I believe that discussing mental health has always been frowned upon, both in my family's home and in general culture. I was never taught how to express my emotions, and I was raised to believe that I was capable of handling any negative emotions on my own. I distinctly recall being concerned that crying would get me into trouble. Since then, this challenging subject has influenced how I engage with my work, relationships, and career paths. Only a few years ago, I thought of driving off the road while traveling alone to a girl's weekend and was feeling so stressed out by life's stresses. This was the first time I had thought of this type. I felt as though I were sinking as I was driving. The concept seemed to have some validity, and I was struck with despair, rage, and perplexity. I felt anxious and terrified since I was alone with this thinking. While still traveling the twisting mountain roads to the girl's weekend, I sobbed uncontrollably. Whatever transpired after that, I don't remember, but all of a sudden I started to feel somewhat sane. I questioned if I should dial the suicide prevention hotline in light of this. I took a few deep breaths and sat in my idling car on the side of the road for a few more minutes before dialing a friend. How fortunate am I to have pals who I feel comfortable approaching with this kind of thing? I had no idea what was going on, but I was confident that a buddy would be able to calm me down. I called her and told her everything as a result. She was extremely considerate and perceptive. In that instant, her trust in me meant more to me than anything else. When I answered, "I think it's simply a ridiculous thought and I could never do that to my loved ones or myself," she had faith that I was telling the truth. She put her trust in me, therefore I felt comfortable telling the truth. She helped me realize how crucial it is to talk openly and honestly with the people you care about. Since then, this encounter has influenced how I approach discussing mental health with my peers. I have no qualms about discussing this or similar experiences. I am open and truthful about the tools I employ to keep my level of stability and constructive conduct under stress. I believe that more people than they are prepared to acknowledge have suicidal or similar ideas. I am familiar with members of my neighborhood who take these ideas to heart. I hope that one day there will be access to normalizing mental health so that people feel comfortable talking about it. We can get a step closer to making people with mental health challenges feel heard and protected when we show compassion and empathy for them. I believe that more people than they are prepared to acknowledge have suicidal or similar ideas. I am familiar with members of my neighborhood who take these ideas to heart. I hope that one day there will be access to normalizing mental health so that people feel comfortable talking about it. We can get a step closer to making people with mental health challenges feel heard and protected when we show compassion and empathy for them.

Playing sports taught me how to triumph over hardship is the most significant lesson I took away from my high school sporting experience. I discovered that a problem can be solved by attitude alone. I discovered that a sincere attempt is always worthwhile, regardless of how it turns out. I discovered that believing in others makes you more likely to get their support. I discovered that the real goal of forgiving is to set yourself free from the pain and annoyance that is restricting you. I overcame the loss of a buddy because of my high school's sporting program. I started to understand the significance of high school athletics in my life while standing at a fellow Lake Nona High School athlete's funeral. His passing was an unforeseen tragedy that rocked my neighborhood. But as a community of athletes, we all came together to cheer on his basketball team teammates. As an athletic group, we grieved his passing together, leaned on one another for support, gained a fresh appreciation for one another, and grew closer than before. I was able to see the actual impact of love on everyone. I discovered the value of memories and how to be thankful for every moment. What endures are memories. It is the memories that we hang onto when people come and go because, as long as we have a memory of them, they will always be alive in our hearts. I have learned the value of hard work from double-session football tryouts to apparently insurmountable track sessions. Athletics is about developing as a team and as an individual, not about winning. It's about pushing yourself as far as you can without giving up. I've learned via athletics to keep going when things are difficult and that failure, not an achievement, is what develops character. High school sports have also provided me the chance to interact with people I might not have otherwise met and work outside of my social circle. I looked up to the upperclassmen as the ideal role models when I was a freshman, and I can say without a doubt that these lads changed me as a person and as an athlete. I developed lifelong friendships because of athletics. I now find myself managing and directing my teammates on two sports teams. I can see the impact I'm making in my colleagues' and brothers' lives as I watch them develop, improve, and succeed.

Education is learning in order to gain a deeper knowledge and comprehension of a number of areas that can be applied to daily life, which is why I believe education is vital. Education can be acquired through real-world experiences outside of the classroom as well as knowledge from books. Nobody can ever take away from you the steadiness that education brings to your life. You boost your chances of landing a better job and opening new doors for yourself by getting an education and earning a college degree. In addition to stability, education also offers financial security, particularly in the world of today. An excellent education typically results in a higher-paid career and gives you the necessary abilities to get there. It must begin with education if we want to truly achieve global equality. There would be less separation between social classes if everyone had the same access to education. Everyone, not only those who are already wealthy, would be able to have an equal opportunity in higher-paid occupations. When it comes to independence, the value of education is clear. If we are educated, then it is something that entirely belongs to us, enabling us to rely solely on ourselves. You'll be able to make your own decisions and be financially independent. You can achieve anything you can dream of. The most effective tool you could possibly own is education, and you can achieve all of your goals with it. Of course, there are certain exceptions depending on your goals, but in general, education will get you as far as your willingness to go will allow it. In order to keep our planet secure and make it a more peaceful place, education is something that is not only necessary on a personal level but also on a global level. Education helps people avoid dangerous circumstances by teaching them the difference between right and wrong. Success in life mostly depends on one's ability to feel confidence in oneself. And what better method to boost your self-assurance than via education? Your level of education is frequently seen as evidence of your expertise, and it can give you the assurance to voice your thoughts and express your opinions. Knowing how to read and write can assist keep you from being taken advantage of, such as by knowing not to sign any phony documents. Education can protect you more than you may realize, not only financially but also by preventing you from being taken advantage of.

Playing sports taught me how to triumph over hardship is the most significant lesson I took away from my high school sporting experience. I discovered that a problem can be solved by attitude alone. I discovered that a sincere attempt is always worthwhile, regardless of how it turns out. I discovered that believing in others makes you more likely to get their support. I discovered that the real goal of forgiving is to set yourself free from the pain and annoyance that is restricting you. I overcame the loss of a buddy because of my high school's sporting program. I started to understand the significance of high school athletics in my life while standing at a fellow Lake Nona High School athlete's funeral. His passing was an unforeseen tragedy that rocked my neighborhood. But as a community of athletes, we all came together to cheer on his basketball team teammates. As an athletic group, we grieved his passing together, leaned on one another for support, gained a fresh appreciation for one another, and grew closer than before. I was able to see the actual impact of love on everyone. I discovered the value of memories and how to be thankful for every moment. What endures are memories. It is the memories that we hang onto when people come and go because, as long as we have a memory of them, they will always be alive in our hearts. I have learned the value of hard work from double-session football tryouts to apparently insurmountable track sessions. Athletics is about developing as a team and as an individual, not about winning. It's about pushing yourself as far as you can without giving up. I've learned via athletics to keep going when things are difficult and that failure, not an achievement, is what develops character. High school sports have also provided me the chance to interact with people I might not have otherwise met and work outside of my social circle. I looked up to the upperclassmen as the ideal role models when I was a freshman, and I can say without a doubt that these lads changed me as a person and as an athlete. I developed lifelong friendships because of athletics. I now find myself managing and directing my teammates on two sports teams. I can see the impact I'm making in my colleagues' and brothers' lives as I watch them develop, improve, and succeed.