Have you ever watched someone get stuck in time? I did, when my little brother was diagnosed with multiple mental disabilities and wouldn't progress like other kids his age. Everyone improved while he was left behind. My mom and I struggled to help him. Undoubtedly, communication was our biggest struggle. He would become frustrated when we could not tell what he wanted, and we would grow frustrated at our inability to understand. It was a silent struggle that neither friends nor family could relate to. Criticism was the only sentiment they could offer. Kenny, my now-twelve year old brother, can finally can say three-word sentences, and I have never been more proud. The amazing people to thank were the speech therapists who worked tirelessly with him. I want to do the same. I want to one day bring peace to a hopeless family who wonders if their child will ever progress, just like I had been wondering. Those years of pushing him to speak taught me the importance of proper communication, articulation, and the impact we have on people as a result. So many parents take for granted when their child starts speaking their mind, but it is actually the start of navigating the world of language, engrained in every part of the world. I was always told that I was too sensitive, a crybaby, or too sympathetic. When I was around 8, I met a homeless woman. After listening to her story and giving her some money, I cried on the train ride home. My dad always scolded me whenever I cried, unless it was a "valid" reason. Crying over a perceived stranger was definitely not a "valid" reason to become emotional in his eyes. He was much more disappointed when I revealed my aspirations to become a speech-language pathologist, questioning whether it was worth the many years and tuition money for a career that was solely based on giving all your efforts to "strangers". I think sympathy is what makes us human. My dad and his lack of support have made me question myself too, making me unsure if 7 years are worth it. Only my single mother is supportive, and even then, we have a low income, and she would prefer me work straight out of high school. However, I'm committed to Kean University, and I'm committed to ease the burden of struggling families in the future. Although I questioned myself so much over my senior year, I have decided to do everything I can to achieve this goal. I have applied to countless scholarships to try and lift the financial burden as much as I can. I'm working a part-time job in order to keep supporting my mother and brother. I am aware that the next 6 years of working, pursuing a master's degree and doing internships will be difficult, but nothing is as satisfying to me than seeing people happy. Seeing my mother smile every time my brother learns a new word will forever be my favorite sight. I want to be a speech-language pathologist because I truly believe it will help the world be a little better, a little kinder. I want to advocate for people with disabilities and advocate for those who can't speak for themselves, at least, not yet. I want laws and businesses and society overall to acknowledge the struggles that exist in the world and accommodate to the needs of others because sympathy is what makes us better people.