My mother has never allowed her Lupus, or seizures to slow her down. A surgeon was dismissive, and rude as we prepared for my spinal surgery. After researching she realized he didn't order enough x-rays, so she ordered the additional x-rays. He treated her respectfully after that. I was later diagnosed with Clinical Depression, and Anxiety. I watched as my 5'2" mom whip the school staff into shape. She fought them tooth, and nails about everything. Due to stress I needed to be removed from the accelerated honors classes. They refused to take me out, even though I struggled with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Depression, Anxiety, and was still healing from spinal surgery. My mom told an administrator: "you will get my 15 year old child out of AP Human Geo the easy way or the hard way. She is suffering, and all you care about are scores." As I struggled with suicidal ideations, she was there to remind me to "push through it, because I was worthy." I am stronger because of my mom. Currently, she is investigating services from the eleven colleges that accepted me. We went to one of the colleges, to make sure they had medical accommodations to assist me. Mom said to the lady speaking: "you will not get my child, if I can't trust you to take care of her. She is not a number." My mother is my "soldier", confidant, and friend. Mom epitomizes the African saying: I am because we are!

Growing up the question was never, IF I was going to college. The only question was which college would I choose. My mother is a single parent on the Southside of Chicago. She made sure that I was clear on the expectations, as it pertains to my education. We did all the right things. I went to a "gifted" school, and pretty much had my life planned out. At the age of fourteen I was introduced to a new reality. A reality that has left an indelible impact on my life, and future. My father had a stroke, and six days later my mom was hospitalized. My mom has Lupus, seizures, and other health challenges. That tragic morning while heading to school they worsened, and she collapsed into my arms. I had to drag her through the snow towards our home, while screaming for help. I was in a daze. I heard her teeth clicking during her seizure, while my Nana demanded that the paramedics let her ride in the ambulance. As I stood there, I realized both of my parents were now hospitalized. My world as I knew it was changing. I had no idea what that really meant until four days later, when my family found out my scoliosis curve required surgery. The orthopedic surgeon said I had to have spinal fusion surgery immediately. That meant they were going to cut my spine in its entirety...from my neck area, to the hip. They would then replace that part of my spine with a steel rod. I was homebound for the entire summer recuperating. I thought my life could not get any worse, but I was sadly mistaken. Immediately after returning to school in the fall, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, and anxiety. My new reality consisted of specialists who focused on my mental health care. I was lost. I no longer saw value in my life, instead I embraced the dark "valley" that became my world. With love, support, and medication I snapped back into a healthier new "normal." I had to decide what my destiny would become. What my academic, social, mental, and emotional story would say about me. I decided to rewrite my story, and embrace the medical field by opening the doors of my teen mind. My Nana has always said I listened well. It use to make me giggle; however, this statement has motivated me to choose a profession that will honor that quality. I realized that we all face challenges in our lives, which are oftentimes out of our control. We have to decide how we will allow it to impact us. My experiences can encourage others to keep going. To strive to develop strength of character, and embrace their tenacity. I can encourage them by sharing my struggles, and reminding them that they can blaze a trail, survive, and thrive. I will study Animal Sciences, and Psychology in college. My dream is to incorporate "support animals" in therapy sessions, to help people with mental illnesses. The silent cries of a person struggling with clinical depression, and anxiety must find a voice. As a Psychologist, my clients will know that- "I hear them", "I understand", and "I get it." I hope to create a "safe unique therapeutic space." Nurturing the awesome relationship between humans, and animals. My support pet therapy style, will provide a relaxing environment. This allows them- us- we...to begin the healing, and be true to themselves. The whole process can bring out the best in both animals, and humans as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.

I view friendships as a lifetime commitment. This is oftentimes why I am devastated, if I realize that the feeling is not mutual. My mother has an interesting quote, that may have some truth to it. she says "if you have 1 good friend you are lucky, if you have 2 you are blessed, but if you have 3 or more you are a liar." Initially, I did not understand the significance, nor the meaning. That was until I met my current best friend. She has taught me that there are depths, respect, and mutual understanding that dictates the success of a true friendship. In my community we call that one special person your "ride or die." That type of deep friendship is sacred. My best friend goes through bouts of depression, and sometimes I am concerned that she has suicidal ideations. I encourage her to speak openly to her therapist. When she pushes back, and complain I remind her how therapy saved my life. To support her through these trying times, we stay on the phone daily, for hours at a time. My family think it is unusual that we watch television, do our homework, eat our meals, and sometimes fall asleep - while on the phone together. It is important that we remain connected, so that we can love each other through our pain. I reassure her that the history behind her trauma, does not have to control her destiny. She can create a new reality. Another quote my mother make both of us repeat often is, "the best revenge is to become successful." Each time she smiles, I remind her that her rainbow is closer than she thinks. Just push through the rain with me. I will always be her umbrella. We are best friends!

