Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. The limit of what humans can do has not been reached. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She goes to class every day despite the whispers she hears in the halls. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action. I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. That trying to fit into the box of perfection was not slowing me down. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world. I fought so hard to fix this mask so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. I no longer had the motivation to push anymore. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. Between dance and family obligations, the demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect. I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. Those were difficult weeks as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside of the hospital, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed and more.

Delayed gratification is the hardest but most helpful piece of financial advice I have ever received. In this world of 24 hour news cycles, and the ability to get just about anything you want delivered to your door, we have become a society constantly seeking instant gratification. We open up social media and only see the best of those we follow. The cute clothes, the nice cars, and expensive meals. Tap your credit card and it’s yours! But behind that, things like high interest credit card bills and massive debt often follow. We have lost the fine art of saving and/or waiting until we can afford something to get it. My mom has insisted that I take a personal financial planning class before leaving for college. She wants to ensure that I am in a position to handle the financial responsibilities of being on my own. She does not want me to fall into the position of so many young students that accumulate a significant amount of debt in college. The ability to budget, save and enjoy what I have versus constantly looking to get the latest and greatest has been a valuable lesson that will last a lifetime. We are in the process of budgeting, saving and applying for additional scholarships now to help me get through college without student loans. I will work, get used books and live in the least expensive dorm to achieve the gratification of graduating debt free. It will be hard and require a lot of sacrifice, but it will be so so worth it in the end.

Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. We can create not only physical life but digital life, creativity, inventions and so much more. The limit of what humans can do has not been reached. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? A box of sexuality, perfection, race, career, economy, and education. Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She goes to class every day despite the whispers she hears in the halls. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action.   I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. That trying to fit into the box of perfection was not slowing me down. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world. I fought so hard to fix this mask so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. Everything became toxic and sad. I no longer had the motivation to push anymore. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. Between dance and family obligations, the demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect.   I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. Those were difficult weeks as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside of the hospital, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed and more.

From the age of 5, I knew I would be a dancer. I did not know how or what path I would take, but I knew I would get there. Since I can remember dance has been the center of my life. My friends, my free time, and my family all revolved around dancing. It was my happy place. Dance was the best, but the most toxic aspect of my life. It had provided me with dance scholarships, dance opportunities around the country, and opportunities to work with different people, but it also caused me stress and caused me to have a toxic relationship with everything. It became exhausting. I knew I could never live without dance, but I also knew the dance culture was eating away at me. The way I looked was constantly judged and I never felt good enough. Now you may be reading this and wonder why I am telling you the bad experiences I had with dance if I am applying to a dance program, and the answer is that dance is a journey. We may all be artists and share the same passion, but our journeys are different, and the beautiful part of the dance is showing this passion and love to others. My journey includes these points of depression, never-ending judgment, racism, and being stuck in an environment that was no longer beneficial or healthy. But a different kind of passion emerged while I was in the worst mental state of my life. I simply began dancing just to dance again. Not because I wanted to win, not because I wanted the job, but simply because it allowed me to let out every emotion in my body. The thing that broke me also healed me and led me to the best version of myself. Through this pure love of dance, I became more determined and more committed to not just dance, but to myself as an artist. I became more aware of how my body interprets choreography and moves. These struggles I faced allowed me to find my true self despite what the world around me wanted. This crazy journey I have had in just 16 years has brought out my true self. I cannot imagine my life without dance. This beautiful, crazy, toxic but peaceful world of dance made me who I am, and who I will be. In addition to performing, I want to study psychology and use my gift of movement and personal experience with depression and anxiety to help other young performers and athletes make it through these rough patches without giving up on their dreams. I want to show the world how important it is to use your passion to persevere through the struggles and fight for what you love. I owe everything to dance, and I would not want a career without it. In this next chapter of my life, I want to prove that my stumbles and outside negativity cannot stop me from fighting for my dreams. I want this next chapter to be all about me and my love for dance.

Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? Why are we so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong. This petite black ballerina has frizzy curls and dark skin while the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble. I used tape and glue to fix the mask. I fought until I no longer wanted to fix the mask, I just wanted to throw it away. I had no hope. The week before my 15th birthday I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect. I was sent to the hospital where I found myself in the psych ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people when we are all just kids who need help. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the box of self-acceptance. I began to regain my hope. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. I aspire to make a positive impact on the world by helping others the way I was helped. I want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you need and more.

Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. We can create not only physical life but digital life, creativity, inventions and so much more. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? A box of sexuality, perfection, race, career, economy, and education. Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She goes to class every day despite the whispers she hears in the halls. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action.   I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. Everything became toxic and sad. I no longer had the motivation to push anymore. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. Between dance and family obligations, the demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect.   I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. Those were difficult weeks as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside of the hospital, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed and more

Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. We can create not only physical life but digital life, creativity, inventions and so much more. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? A box of sexuality, perfection, race, career, economy, and education. Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She goes to class every day despite the whispers she hears in the halls. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action.   I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world. I fought so hard to fix this mask so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. Everything became toxic and sad. I no longer had the motivation to push anymore. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. The demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect.   I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. Those were difficult weeks as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside of the hospital, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed and more

Creativity for me is shown through dance and choreography. I choreographed a dance piece for our senior company this fall titled “Home” encompassing my love for contemporary and simplistic movements. I have loved dance and choreography since I can remember so this piece is very special as it was the first piece I did for a large group of people. Although this piece doesn’t have a ton of tricks it shows pure technique and love for dance. It brings everyone back to the basics of dance and truly shows how beautiful all the artists in the piece are. This piece also has a very literal meaning of being home with the people you love, or in this case feeling at home on stage. Due to the pandemic, it has been a long time since we have performed so this piece also encompassed all we missed during these past few years and how we hope to dance freely in the future.

The characteristics I most value in myself are drive, determination, and passion. I have been a dancer my whole life, and through my experiences and constant training, these values became instilled in me. To be the best of the best you have to push yourself and be your own critic. You have to practice on your own time and keep on training. You have to constantly work and work to strive for perfection which is a lot for anyone but it is worth it. These characteristics have allowed me to follow my dreams and achieve my goals. I have been able to do things I never thought I would because of my determination and drive. These characteristics have also caused self-doubt and made me want to give up because the goal seemed so far away. I became tired of always working and always pushing for more. Even in these periods of doubt, I was still able to find my love of dance and passion for this art form through myself. I was able to reach my goals once again and use my self-determination to be better. These characteristics will help me in my life journey as they will always allow me to go the extra mile and push for more. Even if I don’t become a professional dancer, these characteristics will take me far in any profession or aspect of my life. I have learned so much about how far I can push myself and my personal limits through these characteristics and truly become one with my mind. I am able to reach my own goals through these characteristics instilled in me.

This is such an important topic that does not get enough attention. About 2 years ago, after spending a couple of weeks in the hospital for suicidal ideation, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. From this experience and regular therapy I have learned that relaxation and self care are vital to my wellbeing. First, a good nights sleep is imperative to a good day. I have a sleep wind down routine that includes a hot shower, cool room, body pillow and burning of lavender oils in my diffuser. This all helps me to wind down and settle my mind. Another thing I do to relax are puzzles. When I have racing thoughts and find it difficult to settle my mind, I work on a puzzle. It allows me to refocus my attention and revenged my mind. I have an extensive collection of puzzles and have one in works regularly. Lastly when I need to relax I dance. I have been dancing all my life. I love that I can get lost in the movement and music. My body almost takes on a life of its own and I get fully engrossed in the dance. This is what self care looks like for me.

My family and I started gardening during the early stages of Covid as an activity to do as a family while we were all asked to stay home. We have all since fallen in love with it. We started with a hydroponic garden system we could use inside with lights. It allows us to grow a large variety of things with no dirt, no bugs and no weather issues. We keep this system inside so that we can grow even during the winter time. Because it is inside, we only grow from seed so that no bugs are brought inside. It is a fabulous system but not good for items that get too tall, too bushy or need to be pollinated. We have since expanded to a full size outdoor garden that can accommodate vining items and give access to the bees for Pollination. We are able to grow a lot more items, with larger quantities. But outside gardening is not for the faint of heart. You are constantly battling bugs, animals, weather and possible disease. You have to stay vigilant with fighting off the bad bugs especially if you want to keep your garden organic like ours. But when we have a meal that is made from almost everything we have grown ourselves, it makes it all worth it!

