My experience with mental health has shaped the way I understand people, relationships, and my future in a way I never expected. Before going through it, I think I understood sadness in a very surface-level way. I knew people could be upset or going through hard things, but I didn’t fully understand how deeply it could affect someone’s everyday life. That changed when I watched my sister Jordy go through one of the hardest times in her life after her dad passed away. After it happened, everything about her changed. She wasn’t the same energetic, present person she used to be. Instead, she became quieter, more distant, and seemed to carry a sadness that never really left her. Even when she tried to act okay, I could see it in small ways like in her expression, in the way she spoke less, and in how she seemed like she was always thinking about something heavier than what was in front of her. What made it especially hard for me was that it scared me. I didn’t know how to process what I was seeing, and I didn’t know how to help her in a way that actually mattered. I wanted so badly to fix it or take away what she was feeling, but I couldn’t. That helpless feeling stuck with me. I would find myself constantly worrying about her, even when I wasn’t around her, thinking about whether she was okay or if there was something more I should be doing. I didn’t have any big solution or perfect way to support her. The only thing I really knew how to do was just be there. So that’s what I did. I showed up for her in the ways I could. I listened when she talked, even when she didn’t say much. I stayed present, even when things felt uncomfortable or heavy. I learned that sometimes support doesn’t look like fixing something, it looks like not letting someone feel alone in it. Over time, that experience changed how I see mental health completely. I realized that a lot of people are carrying things that others don’t see. From the outside, someone can seem fine, but internally they might be struggling in ways that are hard to explain or even understand. I also learned that grief isn’t something that follows a timeline. It doesn’t just “end” when people expect it to. It shifts, it lingers, and it shows up differently for everyone. That understanding changed how I show up in my relationships. I became more patient and more aware that people might be going through things they don’t talk about. I started paying more attention to how people act when they are overwhelmed or quiet, and I learned to check in more often in simple ways. I also learned that listening is more powerful than I used to think. Sometimes people don’t need advice, they just need to feel heard and understood without judgment. At the same time, this experience also taught me something important about myself. I learned that while I care deeply about the people in my life, I can’t carry everything for them. I had to understand the difference between supporting someone and trying to take on their pain as my own. That was not easy for me, especially because I care so much about the people close to me, but I realized that constantly worrying and holding everything inside wasn’t helping either of us. Learning that balance was difficult, but necessary. This experience also influenced my goals for the future. Before going through this, I didn’t think as deeply about mental health or how much it impacts people’s daily lives. But after seeing what my sister went through, I started to understand how important emotional support really is. It made me realize that there are so many people who are struggling quietly and don’t always have the support they need. Because of that, I feel more drawn toward a future where I can help people in some way, whether that is in healthcare, counseling, or another field where I can make a difference in someone’s life. I want to be in a position where I can help people feel seen, understood, and supported, especially during the moments when they feel like they are carrying things alone. Looking back, I don’t think I realized at the time how much that experience would change me. It didn’t just teach me about mental health, it taught me about empathy, patience, and presence. It showed me that you don’t always have the answers, and you don’t always know the right thing to say, but being there still matters. Even when I felt scared and unsure, I stayed. And in the end, that taught me more than anything else. Overall, going through this with my sister changed the way I see the world. It made me more aware of what people might be carrying silently, more compassionate toward people who are struggling, and more grateful for the importance of simply showing up. I learned that I don’t have to fix everything to make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes, just being there is enough, and that is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