I recall a time when I lost the desire to live. When things were so dark in my life that I wanted to crawl in a hole, and disappear. The specialists found a label for those feelings... clinical depression, and anxiety. Both of my parents were hospitalized with life threatening illnesses, within a week of each other. Less than a week after that, I was told that they had to slice my spine open. I have scoliosis, and my medically significant spinal curve forced me to get a spinal fusion. For a very long time, each time I sat down I felt the steel plate in my spine. Each time my father's voice became slow, and inaudible I thought he would have another stroke. Each time my mom stumbled, I thought she was having another seizure or Lupus flare. At the fragile age of fourteen, this became my reality. It was too much to handle, and my young mind fell apart. The memory of my life's "dark valley," has motivated me to find a way to help others suffering from mental illnesses. In college I will study Animal Sciences, and Psychology. Animals brought me peace, at a time when I was lost. My dream is to incorporate "support animals" in the psycho therapy sessions. With a clear understanding of my life goal, I move towards my academic dreams. At the end of the day, I hope to find a way to create a "safe space." Nurturing the unique relationship between humans, and animals. My support pet therapy style, will provide a relaxing environment. This allows them- us- we...to begin the healing, and be true to ourselves. The whole process can bring out the best in both animals, and humans as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.

I suffer from clinical depression, and anxiety. Through the years leading up to this diagnosis, I experienced numerous tragedies. I was too young to process my grief, and it pushed me into a dark emotional tunnel. We saw many therapist; however, I could only go so far. I could not relax enough to really tell my whole truth, for fear of being judged. After being placed on medication, psychotherapy, and family counseling I gained a new lease on life. However, something was missing. There was a message behind this "dark valley" experience. One day as I was sitting on the floor, my Nana's rescue dog and kitten crawled into my lap. I was at peace, and felt warm and bubbly. There was no judgment in their eyes. Just lots of love, barking, meowing, and licks. I laughed for the first time, in a very long time. At that point, I realized that I can roll my areas of interest together and create a unique future. I decided to modify my Animal Sciences major, and incorporate Psychology. As a therapist, I can help those suffering with mental illness find their voice. I can encourage them by sharing my struggles, and reminding them that they can blaze a trail, survive, and thrive. My dream is to incorporate "support animals" into therapy sessions. With a clear understanding of my life goal, I move towards my academic dreams. I hope to find a way to create a "safe space." Nurturing the unique relationship between humans, and animals. My support pet therapy style, will provide a relaxing environment. This allows them- us- we...to begin the healing, and be true to ourselves. The whole process can bring out the best in both animals, and humans as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.

To me community means that we help each other, and support one another. We also correct each others wrong doing, while celebrating the joys of life. Personally, I suffer from clinical depression, and anxiety. One way I cope with this is through the conversations I have with my friends, while addressing mental health challenges. My friends' struggle with different life issues, and these conversations help us process how they affect us. Society says focus on academics, and teach us to strive for A's, and B's. However, those same "A" students are also struggling emotionally. The solution I came up with, is to help parents understand how to initiate that "hard" conversation. Starting with realizing that just because your teen is smiling, doesn't mean they are okay. Their love ones really have to listen to them, and how they feel. That's the only way to truly see, hear, and understand their challenges. My goal is to work with animals, because they bring me peace. Peace of mind, in my heart and spirit. Steps I'm taking to reach that goal is by going into Animal Science major, and Psychology. I plan to incorporate animals to help people who struggle with depression. While studying both subjects/majors, I'm able to learn how to work with the human mind. Essentially, understanding the dynamic of humans and animals- as a whole. Partnering with a "support animal" can create a safe space, where clients can truly share their thoughts. This "safe space" provides a level of comfort, so that they can begin the healing journey and be true to themselves. The whole process can bring out the best in both animals, and humans as we fight the war against depression.

