Mental health is something I’ve struggled with personally and witnessed quietly affect the lives of those around me. A few years ago, I was at one of the lowest points of my life, battling severe anxiety, missing school constantly, and losing interest in everything. I had no sense of purpose, no motivation, and no idea how to ask for help. It got so dark that I attempted to take my own life. Thankfully, I survived. What saved me was connection, through people, through Esports, and through finding meaning in helping others. One of the most unexpected things that happened during my recovery was how often people began coming to me to talk. It started with classmates, then friends, and eventually people I didn’t even know very well. They told each other that I was “easy to talk to,” someone they could open up to without judgment. I never planned to become that person, but I embraced it. I never gave advice I didn’t believe in, and I always listened with an open mind and heart. To this day, I’m still that friend for a few close people, and I’m proud of that. I’ve seen how something as simple as a conversation can pull someone out of a bad place. And I’ve felt how hard it is to speak up when you feel like your mind is working against you. That’s why mental health has become a cause I care about deeply, and something I hope to continue championing in the future, especially through Esports. Esports was my way out, not just of a depressive mindset, but out of isolation. It taught me communication, helped me form friendships, and gave me a sense of purpose. I went from being a kid who couldn’t speak in class to a student leading teams, managing events, mentoring others, speaking on panels in front of hundreds of teachers, college coaches, and staff, and even earning the title of Vice President in our Esports academy. I want to take what I’ve learned and build environments where students, especially those who are quiet, anxious, or feel out of place, feel safe, seen, and supported. Esports is more than gaming; it’s a community. I believe we can use that community as a bridge to connect students with each other, give them leadership opportunities, and normalize conversations around mental health. Not everyone feels comfortable walking into a counselor’s office, but many will open up when they’re surrounded by teammates, friends, and mentors they trust. Mental health shouldn’t be a privilege, and no one should have to suffer in silence. As someone who’s been there and who still works through it every day, I want to be part of creating systems and spaces that make it okay to speak up. My goal is to build Esports programs that don’t just offer competition and tech skills, but belonging. I’m pursuing my degree to do exactly that, to design, lead, and expand Esports and digital media programs that put people first. If I can help just one student avoid the pain I once felt, or feel seen when they need it most, then everything I’ve been through will have meant something.

Throughout high school, I’ve had many teachers, but only one truly changed the way I approach life, my Esports coach and teacher, Mr. Julius Edwards. I call him Mr. Edwards, but to me, he’s more than just an instructor or a coach. He’s a mentor, a role model, and someone whose example I now strive to follow in my own life. When I first met Mr. Edwards, I was in a difficult place. I had a low GPA, missed school almost every other day, and felt like I was falling apart. I struggled with severe anxiety and didn’t feel like I had a real direction. Things eventually got so bad that I attempted to take my own life. It’s hard to admit, but that moment changed everything. Not just because I survived, but because of who was there for me afterward. Mr. Edwards didn’t treat me with pity. He didn’t sugarcoat anything or baby me. He saw potential in me and held me accountable to it. He talked to me with honesty, compassion, and realness. He didn’t try to “fix” me, he showed me how to start fixing things myself. That kind of mentorship changed me. It helped me realize that I could take control of my own path. Through Mr. Edwards, I got involved in Esports more seriously, not just as a player, but as a leader. He helped me see that Esports isn’t just about gaming; it’s about building a community, learning real skills, and finding confidence. I began doing more behind the scenes: organizing events, supporting the team, managing quality, and helping others improve. Mr. Edwards even created a special title for me, “Quality Control Manager”, because of how much I was involved. Eventually, I became Vice President of the program. What started as an Esports class and after-school club eventually evolved into a full Esports Academy, in large part because of Mr. Edwards' vision. He didn’t just build a program, he built a pipeline for students to earn scholarships, gain certifications, and pursue careers in tech, gaming, and digital media. Students now graduate certified in Adobe programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, and walk away with real opportunities. Because of him, I’ve traveled more than anyone in my family ever has. I’ve started drone racing and am now studying to get my drone pilot license, something I hope to help other students achieve in the future. Mr. Edwards showed me the kind of impact one person can make by investing in others, and I want to follow that same path. Today, I mentor younger students in Esports and coach through the Police Athletic League. I’ve found purpose, confidence, and direction, all because one teacher saw me not for who I was in my worst moments, but for who I could become. Mr. Edwards didn’t just change my life, he gave me the tools to change it myself. And now, I want to use what I’ve learned to help others do the same.