One of the biggest hardships I’ve faced was learning how to push through setbacks while working toward my goals in softball. Softball has been a huge part of my life, and I have always wanted to be the best player and pitcher I can be. What people don’t always see are the hours of work, frustration, and self-doubt that happen behind the scenes. There have been times when I felt like I wasn’t improving as fast as I wanted to. I would put in extra work, go to pitching lessons, spend time in the gym, and still feel frustrated when I wasn’t seeing the results I expected. It was hard watching other players succeed while feeling like I was stuck in the same place. There were practices where nothing seemed to go right and games where I left feeling disappointed in myself. The biggest obstacle wasn’t physical—it was mental. I had to learn how to stop focusing on what I couldn’t do yet and start focusing on what I could do each day to get better. Instead of thinking about how far away my goals seemed, I broke them into smaller steps. I focused on improving one thing at a time, whether it was my mechanics, my strength, my stamina, or my mindset. I also learned how important consistency is. There were plenty of days when I was tired or didn’t feel motivated, but I showed up anyway. I kept going to lessons, working out, practicing, and trusting the process even when it felt like nothing was changing. Over time, those small efforts started adding up. Another skill I developed was being willing to accept feedback. It isn’t always easy to hear what you need to improve, especially when you’re already working hard. Instead of getting discouraged, I learned to listen to my coaches, ask questions, and use their advice to get better. That helped me grow not only as an athlete but also as a person. Looking back, the greatest achievement wasn’t a specific game, award, or statistic. It was proving to myself that I could keep going when things got difficult. I learned discipline, resilience, and patience. I learned that success doesn’t happen overnight and that growth often comes from the moments that challenge you the most. The lessons softball has taught me go far beyond the field. They have shown me how to handle adversity, stay committed to my goals, and continue working even when progress feels slow. Because of these experiences, I am more confident in my ability to face future challenges and achieve the goals I set for myself.

Faith has always been one of the most important parts of my life, and it is something I plan to carry with me as I begin college at Shoreline. No matter where life takes me, I want my faith to continue guiding my decisions, my attitude, and the way I treat others. My favorite Bible verses, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,” remind me to trust God and give my best effort in everything I do. As a pitcher, I have experienced a lot of high-pressure situations. Whether it’s a close game, a full count, or runners on base, there are moments when the pressure can feel overwhelming. In those situations, my faith helps me stay calm and focused. Instead of worrying about the outcome, I remind myself to trust my preparation, compete with confidence, and give everything I have. Softball has taught me that not everything will go perfectly, but faith has taught me that setbacks do not define me. Being a student-athlete has also shaped my academic goals. Balancing school, practices, games, travel, and training has required discipline and time management. There have been days when I felt exhausted or overwhelmed, but those experiences have taught me how to stay committed to my goals even when things get difficult. I know those lessons will help me succeed in college and beyond. My family has been one of my biggest sources of support throughout my life. They have encouraged me through challenges, celebrated my successes, and helped me become the person I am today. Their sacrifices have motivated me to work hard and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I want to make them proud by continuing my education and pursuing my goals with the same determination they have always shown me. As I start this next chapter at Shoreline, I am excited to continue growing as a student, an athlete, and a person of faith. College will bring new challenges and opportunities, but I know that the values I have learned through faith, family, and softball will help guide me through them. My goal is not only to earn a degree and continue playing the sport I love, but also to be a positive influence on my teammates and those around me. No matter what the future holds, I want to approach it with faith, gratitude, and a willingness to work hard in everything I do.

I have become more aware of mental health through my own experiences with body image and how it can affect confidence and self-esteem, even if it isn’t something I’ve openly talked about. Because of this, I’ve learned how important it is to be kind and understanding toward others, since you never really know what someone else is dealing with. This has helped me become more mindful of how I treat and support people around me. I try to be encouraging, positive, and respectful, especially in environments like school and sports where confidence plays a big role. I’ve learned that even small actions, like being supportive or including others, can make a big difference in someone’s mental well-being. My experiences have helped me develop empathy and a stronger understanding of how I have become more aware of mental health through my own experiences with body image and how it can affect confidence and self-esteem, even if it isn’t something I’ve openly talked about. Because of this, I’ve learned how important it is to be kind and understanding toward others, since you never really know what someone else is dealing with. This has helped me become more mindful of how I treat and support people around me. I try to be encouraging, positive, and respectful, especially in environments like school and sports where confidence plays a big role. I’ve learned that even small actions, like being supportive or including others, can make a big difference in someone’s mental well-being. Also, my experiences have helped me develop empathy and a stronger understanding of how important mental health is, and I want to continue being someone who contributes to a positive and supportive environment for others. mental health is, and I want to continue being someone who contributes to a positive and supportive environment for I have become more aware of mental health through my own experiences with body image and how it can affect confidence and self-esteem, even if it isn’t something I’ve openly talked about. Because of this, I’ve learned how important it is to be kind and understanding toward others, since you never really know what someone else is dealing with. This has helped me become more mindful of how I treat and support people around me. I try to be encouraging, positive, and respectful, especially in environments like school and sports where confidence plays a big role. I’ve learned that even small actions, like being supportive or including others, can make a big difference in someone’s mental well-being. My experiences have helped me develop empathy and a stronger understanding of how important mental health is, and I want to continue being someone who contributes to a positive and supportive environment for others.