My powerhouse, passionate, and petite mother, always made her presence felt. At 5'2, 130 lbs, I thought she could move mountains. As a single parent on the Southside of Chicago, she made sure that I was clear on her academic expectations. I went to gifted schools, and remained focused. She reminded me of how her brother was murdered at her door step on 66th and Michigan. She was defiant in her position that we - as a family- will live out his life. Thus, the journey began. At fourteen I was introduced to a reality that has left an indelible impact on my life, and future. My father had a stroke, and six days later my mom was hospitalized. My seemingly invincible mom has Lupus, seizures, and other health issues. One day they worsened, and she collapsed into my arms. I had to drag her through the snow towards our home, while screaming for help. I was in a daze. I heard her teeth clicking during her seizure, and Nana demanded that the paramedics let her ride in the ambulance. Sadly, I realized both of my parents were now hospitalized. My world as I knew it was changing. Four days later, my family found out my scoliosis curve required surgery. The spinal fusion surgery meant they were going to cut my spine in its entirety...from my neck area, to the hip. They would then replace that part of my spine with a steel rod. I was homebound for the entire summer recuperating. I thought my life could not get any worse, but I was mistaken. Immediately after returning to school in the fall, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, and anxiety. I had to decide what my destiny would become. What my academic, social, mental, and emotional story would say about me. I decided to rewrite my story. The worst 12 months of my life gave me the tools to meet challenges “head on." My mother made sure my high school stayed on top of my mental health challenges, and Chicago Public Schools provided resources. When I had my mental health episodes, my mom was at my side. She stood fast, and strong. My mom refuse to leave me, make excuses for me, and dared anyone to even look in my direct with disdain. Even through my pain, I knew my mom always had my back. Her passion motivated me. I continued to end each semester with more A’s, and B’s. I realized that we all face challenges in our lives, which are oftentimes out of our control. We have to decide how we will allow it to impact us. Whether or not we will keep moving forward. My experiences can encourage others to keep going. To strive to develop strength of character, and embrace their tenacity. I can encourage them by sharing my struggles, and reminding them that they can blaze a trail, survive, and thrive. Mental health in my community has been rearing its ugly head amongst my peers. It is quickly becoming a silent killer. Look on social media, and you will see how many teens are suffering from mental health issues. Many feel they are alone, and the end result can become devastating. I will study Animal Sciences, and Psychology in college. My dream is to create a support pet style of therapy. We can thereafter nurture the unique relationship between humans, and animals. This can stimulate the healing process, and encourage clients to open up. In essence, to be true to ourselves as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.

Growing up the question was never, IF I was going to college. The only question was which college would I choose. My mother is a single parent on the Southside of Chicago. She made sure that we were clear on the expectations, as it pertains to our education. We did all the right things. I went to a "gifted" school, and pretty much had my life planned out. At the age of fourteen I was introduced to a new reality. A reality that has left an indelible impact on my life, and future. My father had a stroke, and six days later my mom was hospitalized. My mom has Lupus, seizures, and other health challenges. That tragic morning while heading to school they worsened, and she collapsed into my arms. I had to drag her through the snow towards our home, while screaming for help. I was in a daze. I heard her teeth clicking during her seizure, while my Nana demanded that the paramedics let her ride in the ambulance. As I stood there, I realized both of my parents were now hospitalized. My world as I knew it was changing. I had no idea what that really meant until four days later, when my family found out my scoliosis curve required surgery. The orthopedic surgeon said I had to have spinal fusion surgery immediately. That meant they were going to cut my spine in its entirety...from my neck area, to the hip. They would then replace that part of my spine with a steel rod. I was homebound for the entire summer recuperating. I thought my life could not get any worse, but I was sadly mistaken. Immediately after returning to school in the fall, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, and anxiety. My new reality consisted of specialists who focused on my mental health care. Instead of fighting for a GPA, I knew I was fighting for my life. At that point I had to decide what my destiny would become. What my academic, social, mental, and emotional story would say about me. I decided to rewrite my story. The worst 12 months of my life have given me the tools to meet challenges “head on." During, and after the COVID-19 lock down I continued to end each semester with more A’s, and B’s. Yes, an occasional C slipped in; however, that did not bother me. I realized that we all face challenges in our lives, which are oftentimes out of our control. We have to decide how we will allow it to impact us. Whether or not we will keep moving forward. My experiences can encourage others to keep going. To strive to develop strength of character, and embrace their tenacity. I can encourage them by sharing my struggles, and reminding them that they can blaze a trail, survive, and thrive. I will study Animal Sciences, and Psychology in college. My dream is to incorporate "support animals" in therapy sessions, to help people with mental illnesses. As I struggle with clinical depression, and anxiety I realize that it is a silent battle. With a clear understanding of my life goal, I move towards my academic dreams. At the end of the day, I hope to find a way to create a "safe space." Nurturing the unique relationship between humans, and animals. My support pet therapy style, will provide a relaxing environment. This allows them- us- we...to begin the healing, and be true to ourselves. The whole process can bring out the best in both animals, and humans as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.

