How Caregiving Transformed My Life and Shaped My Purpose Caregiving is a role I always imagined embracing—whether for my children, parents, or grandparents. But I never expected to become a full-time caregiver for my husband while simultaneously parenting two young children and pursuing my education. This experience, though incredibly challenging, has profoundly shaped my goals, journey, and identity in ways I could never have anticipated. In May 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I welcomed a healthy baby boy, joining our energetic 14-month-old son. What should have been a joyful family time soon turned into a battle for survival. During a routine health check, my husband sought a second opinion on a lump on his neck. Just as I began my first week back to school after childbirth, we received the devastating diagnosis: Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with cancer also present in his chest. Chemotherapy would begin immediately. Witnessing the man I loved—the pillar of our family—lose his strength, energy, and even his hair was heart-wrenching. My young children were confused by their father’s diminished presence. Compounding the challenge, COVID restrictions prevented me from accompanying him to his treatments, leaving me to juggle multiple roles alone. My husband, Lucas, was the primary breadwinner, so I had to manage our household finances, care for our children, support him emotionally, and continue my studies and work as best as I could. The side effects of chemotherapy were brutal. We spent countless nights in the hospital as I watched fear and pain wrest control from the vibrant man I knew. Balancing caregiving with school and work meant my academic goals were put on hold, and my energy was stretched thin. Looking back, I am still amazed at how I managed to navigate those months. This intense experience revealed strengths I didn’t know I had and reshaped my understanding of what it means to care deeply and persist through hardship. Caregiving during this time transformed my identity. It taught me resilience, patience, and unconditional love in ways no textbook ever could. I became a better spouse, friend, daughter, and sister—more empathetic and aware of the struggles others face. I saw firsthand how vital support networks are; the kindness and assistance our family received during Lucas’s illness left an indelible mark on me. It inspired a commitment to “pay it forward” by helping others navigate their own difficult journeys. This experience has also deeply influenced my goals. I am now more determined than ever to pursue a career where I can support families facing adversity—whether through social work, counseling, or community advocacy. I want to be a beacon of hope and practical help to people grappling with illness, caregiving burdens, and emotional challenges. The lessons I learned caring for Lucas have given me a clearer sense of purpose and a passion to make a meaningful difference. In conclusion, caregiving has been one of the most defining chapters of my life. It tested my limits, reshaped my priorities, and revealed my true capacity for love and perseverance. Though it temporarily stalled my academic ambitions, it ultimately strengthened my resolve to help others and shaped the person I am becoming. Through this journey, I have learned that caregiving is not just an act of service—it is a powerful force that transforms both the giver and the receiver.

How Books Have Shaped My Dreams and Directed My Path Books have always been more than just stories or information to me—they have been lifelines, mirrors, and guides. Through the pages of countless books, I have discovered new perspectives, learned valuable lessons, and found inspiration that has profoundly shaped my goals and the person I strive to become. Growing up, I often struggled to find clarity in my ambitions. My attention would shift from one interest to another without much purpose, leaving me feeling lost and overwhelmed. It wasn’t until I began immersing myself in books—both fiction and nonfiction—that I started to see a clearer vision for my future. Books on mental health, personal growth, and social justice resonated deeply with me, especially as I recognized parts of my own story within their pages. One of the most powerful lessons I learned from reading was the importance of self-awareness and mental health management. Books about ADHD, anxiety, and resilience opened my eyes to challenges I had unknowingly faced since high school. Understanding these experiences through the words of experts and others who shared similar struggles helped me realize that I was not alone and that my difficulties did not define me. This newfound knowledge motivated me to seek help, take control of my mental health, and approach my academic and personal life with renewed determination. Additionally, biographies and stories of social workers and advocates inspired me to use my own experiences to help others. I learned that one person’s voice and actions can make a meaningful difference in a community. This insight shaped my goal to pursue social work as a career—a field where I can advocate for vulnerable children, support families, and create positive change. The books I read gave me both the language and the courage to envision myself in a role of service and leadership. Reading has also taught me the value of intentional living. Through books on mindfulness and productivity, I discovered practical strategies to prioritize my well-being, manage my time, and set achievable goals. These lessons helped me create daily routines that include fresh air, exercise, and moments of reflection—habits that keep me balanced and focused. The discipline I cultivated from these readings has empowered me to stay committed to my education and personal growth. Most importantly, books have shown me the power of empathy and connection. Stories about diverse lives and struggles expanded my worldview and deepened my compassion. They reminded me that behind every person is a story worth hearing, and that understanding others enriches my own life. This realization fuels my passion for social work, where empathy is essential to building trust and fostering healing. In just a few months since embracing these lessons, I have witnessed remarkable changes. My academic performance has improved, my relationships have grown stronger, and my ambitions are more focused than ever. I now see my goals not as distant dreams but as achievable milestones on a meaningful journey. In conclusion, the books I have read have been instrumental in shaping who I am and who I want to become. They have provided clarity, motivation, and practical tools that guide my academic path and personal life. By continuing to learn and grow through reading, I am confident that I can make a difference—not only in my own life but in the lives of others.

