Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

I went to High School in Oakland, CA, home to a lot of culture and history but twice as much crime and pollution. I watched every day as my community fell apart before my eyes, dirty streets, polluted lakes, graffiti on church buildings, and more. I knew that I couldn't exist in a reality where my environment wasn't taken care of or prioritized, so I contacted my school academic counselor so that I can get involved in a non-profit organization that will help spark some environmental change in my community. I was matched with The Rose Foundation, a beautiful non-profit that fights for environmental activism daily and teaches young youth how to take care of the world around them. I got involved with this organization in the summer of 2019 and it was the most impactful time of my life. I visited multiple sites that were being targeted because of the easy accessibility to their land since the area was majority black and brown folks. Big corporations intentionally targeted this very vulnerable community since they lacked protection and the knowledge to involve themselves. Weekly we went on field trips to environmental protests around the bay area, we even made the news in San Francisco while protesting the unjust behavior of a big corporation that was polluting water lines to build a bigger factory for production. I came out of this program a changed person, I valued my surroundings more and I finally understood the power in my voice. I was always told to speak my mind if I wanted to see real change but as a younger person I just always assumed people told me that to make me feel better about having an indifferent opinion; now I realize that those small acts of advocation, protesting and picking up trash around me, all of those things help not just me but the people around me or are too complacent or too afraid to do it themselves. Moving forward in my life I want to make it my life's goal to help those who can’t or don't know how to help themselves; rather that be environmentally, socially, or mentally. This is why I am majoring in Psychology so I can do my best to be an outlet for a struggling community with a strained voice. After every field trip, we would come back to the office and debrief our feelings with each other, how our experience makes us feel about ourselves, how witnessing such acts make us feel about the world and most importantly, what would we do about it?

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. Since high school, my family has always supported my need to help others by placing me in internships that involved social justice for a long time. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. Inner-city kids who are already constantly told they have no voice, just want someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. Unlike the majority of the kids I grew up knowing or came across in my city, they don't have a family who will support them through thick and thin and constantly encourage them like I do. I realized my blessings and I wont to use that to help others less fortunate than me.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied, and just had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so intense it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed it was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. Sometimes it's a lot of pressure to be the first in your family to do something so big. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it. I've already been told by multiple family members how inspired they felt to go to college since I am the first one in my family to do it. My goal is to have many inner-city kids I went to school with approach me and say the same thing. I think every community needs the motivation to know that it is possible for them, they can aspire to higher heights than where they are.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied, and just had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so intense it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed it was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed it was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

I went to High School in Oakland, CA, home to a lot of culture and history but twice as much crime and pollution. I watched every day as my community fell apart before my eyes, dirty streets, polluted lakes, graffiti on church buildings, and more. I knew that I couldn't exist in a reality where my environment wasn't taken care of or prioritized, so I contacted my school academic counselor so that I can get involved in a non-profit organization that will help spark some environmental change in my community. I was matched with The Rose Foundation, a beautiful non-profit that fights for environmental activism daily and teaches young youth how to take care of the world around them. I got involved with this organization in the summer of 2019 and it was the most impactful time of my life. I visited multiple sites that were being targeted because of the easy accessibility to their land since the area was majority black and brown folks. Big corporations intentionally targeted this very vulnerable community since they lacked protection and the knowledge to involve themselves. Weekly we went on field trips to environmental protests around the bay area, we even made the news in San Francisco while protesting the unjust behavior of a big corporation that was polluting water lines to build a bigger factory for production. I came out of this program a changed person, I valued my surroundings more and I finally understood the power in my voice. I was always told to speak my mind if I wanted to see real change but as a younger person I just always assumed people told me that to make me feel better about having an indifferent opinion; now I realize that those small acts of advocation, protesting and picking up trash around me, all of those things help not just me but the people around me or are too complacent or too afraid to do it themselves. Moving forward in my life I want to make it my life's goal to help those who can’t or don't know how to help themselves; rather that be environmentally, socially, or mentally. This is why I am majoring in Psychology so I can do my best to be an outlet for a struggling community with a strained voice. After every field trip, we would come back to the office and debrief our feelings with each other, how our experience makes us feel about ourselves, how witnessing such acts make us feel about the world and most importantly, what would we do about it?