My drive to become a teacher comes from my own experiences growing up and the impact my teachers and coaches have had on me over the years. I’ve always enjoyed being around kids, and I naturally find myself wanting to help, support, and encourage them. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much of a difference a good teacher can make, not just in academics but in how a student feels about themselves. Two teachers who really stand out to me are Mrs. Blackwell and Mrs. Aszklar. Both of them always made me feel heard and cared for. They created a classroom environment where I felt comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and actually learning without feeling stressed or judged. Having teachers like that showed me how important it is for students to feel supported, not just taught. That experience really stuck with me and is a big reason why I want to become a teacher. My coach Alicia also had a big impact on me because she truly believed in me and everything I could do. She pushed me to be confident in myself and helped me see my potential, even when I didn’t always see it. That kind of belief from a coach showed me how powerful encouragement can be, especially for kids who are still building confidence. I’ve also learned a lot through sports and coaching younger kids. Being in those environments has shown me how much patience, encouragement, and communication matter when working with children. I’ve seen how kids respond when someone takes the time to explain things in a way they understand and actually believes in them. Even small moments of support can make a big difference in their confidence and effort. Over time, I’ve realized I don’t just want to work with kids, I want to make a difference in how they experience learning. My goal is to create a classroom where students feel safe, respected, and excited to learn. I want them to feel the same way I felt in Mrs. Blackwell’s and Mrs. Aszklar’s classes are heard, cared for, and capable, and the same confidence I gained from Coach Alicia. Ultimately, I want to be the kind of teacher who not only helps students academically but also helps them believe in themselves. I want to make learning something students enjoy and feel confident in, just like my best teachers and coaches did for me.

Being on the field has really shaped who I am, not just as a softball player but as a person overall. When I first started playing, it was mostly about getting better, learning the game, and trying to compete. But over time, I’ve realized softball has taught me lessons that go way beyond the field and have helped shape my character, my mindset, and my goals for the future. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to deal with pressure and mistakes. As a pitcher, you’re kind of in control of everything, and there’s a lot of pressure that comes with that. If something goes wrong, you can’t just shut down or carry it into the next pitch—you have to reset right away. I’ve had games where I didn’t start off how I wanted or where things didn’t go my way, but I’ve learned that one moment doesn’t define the whole game. That mindset has helped me outside of softball too. In school or in life, if something doesn’t go right, I’ve learned to stop overthinking it and just focus on what I can do next instead of letting it bring me down. My coaches and teachers have also played a huge role in shaping who I am. Coach Alicia really stands out to me because she believed in me even when I wasn’t fully confident in myself. She pushed me to see what I was capable of and helped me grow into a stronger, more confident player. That kind of support made a big impact on me because it showed me how important it is to have someone who sees your potential and helps you reach it. My teachers, Mrs. Blackwell and Mrs. Aszklar, also made a big difference for me. They always made me feel heard and cared about, not just as a student but as a person. That made me want to work harder, not just to succeed, but because I didn’t want to let them down after everything they’ve done to support me. Softball has also taught me discipline and consistency. It’s not just about showing up for games. It’s lessons, pitching workouts, strength training, and going to the gym even when I don’t feel like it. I’ve learned that motivation comes and goes, but discipline is what actually keeps you improving. Even when I don’t see immediate results, I’ve learned to trust the process and keep putting in the work. All of these experiences have shaped my goals for the future. I want to keep playing softball at a higher level after high school, but I also want to grow into a leader on and off the field. I want to be someone younger players can look up to and feel supported by, the same way I’ve been supported by my coaches and teachers. Eventually, I’d love to give back to the sport through coaching or mentoring, because I know how much of an impact that support can have on someone.

