When I was in kindergarten, I found myself being bullied at school. I would wear a big fluffy tutu to school every day, and other kids picked on me because of that. When I got older, the bullying stopped. Although I wasn't being picked on any longer, I became extremely aware of the bullying that others were facing. It made me sick. It was at that point that I decided that I would stand up for others, no matter what, when they are facing issues at school. I now help individuals to seek counselling, recommend them to counselors, and allow them to come to me with any issues they are facing. I have also been working on creating a support group at my school. For my senior project, I wrote a lot about the lack of resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues. I went to many teachers, and encouraged them to speak up about mental health issues, and to encourage individuals to seek help. I plan on continuing to advocate for these individuals, because I myself have also struggled with these issues. I am interested in perusing a career in mental health because my mom is a psychologist. I have seen the way that she has changed the lives of so many individuals, and I want to do the same. When an individual is struggling with mental health issues, they require a level of support that is not often found in schools. I want to work to change that. I plan on doing lectures, spreading awareness, and encouraging individuals to seek help. Spending time around the encouraging environment of my mom's counselling company Black Hills Psychology, I know that I can help her to support her cause, and help to normalize treatment. I have always wanted to work in this career path, and I have so many goals for my future in this career. Through my senior project, I was able to spread awareness about the lack of resources and appropriate treatment options available for individuals struggling with mental health and bullying. Furthermore, I plan on creating social media accounts, making flyers, and putting together support groups for these individuals. The lack of awareness is one of the main issues surrounding these phenomenon, and I know that I can make a difference. Helping to decrease the stigma surrounding these complex issues is extremely important to making changes in the current system.

To begin, Loxy Burckhard was my great-aunt. Loxy was a person that everybody was lucky to meet. I remember her by her amazing singing voice, and by her smile. At Christmas time, Loxy would make everybody smile by singing Christmas carols to the whole family. I cannot say that I have ever met a more caring individual. She taught me so much about love and kindness. Loxy was not afraid to show her love to every individual she met. She was humble and caring towards every person. Because of her, as well as many of my other amazing family members, I have learned that "love is kind" means so many different things. "Love is Kind" means that spreading kindness is the best way to spread love. It means that the greatest way to spread positivity is to love others. It means that love and kindness should be shown to all people. Love is kindness, and there is no kindness without love. Instead of holding grudges, or judging others for their past actions, forgiving them, supporting them, and loving them is the best solution to any conflict. In any scenario, love and kindness ensure that every person is happy, and there is a positive outcome. When I am down on myself, I think about Loxy watching down on me, and I remember to love myself and others. In the past, I have spread love and kindness through my church, through dancing, and through being a positive role-model. I am team captain on my dance and softball teams, and I encourage everybody to love others and be kind. I plan on making an impact on the world by spreading Loxy's message. I want to show everybody how incredible it is to love everybody, and how kindness can make a huge difference in a persons life. Seeing Loxy on this scholarship means the world to me, and I hope that I can continue her legacy by spreading the same love and kindness that she graciously showed me. Although she is no longer with us, the least I could do is spread the contagious positivity that Loxy brought to every room she walked in. To know her was to love her, and she loved everybody. Because of her, I now approach every situation with kindness, and I forgive others as she would have. I sing at Christmas time, in memory of her, and I try my best to remain humble and kind.