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so intense it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed it was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

I went to High School in Oakland, CA, home to a lot of culture and history but twice as much crime and pollution. I watched every day as my community fell apart before my eyes, dirty streets, polluted lakes, graffiti on church buildings, and more. I knew that I couldn't exist in a reality where my environment wasn't taken care of or prioritized, so I contacted my school academic counselor so that I can get involved in a non-profit organization that will help spark some environmental change in my community. I was matched with The Rose Foundation, a beautiful non-profit that fights for environmental activism daily and teaches young youth how to take care of the world around them. I got involved with this organization in the summer of 2019 and it was the most impactful time of my life. I visited multiple sites that were being targeted because of the easy accessibility to their land since the area was majority black and brown folks. Big corporations intentionally targeted this very vulnerable community since they lacked protection and the knowledge to involve themselves. Weekly we went on field trips to environmental protests around the bay area, we even made the news in San Francisco while protesting the unjust behavior of a big corporation that was polluting water lines to build a bigger factory for production. I came out of this program a changed person, I valued my surroundings more and I finally understood the power in my voice. I was always told to speak my mind if I wanted to see real change but as a younger person I just always assumed people told me that to make me feel better about having an indifferent opinion; now I realize that those small acts of advocation, protesting and picking up trash around me, all of those things help not just me but the people around me or are too complacent or too afraid to do it themselves. Moving forward in my life I want to make it my life's goal to help those who can’t or don't know how to help themselves; rather that be environmentally, socially, or mentally. This is why I am majoring in Psychology so I can do my best to be an outlet for a struggling community with a strained voice. After every field trip, we would come back to the office and debrief our feelings with each other, how our experience makes us feel about ourselves, how witnessing such acts make us feel about the world and most importantly, what would we do about it?

I went to High School in Oakland, CA, home to a lot of culture and history but twice as much crime and pollution. I watched every day as my community fell apart before my eyes, dirty streets, polluted lakes, graffiti on church buildings, and more. I knew that I couldn't exist in a reality where my environment wasn't taken care of or prioritized, so I contacted my school academic counselor so that I can get involved in a non-profit organization that will help spark some environmental change in my community. I was matched with The Rose Foundation, a beautiful non-profit that fights for environmental activism daily and teaches young youth how to take care of the world around them. I got involved with this organization in the summer of 2019 and it was the most impactful time of my life. I visited multiple sites that were being targeted because of the easy accessibility to their land since the area was majority black and brown folks. Big corporations intentionally targeted this very vulnerable community since they lacked protection and the knowledge to involve themselves. Weekly we went on field trips to environmental protests around the bay area, we even made the news in San Francisco while protesting the unjust behavior of a big corporation that was polluting water lines to build a bigger factory for production. I came out of this program a changed person, I valued my surroundings more and I finally understood the power in my voice. I was always told to speak my mind if I wanted to see real change but as a younger person I just always assumed people told me that to make me feel better about having an indifferent opinion; now I realize that those small acts of advocation, protesting and picking up trash around me, all of those things help not just me but the people around me or are too complacent or too afraid to do it themselves. Moving forward in my life I want to make it my life's goal to help those who can’t or don't know how to help themselves; rather that be environmentally, socially, or mentally. This is why I am majoring in Psychology so I can do my best to be an outlet for a struggling community with a strained voice. After every field trip, we would come back to the office and debrief our feelings with each other, how our experience makes us feel about ourselves, how witnessing such acts make us feel about the world and most importantly, what would we do about it?

I went to High School in Oakland, CA, home to a lot of culture and history but twice as much crime and pollution. I watched every day as my community fell apart before my eyes, dirty streets, polluted lakes, graffiti on church buildings, and more. I knew that I couldn't exist in a reality where my environment wasn't taken care of or prioritized, so I contacted my school academic counselor so that I can get involved in a non-profit organization that will help spark some environmental change in my community. I was matched with The Rose Foundation, a beautiful non-profit that fights for environmental activism daily and teaches young youth how to take care of the world around them. I got involved with this organization in the summer of 2019 and it was the most impactful time of my life. I visited multiple sites that were being targeted because of the easy accessibility to their land since the area was majority black and brown folks. Big corporations intentionally targeted this very vulnerable community since they lacked protection and the knowledge to involve themselves. Weekly we went on field trips to environmental protests around the bay area, we even made the news in San Francisco while protesting the unjust behavior of a big corporation that was polluting water lines to build a bigger factory for production. I came out of this program a changed person, I valued my surroundings more and I finally understood the power in my voice. I was always told to speak my mind if I wanted to see real change but as a younger person I just always assumed people told me that to make me feel better about having an indifferent opinion; now I realize that those small acts of advocation, protesting and picking up trash around me, all of those things help not just me but the people around me or are too complacent or too afraid to do it themselves. Moving forward in my life I want to make it my life's goal to help those who can’t or don't know how to help themselves; rather that be environmentally, socially, or mentally. This is why I am majoring in Psychology so I can do my best to be an outlet for a struggling community with a strained voice. After every field trip, we would come back to the office and debrief our feelings with each other, how our experience makes us feel about ourselves, how witnessing such acts make us feel about the world and most importantly, what would we do about it?

