When I was just 15 years old, my life changed in an instant. I was riding the Los Angeles Metro—just a normal day—when eight masked men stormed the platform. One of them pointed a gun directly at me. Time stopped. My breath disappeared. Everything became blurry. My heart pounded louder than the train itself. I eventually got away from them, physically unharmed, but emotionally, I was changed forever. The weight of that moment clung to me like a shadow. In the days and months that followed, my anxiety rose to new heights. Doubt became my constant companion. I couldn't focus in school. I struggled to sleep. Simple things—crowded places, loud noises, even the sound of a train—would send me spiraling. But what made it even harder was how long it took me to find someone to talk to. I didn’t know how to explain what I was feeling, and even when I tried, the system made it almost impossible to get the help I needed. Right after that night, my brain couldn’t process the trauma. I had a mental break. My parents were right by my side, trying everything they could to support me—but we kept hitting wall after wall. Finding a therapist felt impossible. Waiting lists were endless. Costs were overwhelming. And the longer I went without help, the worse it got. That moment, as painful and terrifying as it was, also became a turning point in my life. I made myself a promise: if I made it through, I would dedicate myself to making sure no kid ever had to go through what I did—alone, afraid, and without support. That’s why I’m building a system of clinics designed specifically for children and adolescents. These centers will be safe spaces where young people can access real help, right when they need it—not after weeks or months of waiting. Each location will offer: Group discussions that foster community and shared healing. Open communication sessions for kids and their parents to bridge the emotional gap between generations. One-on-one therapy and coaching tailored to each child’s needs. Guest speakers and mentors who remind kids they’re not alone. Support systems that reinforce the message every single day: you matter, your story matters, and healing is possible. The road is still hard, but I know my purpose now. I’m turning pain into action, and fear into a future where no child is left unheard or unseen. Like my story, one of the biggest barriers to preventing suicide is the delay in care. My clinics will remove those barriers—providing fast, affordable, and consistent support, making sure kids get help when they need it most.