The piece I choreographed this fall titled “Home” encompassed my love for contemporary and simplistic movements. I have loved dance and choreography since I can remember so this piece is very special as it was the first piece I did for a group of people. Although this piece doesn’t have a ton of tricks it shows pure technique and love for dance. It brings everyone back to the basics of dance and truly shows how beautiful all the artists in the piece are. This piece also has a very literal meaning of being home with the people you love, or in this case feeling at home on stage. Due to the pandemic, it has been a long time since we have performed so this piece also encompases all we missed during these past few years and how we hope to dance freely in the future.

Introducing the funniest, sassiest, smartest dog around - Sebastian Puff Nelson! He is 8 years old and we have had home since he was 12 weeks old. He brings so much joy and comfort to our family and me in particular. When I was at my lowest with my depression and anxiety, Sebastian was a true source of comfort. He will lay next to me for hours and not move unless I moved. As if to say, even when you think you have no one, you have me.

The stock market is something I have long had an interest in, but never really understood how it works. So during Covid shutdown, my grandmother conducted a 4 week virtual class for me and my sister teaching us about the stock market and investing. She reviewed vocabulary, types of stocks and bonds and even gave us homework. At the end of the class, she gave us each $1500 to invest and helped us open a brokerage account. When deciding what stick to start with, her advice to us was 1- start with what you know, what you use, what you buy. 2- do your research. 3- don’t invest what you can’t afford to lose. The stock market can be tricky. Many have lost everything to it. I decided to make my first stock purchase by buying Starbucks at $71 (it is currently at $115). Now, every time I make a purchase there, I consider it reinvesting in the company.

Giving is important because it reminds us to be thankful for what we do have. My mom always says, no matter how bad you think you have it, someone is doing worse. By helping others in need there is also an internal fulfillment that is met. There is a great sense of pride in knowing you helped make someone else’s life even a little better or happier. Particularly around the holiday season. We are scheduled to volunteer with Toys for Tots again this year. I am also a former pageant winner, so I usually help with distribution in my most current pageant crown. The look on the faces of the little girls when I come out in my crown is truly magical. In addition to Toys for Tots, we recently helped my mom and her work team with their Soldiers Angels adopt a military family. My sister and I helped pick out clothes, wrapped gifts and helped my mom get everything shipped out. The father sent my mom the nicest email saying we made Christmas possible for their family. Reading that was amazing!

Chase Nelson College Essay Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. We can create not only physical life but digital life, creativity, inventions and so much more. The limit of what humans can do has not been reached. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? A box of sexuality, perfection, race, career, economy, and education. Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She goes to class every day despite the whispers she hears in the halls. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action.   I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. That trying to fit into the box of perfection was not slowing me down. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world. I fought so hard to fix this mask so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. Everything became toxic and sad. I no longer had the motivation to push anymore. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. Between dance and family obligations, the demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect.   I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. Those were difficult weeks as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside of the hospital, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed and more.

Educational inequity is a serious issue. The costs of college is astronomical and unattainable for many unless you want thousands of dollars in debt. It is particularly hard for the middle class. We don’t qualify for most financial aid but reality dictates that we can’t afford to pay what FAFSA says we should pay. So we are stuck often graduating with a tremendous amount of debt pursuing an education. I have tried to mitigate costs as much as possible. I am enrolled in a dual enrollment program through my high school that would all me to take classes at my local community college. I have completed a little over a years worth of college classes which will help with costs at the university level. I am also working and applying for outside scholarships. I will continue to follow my dream.

Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? Why are we so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong. This petite black ballerina has frizzy curls and dark skin while the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble. I used tape and glue to fix the mask. I fought until I no longer wanted to fix the mask, I just wanted to throw it away. The week before my 15th birthday I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect. I was sent to the hospital where I found myself in the psych ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people when we are all just kids who need help. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the box of self-acceptance. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. I want to help others the way I was helped. I want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you need and more.

Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? Why are we so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong. This petite black ballerina has frizzy curls and dark skin while the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble. I used tape and glue to fix the mask. I fought until I no longer wanted to fix the mask, I just wanted to throw it away. The week before my 15th birthday I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect. I was sent to the hospital where I found myself in the psych ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people when we are all just kids who need help. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the box of self-acceptance. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. I want to help others the way I was helped. I want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you need and more.

Dance

Chase Nelson College Essay.docx 1 / 2 Chase Nelson College Essay Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. We can create not only physical life but digital life, creativity, inventions and so much more. The limit of what humans can do has not been reached. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? A box of sexuality, perfection, race, career, economy, and education. Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She goes to class every day despite the whispers she hears in the halls. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action. I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. That trying to fit into the box of perfection was not slowing me down. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world. I fought so hard to fix this mask so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. Everything became toxic and sad. I no longer had the motivation to push anymore. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. Between dance and family obligations, the demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect. I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. Those were difficult weeks as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside of the hospital, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed and more

Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. The limit of what humans can do has not been reached. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? A box of sexuality, perfection, race, career, economy, and education. Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action. I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. That trying to fit into the box of perfection was not slowing me down. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world. I fought so hard to fix this mask so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. Everything became toxic and sad. I no longer had the motivation to push anymore. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. Between dance and family obligations, the demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect. I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. Those were difficult weeks as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside of the hospital, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed and more.

Chase Nelson Essay Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. We can create not only physical life but digital life, creativity, inventions and so much more. The limit of what humans can do has not been reached. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? A box of sexuality, perfection, race, career, economy, and education. Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She goes to class every day despite the whispers she hears in the halls. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action. I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. That trying to fit into the box of perfection was not slowing me down. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world. I fought so hard to fix this mask so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. Everything became toxic and sad. I no longer had the motivation to push anymore. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. Between dance and family obligations, the demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect. I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. That was a difficult week as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside of the hospital, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed and more.

Humans are some of the most complex creatures known to man. The limit of what humans can do has not been reached. So, I ask myself if we are so complex and unique, why are we all trying to fit into a box? A box of sexuality, perfection, race, career, economy, and education. Why are we all so desperate to conform? My entire life I have been searching for the box I belong in. This petite black ballerina does not fit into any societal norms she sees. She has frizzy curls and dark skin while all the other ballerinas are peach and pretty. She does not have the community she so desperately seeks, yet she still pushes. She goes to class every day despite the whispers she hears in the halls. She strives for perfection, pushing past her limits until she has no more to give. This box of perfection consumed her every thought and action. I pretended for so long that pushing for perfection was not slowly killing me. That trying to fit into the box of perfection was not slowing me down. I tried so hard to put on a mask of stability and security until the mask began to crumble into my hands. I used tape and glue to fix this mask that lied to my world. I fought so hard to fix this mask so that I would still be seen as perfect. I fought until all I wanted to do was be free. Everything became toxic and sad. I no longer wanted to fix my mask. I just wanted to throw it away. Between dance and family obligations, the demands suffocated me until I was dying from my own expectations. My grades declined and life felt like it was falling apart. The week before my 15th birthday, I felt so broken that the only thing I thought would fix me was death. I craved it because I no longer had to be a burden to those around me. My world had been torn upside down because of this box of perfection. I almost killed myself because dying was better than being imperfect. I was sent to the hospital where I stayed for about two weeks and received the help I needed. Those were difficult weeks as I missed my birthday, and I was simply alone. I had shut everyone out and I found myself in the psychiatric ward. Society made me think that psych wards were for crazy people who were dangerous when we are all just kids who needed some help. Society pushed us towards perfection and unreasonably high expectations that we could not meet. Through my time in the hospital and recovering outside, I realized I was receiving the help I have needed for years and am forever grateful. This experience saved me, shaped me, and helped me let go of the mask I created to be in my authentic self. I was able to step out of the box of perfection and into the Chase Nelson box of self-acceptance. I was able to let go of society’s unrealistic expectations and demands to be perfect. Moreover, it inspired me to go into psychiatry. Mental health affects everyone and it is important to treat it as a priority. I want to show people how to prioritize their mental health and help others the way I was helped, because, without the nurses and doctors, I would not be here writing this essay. I also want to show how sometimes instead of a box, you stumble upon a circle that encompasses everything you ever needed.