My mother and father instilled in me that knowledge is power and to always seek to grow in life, sports and personally. As I embark on this journey to college, I, aim not only to pursue a career that interests me, but also to chase my dream of playing collegiate sports. All the books I have read have provided perspective, knowledge, expanded my vocabulary and helped shape my dreams into reality. I am focused and ready to take the next steps. Mental Health has impacted not only me, but my grandfather and mother. My mother is a first-generation American who was raised in a traditional Samoan household where Samoan was the primary language spoken. She knows firsthand and has always been open about her struggles and has done her best to support me. It was a challenging time for me. I participated in talk therapy, tried medications, and explored nontraditional approaches. During this time my parents helped navigate how I was feeling and thinking and knowing that some of thoughts of negativity were not always true, it made a meaningful difference. I still have difficult days, but now I have a plan on how to manage my feelings and thoughts. I have learned to recognize my triggers and put in place a safety plan to help me when I start to feel overwhelmed or depressed. My parents have been a great support system for me to be vulnerable and honest, they provide a safe space for me, and I appreciate them for being there for me. My name is Cayde Stajcar, I was born in Henderson, NV. My family moved to Montana where my father is from and have lived here since I was two years old. I am of Samoan, Croatian, Irish, German and French descent. I am the middle child of three children. My grandparents came to America in search of a better life. My mother did not finish college, as she became pregnant with my older brother while she was in school. Their experiences have shaped how I view opportunities and responsibility. I plan to use my education as steppingstone to learn and grow as an adult while continuing both my academic and athletic career. I hope to inspire other Polynesian young adults like me by showing that there are many opportunities in the world to create meaningful change and spread positivity. I believe that acceptance of others is essential. Growing up, I was raised in an English-speaking home, as my father is of Caucasian descent. At the same time, I have been influenced by my mother's culture. My mother is deeply connected to her heritage and carries a strong understanding of her culture. Because my parents are an interracial couple who have been married for over 20 years, I have grown up with an awareness and appreciation of diversity. They have shared the positive and challenging aspects of their experiences which has shaped my perspective and openness to learning from other. I care deeply about the economic struggles people are facing and the lack of mental health providers in rural states. Because of my own experiences, I have a personal understanding of how real and challenging these issues can be. I would like to see more support available, especially in communities where resources are limited. It's important to normalize the fact that not everyone's struggles are visible or widely talked about. I hope to see a shift toward greater compassion, where people feel comfortable reaching out for help and are met with understanding rather judgment.