Taking Control: How Prioritizing My Mental Health Transformed My Academic and Personal Life Mental health is often the invisible force that shapes our success and happiness, yet it is rarely given the attention it deserves—until it demands it. For me, that moment came when my academic performance plummeted and my personal life began to unravel. It was only after seeking help that I truly understood how deeply my mental health was affecting every aspect of my life. During my early years in school, I struggled silently. I found myself cramming an hour before deadlines, missing assignments, and watching my grades slip through my fingers. I was overwhelmed, unfocused, and exhausted. I wasn’t just failing classes—I felt like I was failing myself, my family, and my friends. The turning point came when I decided that I could no longer continue down this path. I reached out to my loved ones for support and finally scheduled an appointment with a doctor to understand what was happening. At 28 years old, I shared my struggles, tracing patterns back to my freshman year of high school. After several assessments and a long conversation, my doctor diagnosed me with ADHD and anxiety—conditions I had unknowingly battled for years. This diagnosis was a revelation. With proper treatment, including medication and therapy, I began to reclaim control over my life. The changes were profound. My academic performance improved dramatically—I became more attentive in class, organized my work efficiently, and approached my studies with renewed energy and focus. But the impact wasn’t limited to school. My social life flourished as well. I became more open and honest with my friends about my challenges, which deepened our relationships and allowed me to support them in return. For the first time, I felt connected rather than isolated. I also noticed a shift in my ambitions. Where before I had jumped from one goal to another without clear direction, I now had a focused vision of what I wanted to achieve and how I could make a meaningful impact on the world. Recognizing the importance of maintaining my mental health, I have since adopted intentional habits to support my well-being daily. I carve out time each day for fresh air and exercise, which help me manage stress and boost my mood. I also set aside quiet moments to reflect, process my emotions, and reset my mindset. These practices have become essential tools that keep me balanced and prepared to face academic challenges and life’s uncertainties. Prioritizing my mental health has been a transformative journey. It has not only improved my grades and productivity but has enriched my personal life with deeper connections and a clearer sense of purpose. I now understand that mental health is not a barrier to success but a foundation for it. By taking ownership of my well-being, I have built resilience and confidence that empower me to thrive both in school and beyond.

The Lasting Impact of Early Childhood Trauma and My Commitment to Healing Imagine a young child living in constant fear, their tiny body trapped in a relentless state of “fight or flight.” This is the harsh reality for many children who experience trauma during their earliest and most vulnerable stages of development. Such trauma does not just cause immediate distress, it profoundly disrupts brain development, setting the stage for lifelong challenges in emotional regulation, social relationships, and mental health. Early childhood trauma can alter the architecture of the developing brain. When a child is exposed to abuse, neglect, poverty, or violence, their brain’s neural pathways can be rewired to prioritize survival over growth. This persistent stress response often manifests as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and behavioral issues. Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently misunderstood by caregivers and educators as mere “bad behavior” or defiance, leading to missed opportunities for intervention. When trauma remains unaddressed, children can fall behind academically and socially, which severely limits their potential and future well-being. I speak on this issue not just as a student of human development, but from personal experience. Growing up with a parent in the military meant enduring long deployments (sometimes lasting 12 to 18 months) that left me feeling abandoned, scared, and angry. Instead of receiving support, my emotional turmoil was labeled as “attitude problems.” I was a child crying out for help but dismissed as simply “headstrong.” This unrecognized trauma followed me into adulthood, affecting my relationships and mental health. It was only after becoming a parent myself that I began to understand the depth of my childhood struggles and the healing power of therapy. This personal journey fuels my passion for social work. I am determined to become an advocate for children who, like me, suffer in silence. Social workers are uniquely positioned to identify the hidden wounds of trauma and to intervene early, providing children and families with the resources and support they desperately need. I want to educate parents and caregivers about the signs of trauma and guide them toward effective treatments—not just for the child, but for the entire family system. Often, a little kindness and understanding can break the cycle of pain and open the door to healing. In my future career, I will strive to ensure that no child’s pain is ignored or misunderstood. By listening carefully, advocating fiercely, and acting compassionately, I believe I can help transform lives. Early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life, replacing fear with hope and despair with resilience. My own story is a testament to the importance of this work, and it drives my commitment to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families.