and girls so they can steer their own course toward mental wellness. I've walked in similar shoes, facing the tough mix of challenges that can mess with your head. That's why I'm all-in on making sure no one in my community has to go it alone or stay quiet. With my eyes on leading in the nonprofit world, I'm set on making support for mental health not just a one-time thing but a forever kind of support woven into the very heart of what we do. It's more than a cause for me; it's personal. Every step I take, every partnership I build, every story I share is about lighting a path for others just like me, turning my past struggles into a beacon of hope for others.