I went to High School in Oakland, CA, home to a lot of culture and history but twice as much crime and pollution. I watched every day as my community fell apart before my eyes, dirty streets, polluted lakes, graffiti on church buildings, and more. I knew that I couldn't exist in a reality where my environment wasn't taken care of or prioritized, so I contacted my school academic counselor so that I can get involved in a non-profit organization that will help spark some environmental change in my community. I was matched with The Rose Foundation, a beautiful non-profit that fights for environmental activism daily and teaches young youth how to take care of the world around them. I got involved with this organization in the summer of 2019 and it was the most impactful time of my life. I visited multiple sites that were being targeted because of the easy accessibility to their land since the area was majority black and brown folks. Big corporations intentionally targeted this very vulnerable community since they lacked protection and the knowledge to involve themselves. Weekly we went on field trips to environmental protests around the bay area, we even made the news in San Francisco while protesting the unjust behavior of a big corporation that was polluting water lines to build a bigger factory for production. I came out of this program a changed person, I valued my surroundings more and I finally understood the power in my voice. I was always told to speak my mind if I wanted to see real change but as a younger person I just always assumed people told me that to make me feel better about having an indifferent opinion; now I realize that those small acts of advocation, protesting and picking up trash around me, all of those things help not just me but the people around me or are too complacent or too afraid to do it themselves. Moving forward in my life I want to make it my life's goal to help those who can’t or don't know how to help themselves; rather that be environmentally, socially, or mentally. This is why I am majoring in Psychology so I can do my best to be an outlet for a struggling community with a strained voice. After every field trip, we would come back to the office and debrief our feelings with each other, how our experience makes us feel about ourselves, how witnessing such acts make us feel about the world and most importantly, what would we do about it?

