The trade of cosmetology is what my heart is set on pursuing. The ability to enhance people's natural beauty, boost their confidence, and bring smiles to their faces through various beauty techniques is what truly captivates me. From hairstyling and makeup artistry to nail care and skincare, I am eager to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this vibrant industry. However, it was not just my fascination with cosmetology that led me down this path. It was the inspiration and encouragement of a remarkable woman named Hayley--my former boss--that played a pivotal role in shaping my career aspirations. Hayley's story struck a chord within me because she had experienced the weight of societal expectations when it came to choosing a career. She came from a family of medical professionals, and it seemed inevitable for her to follow in their footsteps. Despite the pressure to pursue a medical-centered degree, Hayley felt what she described as "a sense of emptiness and unhappiness" with that path. Driven by her passion for literature, she decided to break free from the expectations imposed upon her and pursued a degree in English. She chose to listen to her heart and follow her true calling, rather than chasing a career solely for monetary gain or to satisfy others' expectations. Witnessing Hayley's courage and determination to pursue her passion inspired me greatly. It made me realize that true happiness and fulfillment lie in what you love, rather than succumbing to external pressures or societal norms. Hayley's journey taught me the invaluable lesson that life is too precious to be spent in pursuit of someone else's dreams. During my time working under Hayley's guidance, she created an environment that fostered creativity, personal growth, and genuine fulfillment. She constantly encouraged her employees to explore their passions and find joy in their work, emphasizing that when we are passionate about what we do, success and financial stability would naturally follow. As I contemplated my future and evaluated my passions, Hayley's voice echoed in my mind. She had always emphasized the importance of pursuing happiness and fulfillment, urging me to follow my dreams--rather than conforming to societal expectations. Her unwavering belief in pursuing happiness and fulfillment, rather than merely money, left a lasting impact on me. Her story ignited a spark within me and reinforced the importance of following my dreams. Her encouragement played a significant role in the final push I needed to make a life-changing decision: to enroll in cosmetology school, which I am set to begin in late June. The anticipation and eagerness I feel about entering this new chapter are heightened by the knowledge that Hayley's encouragement and belief in me have played a significant role in getting me to this point. I am grateful for her influence and the unwavering support she has provided along my journey.

Experiencing mental health issues has been a transformative journey that has profoundly shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. These challenges have redirected my aspirations, redefined my relationships, and expanded my awareness of the global impact of mental health. From moving away from the pursuit of a six-figure job as a laboratory scientist solely for the money to seeking fulfillment in the world of cosmetology, to reevaluating the importance of the relationships in my life, and advocating for change in societal attitudes, my journey has been one of growth, resilience, and empathy. To start, experiencing mental health issues prompted a significant shift in my goals and values. Previously, I had placed a disproportionate emphasis on financial success as a measure of achievement. This prompted me to believe for a very long time that I wanted a job in the medical field, specifically to be a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. However, navigating through the depths of my struggles compelled me to reevaluate my priorities. I realized that pursuing a high-paying job without considering personal fulfillment and well-being was a path devoid of genuine happiness. It led me to redirect my ambitions toward a career in cosmetology that not only offered financial stability but also brought a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. This shift in perspective enabled me to explore fields aligned with my passions and values as well as where I could make a positive impact on the lives of others. Moreover, the experience of mental health issues profoundly impacted my relationships, exposing both their fragility and their resilience. At times, I lost connections with individuals who--though once significant in my life--were unable to comprehend my struggles or support me during challenging times. This loss was deeply painful, as it forced me to confront the impermanence of certain relationships and the need for healthy boundaries. However, this journey also highlighted the importance of authentic connections and the power of a supportive network. I discovered that true relationships were built on empathy, understanding, and a willingness to listen without judgment. Taking the time to identify those who truly mattered in my life, I nurtured these connections, forming a robust support system that provided the encouragement, compassion, and acceptance I needed. In addition, personally experiencing mental health issues has opened my eyes to the pervasive nature of these challenges across the globe. It shattered the illusion I had that mental health issues were isolated occurrences, revealing their prevalence and impact on individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Recognizing the urgency for change, I became acutely aware of the stigma surrounding mental health. I witnessed how this stigma hindered individuals from seeking help, perpetuated silence and shame, and limited access to essential resources. This realization compelled me to advocate for cultural shifts, challenging misconceptions and fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society. Furthermore, I came to understand the power of communities in supporting those struggling with mental health issues. Through education and open dialogue, communities can break down barriers, create safe spaces, and promote empathy and understanding. I actively engage with local organizations, participated in mental health initiatives, and sought to bridge gaps in access to mental health services. This journey also revealed the interconnectedness of mental health with other social issues, such as poverty, inequality, and systemic oppression. It ignited a sense of responsibility in me to advocate for a comprehensive approach that addresses the societal factors contributing to mental health challenges, emphasizing the need for equitable resources, social support systems, and policies that prioritize emotional well-being. In conclusion, my experience with mental health issues has profoundly reshaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. It propelled me towards seeking fulfillment over only financial success, fostering unique connections that have helped build up my personal support system, and advocating for change that not only impacts my community but could impact the world.

