I am a social work student in my sophomore year and I live with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong chronic illness that can require intense inpatient treatment if things aren’t managed properly. Bipolar disorder affects my friendships, jobs, and my academics. I decided to be proactive about my mental health when I had my 7th hospitalization. It was a wake up call. Recovery is a difficult journey but I know I am strong enough to power through. Finishing school with bipolar disorder is not easy but I have the support from my family and friends to succeed. Personal challenges such as financial constraints and balancing academic responsibility with maintaining good mental health have shaped who I am as a person. There were many times I had to sit out of campus events or hang out with peers outside the classroom because my spending budget went towards groceries. Making sure I am taking care of myself through stressful times like midterms and finals was also a challenge for me. I am more resourceful and I have developed problem-solving skills that can improve many areas of my life. One year after graduation, I will be wrapping up my Masters of Social Work while in the advanced standing program at my university. Five years after graduation my goal is to use my education to end recidivism in those suffering with mental illness and substance use disorders. There is an urgent need for rehabilitation services for justice-involved individuals in mental health crises that often are not offered in correctional facilities. I will close the gap in care and fill the role that is needed to make sure an individual is discharged from a correctional facility with the mental health resources that they need to thrive in society. To give back to my community and those who also suffer from mental illness will mean that I am living my life’s purpose. With bipolar disorder comes manic episodes which can lead to unusual behavior. I am lucky that I am able to afford medication and therapy to keep myself stable and that others do not have the same luxury as me. This unusual behavior can lead to unfortunate circumstances such as time in correctional facilities. Having lived experience will allow me to connect with justice involved individuals who suffer from mental illness the same way I do and show them that they have someone on their side that will walk the path to success with them!