2017 was a year of survival filled with sickness and grief, pushing me to persevere against life’s obstacles. During my senior year in high school, my father fell severely ill with colon cancer. Not only was I dealing with the pressures of college applications and my academic workload, but I was also caring for my father. The heaviness of family illness continued into the following semester when my grandfather was hospitalized. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away. One of the most challenging things for me during this time was watching my best friend, my father, deteriorate. The concern for my father followed me to school, causing me to struggle with being present. My grades were dropping, my focus was fading, and my motivation was disappearing. Seeing loved ones suffer put me in a position where I felt helpless and alone. Despite the heaviness of family illness, I strived to put my best foot forward in my classes. I reached out to my teachers, who provided me with a safe space and accountability. Even though I felt emotionally drained, I did not want to give up on my studies and dreams. I started to learn to differentiate between the things I can control and the things I cannot. More importantly, I realized perspective is key. In the end, I was able to receive my hard-earned and deserved diploma with academic honors. However, just when I thought the hardships were over, my father and grandmother passed away a month before starting college. Not only did I have to adjust to a new environment, but I had to again work through my grief. Despite my grief, I was determined to continue my education. I prioritized my healing, which allowed me to be a better student, daughter, friend, and advocate.

I serve my community through advocacy and awareness on mental health and healthcare. I am a firm believer in the power of storytelling and utilizing one’s voice to have an impact. In many cultures, especially in communities of color, mental health is heavily stigmatized. Due to the stigma, many people who are struggling with their mental wellness do not receive the resources that they need for support and recovery. According to John Hopkins Medicine, mental health conditions affect 1 in 4 adults. Taking into consideration the holistic impact that mental health has on a person’s overall wellbeing, it is critical to destigmatize mental health. The more that communities learn about the relevancy of mental health, the more action can be taken to ensure that individuals are receiving proper support and guidance. Navigating mental health can be very difficult in a society that ostracizes those with mental health conditions. There are many harmful narratives surrounding individuals who are living with a mental illness, deeming them as dangerous to society. These stereotypes place individuals in a box, further isolating them and preventing them from receiving support from their community. In addition to the false stereotypes of those living with mental health conditions, there are significant health inequities that act as barriers to receiving resources. As a mental health advocate and someone who has seen the impact of mental health conditions on loved ones, I understand the cruciality of shedding light on the mental health pandemic. My passion for advocacy and awareness is seen through my volunteer and leadership experiences. I volunteer with NAMI as a youth presenter. I participate in and help facilitate guided presentations on mental health with local schools in the Austin area. One program is focused on providing young students with insight into the importance of addressing mental wellness. The goal of this program is to shed light on the mental health stigma that challenges individuals and provide information on resources for individuals who are facing hardships. There is immense power in sharing one’s story as it empowers both the storyteller and the listener. Students have sent me messages after the presentation expressing their gratitude and that they felt a stronger sense of hope and resiliency. Storytelling helps people feel heard and seen. My passion for advocacy is driven by my desire to provide a space for the voiceless, to shed light in dark spaces, and to encourage healing. In addition to volunteering, I served as a social justice intern at my university. I promoted and spread awareness on social justice issues impacting communities and provided opportunities for students to contribute and engage in community service. For example, I hosted a panel on health inequities where students presented short presentations on various topics on health inequities impacting vulnerable communities. My goal was to educate and instill in students the tools they needed to incite positive change. Awareness is one of the steppingstones towards confronting and addressing important issues. As a future physician, I hope to create a safe space for my patients and to build confidence and trust. I vow to actively challenge my own biases and encourage more accessible healthcare. I hope that by continuing to advocate for mental health and healthcare reform, communities will grow in strength to face challenges and work towards change. I hope to see a society where mental health is valued just as much as physical health. No one should navigate mental health challenges on their own. Most importantly, I hope to see a significant decrease in suicide, which is the second leading cause of death in youth.