Mental health issues continue to have a profound impact on individuals--including me--shaping their experiences, perceptions, and relationships. Through my personal journey, I have encountered the complexities of acknowledging my mental illness, grieving the person I could have been, and navigating the effects it has had on the relationships with the people in my life. To start, Acknowledging one's mental health struggles can be a pivotal moment in the journey toward healing. For me, it was a process of gradually peeling away layers of denial over and over until I was able to accept the truth. It involved recognizing the signs, symptoms, and patterns of my mental illness, as well as seeking professional help and support. The acknowledgment brought relief, as it validated the battles I had been facing within myself and provided a path toward understanding and recovery. As well as this, my mental health issues have caused me to carry a sense of loss, as they have altered the trajectory of my life. It is a grieving process for the person I could have been if not affected by these challenges. There are moments when I find myself contemplating the opportunities missed, the relationships strained, and the dreams unfulfilled. The grief is not only for the tangible losses but also for the intangible aspects, such as the erosion of self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of identity. It requires acknowledging and honoring these emotions, allowing myself the space to mourn and gradually finding acceptance that this is who I am now. To continue, mental health issues cast a wide shadow over relationships, affecting not only the individual but the people they care about. The volatility of my emotions, the fluctuations in energy levels, and the challenges in maintaining stability have undoubtedly left their mark on the relationships in my life. Some individuals may struggle to comprehend the complexities of mental illness, leading to misunderstandings and strained connections. Others may feel helpless, unsure of how to provide support, or navigate the unpredictable nature of my mental health challenges. Regardless of the reason, it has left its mark on my life, as I have lost a great number of people in my life in just the years since my diagnosis in 2018. However, amidst these difficulties, I have also witnessed the power of empathy and understanding. The relationships that endure and thrive are the ones built on compassion and a willingness to learn about mental health. These connections have served as lifelines, providing invaluable support during times of darkness. They remind me that I am not defined solely by the status of my mental health but by the strength and resilience I exhibit in facing them. In conclusion, the impact of mental health issues is far-reaching and multi-faceted. Acknowledgment is the first step towards healing, while simultaneously grieving the person I could have been allows for acceptance and growth. Relationships will inevitably be affected, presenting both challenges and opportunities for understanding and connection. By fostering awareness, empathy, and support, I have been able to navigate these challenges and forge relationships that have helped me thrive, despite the obstacles I have faced that are rooted in issues with my mental health.

My struggles with mental health have had a profound impact on my education. I have always been passionate about learning, going as far as studying to be a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. However, my mental health has hindered my progress with that, specifically by making it challenging to concentrate as well as challenging to retain the information that is being taught to me. As a result, I have often struggled in my classes and felt discouraged by my academic performance. However, despite these challenges, I have also learned valuable lessons about perseverance and self-discovery. One of the most significant ways that my struggles with mental health have affected my schooling is by making it hard to concentrate. I have struggled with depression and anxiety, thus, causing my concentration issues. There have been times when I have sat in class, unable to focus on the lecture, or I have felt overwhelmed by the amount of information being presented. As a result, I have often fallen behind in my studies and felt discouraged by my lack of progress. In addition to difficulty concentrating, I have struggled with understanding the information being taught to me. I have lost count of the times when I have been in class, unable to process the information being presented to me during a lecture. Because of that, I would start to spiral, being overwhelmed with the thought that if I do not pull myself together, I would fail. This has resulted in me feeling discouraged and questioning my abilities as a student. However, despite these challenges, my struggles with mental health have also led me to realize my true passions. As I have struggled with my studies, I have found solace in creative outlets, such as nail art, makeup, and hairstyling. These hobbies have allowed me to express myself in ways that I cannot in a traditional academic setting. Through exploring these passions, I have come to realize that my true calling lies in the world of cosmetology. This realization has inspired me to take action and apply to a cosmetology program that starts in June of this year. Applying to a cosmetology program has been nerve-wracking, but it has also been incredibly empowering. For the first time in a long time, I feel as though I am taking control of my future and pursuing something that truly excites me. While there is a long road ahead, I am excited about the prospect of starting this new chapter in my life. Looking back on my struggles with mental health, I realize that they have taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and self-discovery. While it has been challenging to struggle in my studies, it has allowed me to explore my passions and discover my true calling. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and to continue learning and growing as a person. I hope that my story can inspire others who may be struggling with their mental health to explore their passions and pursue their dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem.

I know it may not seem like much compared to other people, but I plan on exploring a career in cosmetology while in college. There are many reasons why I believe it will bring me fulfillment, and I will take the time to name a few. To start, with a cosmetology license, I will have the ability to help others feel confident and beautiful with the skin and physical attributes they have. I believe there is something special about helping someone attain the appearance they have been wanting. Whether it be a new haircut, a new set of nails, or the feeling of new skin after a facial, the ability to make someone feel good about themselves is an extremely powerful and rewarding feeling. Moreover, the cosmetology field is a constantly evolving field, allowing individuals in the field to explore and learn new things. For example, trends will always have to be followed in this career path, making it both exciting and fun for the working individual. Working in this industry would give me the opportunity to constantly push boundaries as well as set newer and higher standards for myself. Additionally, this field has an extremely wide range of career paths to choose from. The possibilities are practically endless. With a cosmetology license, which already gives the individual a variety of careers to choose from, I would get to have a complete say in where I get to work. For example, I could work in a salon, or I can become the owner of a salon if that was what I desired. As well as this, the versatility means that I would not be stuck with a single option forever; I would always have the opportunity to make a change in my career when I want to, due to how much freedom a cosmetology license would give me. Furthermore, I would be given the opportunity to form genuine and healthy relationships with the clients who receive services from me. Working in the cosmetology field is not only about doing a service at the request of others. During that service, a meaningful relationship could be established between the client and me, and that is something I am extremely excited about. Being able to have a special impact on a client's day or even life is something that would make my job extremely fulfilling, especially because it is something that cannot be replicated in many other professions. In short, there are many reasons why a career in the cosmetology field could bring me fulfillment. The reasons I have listed are just a few, but I know there are a plethora of other reasons out there.

My dream version of myself is an individual who broke the familial molds that prevented them from going after their creative passions as a cosmetologist.