I went to High School in Oakland, CA, home to a lot of culture and history but twice as much crime and pollution. I watched every day as my community fell apart before my eyes, dirty streets, polluted lakes, graffiti on church buildings, and more. I knew that I couldn't exist in a reality where my environment wasn't taken care of or prioritized, so I contacted my school academic counselor so that I can get involved in a non-profit organization that will help spark some environmental change in my community. I was matched with The Rose Foundation, a beautiful non-profit that fights for environmental activism daily and teaches young youth how to take care of the world around them. I got involved with this organization in the summer of 2019 and it was the most impactful time of my life. I visited multiple sites that were being targeted because of the easy accessibility to their land since the area was majority black and brown folks. Big corporations intentionally targeted this very vulnerable community since they lacked protection and the knowledge to involve themselves. Weekly we went on field trips to environmental protests around the bay area, we even made the news in San Francisco while protesting the unjust behavior of a big corporation that was polluting water lines to build a bigger factory for production. I came out of this program a changed person, I valued my surroundings more and I finally understood the power in my voice. I was always told to speak my mind if I wanted to see real change but as a younger person I just always assumed people told me that to make me feel better about having an indifferent opinion; now I realize that those small acts of advocation, protesting and picking up trash around me, all of those things help not just me but the people around me or are too complacent or too afraid to do it themselves. Moving forward in my life I want to make it my life's goal to help those who can’t or don't know how to help themselves; rather that be environmentally, socially, or mentally. This is why I am majoring in Psychology so I can do my best to be an outlet for a struggling community with a strained voice. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I struggled heavily to find affordable living when I first moved here during the pandemic, I eventually settled for living on campus at Sierra College, where I attended from 2020-2023. During my time at Sierra College, I participated in multiple clubs, I was a RA (residential assistant) and I even worked on campus at my school’s library. I was not only being socially productive but I had finally created a source of stable income with my campus job. Towards the end of 2022, I was preparing to transfer to Sacramento State but due to health problems, I was paused for a full academic semester. So as of right now, I am doing my best to keep my head above water financially for things such as books, transportation, and food. Moving forward, I would like to tell you about myself personally. In my free time away from my studies I enjoy all things artsy and outdoorsy. I will be a great candidate because I am an exceptionally hard-working college student who has remained a 3.0 or higher throughout my academic entirety. I am most passionate about giving back to my community and working to make a chance for people who battle mental health. The reason I am in college isn’t just to make my family proud but it’s also to make sure that I can get my Ph.D. and become a therapist who focuses on mental health in impoverished/ minority communities. lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed it was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school every single day.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I struggled heavily to find affordable living when I first moved here during the pandemic, I eventually settled for living on campus at Sierra College, where I attended from 2020-2023. During my time at Sierra College, I participated in multiple clubs, I was a RA (residential assistant) and I even worked on campus at my school’s library. I was not only being socially productive but I had finally created a source of stable income with my campus job. Towards the end of 2022, I was preparing to transfer to Sacramento State but due to health problems, I was paused for a full academic semester. So as of right now, I am doing my best to keep my head above water financially for things such as books, transportation, and food. Moving forward, I would like to tell you about myself personally. In my free time away from my studies I enjoy all things artsy and outdoorsy. I will be a great candidate because I am an exceptionally hard-working college student who has remained a 3.0 or higher throughout my academic entirety. I am most passionate about giving back to my community and working to make a chance for people who battle mental health. The reason I am in college isn’t just to make my family proud but it’s also to make sure that I can get my Ph.D. and become a therapist who focuses on mental health in impoverished/ minority communities. lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed it was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school every single day.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied, and just had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so intense it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed it was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. During the pandemic, I was forced to finish graduating high school in quarantine which brought a bundle of stress to my mental health during that time. In an attempt to improve my circumstances, I decided to move to Sacramento for a safer living environment and better academic opportunities. After some time I am a 3rd year college student at Sacramento State. In my free time away from my studies I enjoy all things artsy and outdoorsy. I will be a great candidate because I am an exceptionally hard-working college student who has remained a 3.0 or higher throughout my academic entirety. I am most passionate about giving back to my community and working to make a chance for people who battle mental health and struggled heavily to find affordable living when I first moved here during the pandemic, I eventually settled for living on campus at Sierra College, where I attended from 2020-2023. During my time at Sierra College, I participated in multiple clubs, I was a RA (residential assistant) and I even worked on campus at my school’s library. I was not only being socially productive but I had finally created a source of stable income with my campus job. Towards the end of 2022, I was preparing to transfer to Sacramento State but due to health problems, I was paused for a full academic semester. So as of right now, I am doing my best to keep my head above water financially for things such as books, transportation, and food. Moving forward, I would like to tell you about myself. In my free time away from my studies I enjoy all things artsy and outdoorsy. I will be a great candidate because I am an exceptionally hard-working college student who has remained a 3.0 or higher throughout my academic entirety. I am most passionate about giving back to my community and working to make a chance for people who battle mental health. The reason I am in college isn’t just to make my family proud but it’s also to make sure that I can get my Ph.D. and become a therapist who focuses on mental health in impoverished/ minority communities. I lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied, and just had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I experienced a depression so intense it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed it was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it. I've met a lot of sad people in my lifetime, and I always go out of my way to make that person feel better. I've been hurt, heartbroken, disappointed, and even embarrassed going out of my way for people. Especially those who go through so much in life. My family always asks me when will I quit putting myself last and others first, well it's simple to me. This is what I ask myself every day: would you rather give joy to others or would you rather have money? To me that's a very easy question, I was born with the ability to make the saddest human smile, even if just for a second. I can make the hardest of stomachs jiggle in joy as they rejoice at the words that are followed by a beautiful smile on my face. Being kind to others was never a "thing" for me, it was more of an action, an action I knew could make the most unfortunate human happy, and so I did it, I do it every day and if it was a superpower of choice I would do it every time. It sounds corny but deeply I believe that if more love was encouraged to strangers that we don't have an attachment to, imagine the peace we could create here on earth. Every day we have to experience death, rapes, bullying, assaults, crime, and much other chaos. How much do we talk about love, empathy, and peace? It's as if this topic has slowly become foreign to us. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, you come across people daily for a reason, and every interaction builds another causation. So when you come across those who are struggling, maybe that's god's way of telling you to help, take a moment out of your day to be kind. I think humans truly underestimate how much kindness plays a role in our daily lives. One day I was walking around my campus as normal, and I looked to see Karl Jacobs, a shy kid in my social studies class. He had a look of dread on his face, as I looked into his eyes I could feel the heaviness he held every day. Masked by a grin that made every girl melt when they saw it, it covered his scent of sadness by overcompensating with academics. I'm sure to this day I'll never meet another guy smarter, every accolade every award, for what? A shield of defense that made it harder for people to see through him. I approached him and said " Well how are you expected to break my heart when you won't even smile at me" and with that laughter was the only shield he needed that day. Sometimes I think laughter is what sparks the feeling of love, I love this feeling in my chest, I love the way my stomach hurts right now and most importantly, I love to see others happy. A beautiful way to end this essay is with a simple thought. If you were at your worst would you tell someone? If you felt yourself slowly slipping into the point of mental calamity would you show that on your face? Most of us will rather suffer in silence than get help, it seems reasonable at the time, "I can do it myself" you think constantly. Some handle problems better alone, but what about those who can't? What about those who pray to come across a person that will ask them what's wrong and genuinely care about the answer they receive? Those who wear beautiful smiles on their face when you see them, let our hearty laughs when you're talking to them, and those who are always best dressed no matter the occasion; their confidence brightens any room. Those are the people who need help the most, they need to know that there's someone who cares, and not just care because they have to but care because it's genuine. The moral of the story, you never know how much one conversation could help someone in silent pain, so be kind and love.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my PHD in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