My drive to become a teacher comes from my own experiences growing up and the impact my teachers and coaches have had on me over the years. I’ve always enjoyed being around kids, and I naturally find myself wanting to help, support, and encourage them. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much of a difference a good teacher can make, not just in academics but in how a student feels about themselves. Two teachers who really stand out to me are Mrs. Blackwell and Mrs. Aszklar. Both of them always made me feel heard and cared for. They created a classroom environment where I felt comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and actually learning without feeling stressed or judged. Having teachers like that showed me how important it is for students to feel supported, not just taught. That experience really stuck with me and is a big reason why I want to become a teacher. My coach Alicia also had a big impact on me because she truly believed in me and everything I could do. She pushed me to be confident in myself and helped me see my potential, even when I didn’t always see it. That kind of belief from a coach showed me how powerful encouragement can be, especially for kids who are still building confidence. I’ve also learned a lot through sports and coaching younger kids. Being in those environments has shown me how much patience, encouragement, and communication matter when working with children. I’ve seen how kids respond when someone takes the time to explain things in a way they understand and actually believes in them. Even small moments of support can make a big difference in their confidence and effort. Over time, I’ve realized I don’t just want to work with kids, I want to make a difference in how they experience learning. My goal is to create a classroom where students feel safe, respected, and excited to learn. I want them to feel the same way I felt in Mrs. Blackwell’s and Mrs. Aszklar’s classes is heard, cared for, and capable, and the same confidence I gained from Coach Alicia. Ultimately, I want to be the kind of teacher who not only helps students academically but also helps them believe in themselves. I want to make learning something students enjoy and feel confident in, just like my best teachers and coaches did for me

I am someone who has always enjoyed being around kids and working with them. I’ve had experience through sports and coaching that has shown me how important it is for kids to have positive role models who are patient, encouraging, and supportive. I’ve also been lucky to have teachers who made learning enjoyable for me, and those experiences really shaped how I view education. The best teachers I’ve had were the ones who made the classroom feel welcoming, fun, and safe while still pushing students to do their best. That is the kind of educator I want to be for others. If I have the opportunity to work with elementary children, my goal would be to create a classroom where students feel excited to learn and comfortable being themselves. I want learning to feel engaging instead of something they feel forced to do. I would try to make lessons interactive through hands-on activities, group projects, movement, and real-life examples so students can connect what they are learning to the world around them. I believe kids learn best when they are actively involved and when lessons feel meaningful to their lives. Academically, I would focus on breaking down lessons in a simple and clear way so students can fully understand the material without feeling overwhelmed. I would be patient and willing to explain things in different ways because every student learns differently. I would also encourage curiosity by creating a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating without fear of being wrong. I think mistakes are a big part of learning, and I would want students to see them as opportunities to grow instead of something negative. On the social and emotional side, I would focus on building strong relationships with my students so they feel safe, valued, and respected in the classroom. I would take time to get to know them as individuals and check in with how they are doing, not just academically but emotionally as well. I would encourage kindness, teamwork, and respect among students and create a classroom culture where everyone feels included. I believe students learn better when they feel supported and when they know their teacher genuinely cares about them. My goal is to be the kind of educator who makes learning enjoyable, meaningful, and accessible for all students. I want to help students build confidence not only in their schoolwork but also in themselves. I hope to create a classroom environment where students feel excited to come each day, feel supported through challenges, and leave knowing they are capable of achieving success.