My mother is a single parent on the Southside of Chicago. She was born on Barbican Road, in Kingston Jamaica. My Nana is from Westmoreland. I have had the blessing to go back to my families original homeland, to get a feel for how my first family lived. The images were astonishingly beautiful. However, what stands out in my mind is my mothers passion, and respect for education. She constantly reminded us that she came to this country, and worked hard so that we could have a bright future. As such, my academic success was expected. I was a part of many "gifted programs", and began high school classes in the eighth grade. Everything was falling into place in our lives, but one day it all came to a screeching halt. At the age of fourteen I was introduced to a new reality. A reality that has left an indelible impact on my life, and future. My father had a stroke, and six days later my mom was hospitalized. My mom has Lupus, seizures, and other health challenges. That tragic morning while heading to school they worsened, and she collapsed into my arms. I had to drag her through the snow towards our home, while screaming for help. I was in a daze. I heard her teeth clicking during her seizure, while my Nana demanded that the paramedics let her ride in the ambulance. As I stood there, I realized both of my parents were now hospitalized. My world as I knew it was changing. I had no idea what that really meant until four days later, when my family found out my scoliosis curve required surgery. The orthopedic surgeon said I had to have spinal fusion surgery immediately. That meant they were going to cut my spine in its entirety...from my neck area, to the hip. They would then replace that part of my spine with a steel rod. I was homebound for the entire summer recuperating. I thought my life could not get any worse, but I was sadly mistaken. Immediately after returning to school in the fall, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, and anxiety. My new reality consisted of specialists who focused on my mental health care. Instead of fighting for a GPA, I knew I was fighting for my life. At some point I had to decide what my destiny would become. What my academic, social, mental, and emotional story would say about me. I decided to rewrite my story. The worst 12 months of my life have given me the tools to meet challenges “head on." During, and after the COVID-19 lock down I continued to end each semester with more A’s, and B’s. Yes, an occasional C slipped in; however, that did not bother me. I realized that we all face challenges in our lives, which are oftentimes out of our control. We have to decide how we will allow it to impact us. Whether or not we will keep moving forward. My experiences can encourage others to keep going. To strive to develop strength of character, and embrace their tenacity. I can encourage them by sharing my struggles, and reminding them that they can blaze a trail, survive, and thrive. I will study Animal Sciences, and Psychology in college. My dream is to incorporate "support animals" in therapy sessions, to help people with mental illnesses. My support pet therapy style, will provide a relaxing environment. This allows the client- us- we...to begin the healing, and be true to ourselves as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.

Growing up the question was never, IF I was going to college. The only question was which college would I choose. My mother is a single parent on the Southside of Chicago. She made sure that we were clear on the expectations, as it pertains to our education. We did all the right things. I went to a "gifted" school, and pretty much had my life planned out. At the age of fourteen I was introduced to a new reality. A reality that has left an indelible impact on my life, and future. My father had a stroke, and six days later my mom was hospitalized. My mom has Lupus, seizures, and other health challenges. That tragic morning while heading to school they worsened, and she collapsed into my arms. I had to drag her through the snow towards our home, while screaming for help. I was in a daze. I heard her teeth clicking during her seizure, while my Nana demanded that the paramedics let her ride in the ambulance. As I stood there, I realized both of my parents were now hospitalized. My world as I knew it was changing. I had no idea what that really meant until four days later, when my family found out my scoliosis curve required surgery. The orthopedic surgeon said I had to have spinal fusion surgery immediately. That meant they were going to cut my spine in its entirety...from my neck area, to the hip. They would then replace that part of my spine with a steel rod. I was homebound for the entire summer recuperating. I thought my life could not get any worse, but I was sadly mistaken. Immediately after returning to school in the fall, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, and anxiety. My new reality consisted of specialists who focused on my mental health care. Instead of fighting for a GPA, I knew I was fighting for my life. At some point I had to decide what my destiny would become. What my academic, social, mental, and emotional story would say about me. I decided to rewrite my story. The worst 12 months of my life have given me the tools to meet challenges “head on." During, and after the COVID-19 lock down I continued to end each semester with more A’s, and B’s. Yes, an occasional C slipped in; however, that did not bother me. I realized that we all face challenges in our lives, which are oftentimes out of our control. We have to decide how we will allow it to impact us. Whether or not we will keep moving forward. My experiences can encourage others to keep going. To strive to develop strength of character, and embrace their tenacity. I can encourage them by sharing my struggles, and reminding them that they can blaze a trail, survive, and thrive. I will study Animal Sciences, and Psychology in college. My dream is to incorporate "support animals" in therapy sessions, to help people with mental illnesses. As I struggle with clinical depression, and anxiety I realize that it is a silent battle. With a clear understanding of my life goal, I move towards my academic dreams. At the end of the day, I hope to find a way to create a "safe space." Nurturing the unique relationship between humans, and animals. My support pet therapy style, will provide a relaxing environment. This allows them- us- we...to begin the healing, and be true to ourselves. The whole process can bring out the best in both animals, and humans as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.