Hi, my name is Donnya Phillips, I’m an Oakland, CA native who decided to move to Sacramento so I could attend Sierra College during the pandemic. I’ve lived in Oakland my whole life and I can honestly say things have been going downhill for my community for a while. Amongst other factors, I’ve noticed how the lack of mental health care has been heavily affecting black and brown people in my city. I knew at least 3 kids at my high school who committed suicide because of depression and a lack of resources. Throughout my whole life, I’ve known kids who were sexually abused, beaten, bullied and just simply had a bad life, yet no one to talk to. I myself experienced a depression so strong it caused me to have very negative thoughts about suicide, and it was then that I realized the problem. All these kids want is for someone to say I see you, I hear you and I understand. I decided to be that person for my community, always going out of my way to help someone improve or grow mentally and spiritually. The sensation in my chest that I got from helping others who I knew needed was just too big of a joy to let go, so I decided to pursue a career where I can do this every day in bigger ways. So, I’ve now graduated from Sierra College with my associate’s degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, my next goal is to gain my Ph.D. in psychology at Sacramento State, where I recently transferred this summer. The end goal for me and my life is to make sure I can turn my passion into an academic talent that I spent years sharpening, so I can eventually have my own mental health practice. Once I graduate from Sacramento State I see myself getting my therapist license, opening my own office inside of my house, and outsourcing to those in impoverished cities. I know that to change anything you have to be willing to work for it, with all that you got, so every day I make an effort in school even when days I debate dropping out. In my head, I’ve already come further than many kids in my city will ever get and if I turn back now I’m not doing anything but letting down those who have already been let down by so many. This is my drive, my reason, and I truly live for it.

I went to High School in Oakland, CA, home to a lot of culture and history but twice as much crime and pollution. I watched every day as my community fell apart before my eyes, dirty streets, polluted lakes, graffiti on church buildings and more. I knew that I couldn't exist in a reality where my environment wasn't taken care of or prioritized, so I contacted my school academic counselor so that I can get involved in a non profit organization that will help spark some environmental change in my community. I was matched with The Rose Foundation, a beautiful non profit that fights for environmental activism daily and teaches the young youth how to take care of the world around them. I got involved with this organization in the summer of 2019 and it was the most impactful time of my life. I visited multiple sites that were being targeted because of the easy accessibility to thier land since the area was majority black and brown folks. Big corporations intentionally targeted this very vulnerable community since they lacked protection and the knowledge to involve themselves. Weekly we went on field trips to environmental protests around the bay area, we even made the news in San Francisco while protesting the unjust behavior of a big corporation who was polluting water lines to build a bigger factory for production. After every field trip we would come back to the office and debrief our feelings with each other, how our experience makes us feel about ourselves, how witnessing such acts make us feel about the world and most importantly, what would we do about it? I came out of this program a changed person, I valued my surroundings more and I finally understood the power in my voice. I was always told to speak my mind if I wanted to see real change but as a younger person I just always assumed people told me that to make me feel better about having a indifferent opinion; now I realize that those small acts of advocation, protesting and picking up trash around me, all of those things help not just me but the people around me or are too complacent or too afraid to do it themselves. Moving forward in my life I want to make it my life's goal to help those who can’t or don't know how to help themselves; rather that be environmentally, socially or mentally. Which is why I am majoring in Psychology so I can do my best to be an outlet for a struggling community with a strained voice.