I am embarrassed. I am embarrassed to share my story- my soul. However, I have accepted that what is embarrassing to me, can be an inspiration to others. I’ve never been the type of person that wanted to get pointed out, or seen as different. As an only child, being alone is something I struggle with. It would be nice to have someone my age, who would understand how difficult it is when you see your world crashing in front of tear-filled eyes. That person can encourage me by saying - be strong- you can do it! However, in my real world when the memories begin to flow, I have to decide within myself to — Just Do It. Going through Kenwood’s Academic Center in eighth grade prepared me for academic rigor. What it did not prepare me for was real life struggles. My father had a stroke in the beginning of my second semester of my freshmen year. As a fourteen year old, I really did not understand what that meant. There was no time to figure it out, because six days later my mom was hospitalized. My mom has Lupus, seizures, and other health challenges. That tragic morning while heading to school they worsened, and she collapsed into my arms. I had to drag her through the snow towards our home, while screaming for help. Later I watched in shock as paramedics strapped my mom down, and placed her in the ambulance. As I stood there, I realized both of my parents were now hospitalized. I had my Nana, cousins, and friends around. However, at fourteen years old I still felt alone, and scared. To make matters worse, four days later my family found out my scoliosis curve required surgery. I had been wearing a brace for several years, but my spine kept curving. The orthopedic surgeon said I had to have spinal fusion surgery immediately. That meant they were going to cut my spine in its entirety...from my neck area, to the hip. They would then replace that part of my spine with a steel rod. I was homebound for the entire summer recuperating. I thought my life could not get any worse, but I was sadly mistaken. Immediately after returning to school in the fall, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, and anxiety. My new reality consisted of specialists who focused on mental health care. During which time I dealt with the academic struggles of remote learning, and a fluctuating GPA. However, instead of fighting for a GPA, I knew I was fighting for my life. At some point I had to decide what my destiny would become. What my academic, social, mental, and emotional story would say about me. I decided to rewrite my story. The worst 12 months of my life have given me the tools to meet challenges “head on." I promised myself I would fight to survive through these obstacles. During, and after the COVID-19 lock down I continued to end each semester with more A’s, and B’s. Yes, an occasional C slipped in; however, that did not bother me. I realized that we all face challenges in our lives, which are oftentimes out of our control. We have to decide how we will allow it to impact us. Whether or not we will keep moving forward. As a younger child I did not know how to handle being scared, hurt, angry, sad, and lost. I have accepted a new reality, as a young adult who traveled through that valley of pain, and strife. Now I know in my soul that though the road may be bumpy, I can still push through. My experiences can encourage others to push through their challenges. To strive to develop strength of character, and embrace their tenacity. I can encourage them by sharing my struggles. I will remind others that they can blaze a trail, survive, thrive, and —Just Do It. At almost 18 years old, I now realize that this mental health crisis is bigger than me. I will study Animal Sciences, and Psychology in college. My dream is to incorporate "support animals" in therapy session, to help people with mental illnesses. As I struggle with clinical depression, and anxiety I realize that it is a silent battle. My solution is to find a way to help parents understand, that just because your teen is smiling don't mean they are okay. Society as a whole, and loved ones specifically must truly see, hear, and understand our challenges. With a clear understanding of my life goal, I move towards my academic dreams. At the end of the day, I hope to find a way to create a "safe space." Nurturing the unique relationship between humans, and animals. My support pet therapy style, will provide a relaxing environment. Those of us suffering from mental health issues will have a vehicle in which to be comfortable, and secure in our experiences. This allows them- us- we...to begin the healing, and be true to ourselves. The whole process can bring out the best in both animals, and humans as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.