Throughout my life, my faith in God has been the foundation that has carried me through even the most challenging moments. Whether it was undergoing knee surgery to repair three ligaments (ACL, PCL, and LCL) or watching my sister battle cancer, I have always trusted the plan that God has set before me. In times of uncertainty, pain, and fear, I have leaned on Him, knowing that His love and purpose for my life are greater than any hardship I may endure. Without God, I do not believe I would still be here today. He has saved my life, showing me that I have a purpose and that I am deeply loved by Him and those around me. Faith has not only been a source of strength in difficult times but has also given me direction and clarity in my calling. I believe that God has placed a passion for helping others in my heart, and this has led me to pursue a career in mental health counseling. Just as He has carried me through my struggles, I want to be a source of support for others who feel lost, broken, or without hope. My faith will assist me in my career by shaping the way I interact with and care for others. It will remind me to be compassionate, patient, and understanding, knowing that everyone has their own battles. Additionally, I trust that God will use my experiences—both the trials and triumphs—to help me connect with those who need guidance. Whether it is through counseling, ministry, or simply being a listening ear, I believe He will continue to work through me to make a difference in the lives of others. My faith has already shown me the importance of resilience, trust, and unconditional love, and I know that these values will be at the core of my work. Another way my faith will assist me in my career is by keeping me grounded in the truth that I am not carrying the weight of the world alone. Working in the mental health field can be emotionally exhausting, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the struggles of others. However, I know that I can surrender my worries to God and trust that He is ultimately in control. My faith will help me maintain a balance between caring deeply for others while also taking care of myself. It will remind me that healing is a journey, and I am simply an instrument God can use to bring light to those who need it. Ultimately, my faith is not just something I hold onto in times of hardship—it is the driving force behind my purpose in life. I am grateful for God’s presence, His grace, and His unwavering love, and I look forward to seeing how He continues to shape my journey, both personally and professionally.

Adversity often comes in unexpected ways, testing our resilience and determination. This past summer, I faced one of the most challenging moments of my life when I tore my ACL, PCL, and LCL. The injury not only caused immense physical pain but also forced me to step away from the activities I loved, particularly working at a summer camp—a place where I found joy, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment. However, rather than allowing this setback to derail my aspirations, I chose to trust in God’s plan, commit to recovery, and persevere toward my goals. One of the most significant aspects of my journey through this adversity was my faith. In moments of frustration and uncertainty, I reminded myself that God has a purpose for every challenge. Instead of dwelling on what I had lost, I leaned into prayer and sought comfort in scripture. I found peace in knowing that while I could not control the situation, I could trust in God’s greater plan for my life. This faith sustained me through the months of recovery and gave me the motivation to push forward. Physical therapy became a crucial part of my journey. It was not easy—there were days of intense pain, slow progress, and frustration. However, I knew that my ability to return to the work I loved depended on my commitment to the recovery process. I approached each session with determination, celebrating small victories along the way. I learned to be patient with myself, understanding that healing takes time but that hard work would ultimately pay off. Despite the challenges, my injury did not define my future. Instead, it became a testament to my resilience and dedication. Today, I am not only able to return to the summer camp that I love, but I am doing so in a full-time capacity, something I had dreamed of for a long time. The experience reinforced my belief that setbacks are not the end of the road but opportunities to grow stronger. Through this journey, I have learned that adversity is not meant to stop us but to refine us. My injury could have been a barrier to my aspirations, but instead, it became a steppingstone. By trusting God, working hard in physical therapy, and maintaining focus on my goals, I have emerged stronger, more grateful, and even more passionate about the work I do. This experience has solidified my belief that with faith and perseverance, no obstacle is too great to overcome.

Choosing a career in social work was not just a decision for me—it was a calling. From a young age, I was drawn to helping others, particularly children who struggled with their mental health. My passion for this field comes from both personal experience and a deep desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need support the most. I have faced my own battles with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD, and these experiences have given me a unique perspective and a profound sense of empathy for those who are struggling. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate mental health challenges, and I want to be the person who offers guidance, understanding, and hope to children in need. One of my primary goals is to become a social worker specializing in mental health for children. I want to provide them with the tools and resources necessary to manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop a sense of self-worth. Many children go through their struggles feeling unseen and unheard, and I hope to be a voice for them, advocating for their well-being and ensuring they have access to the support they deserve. My long-term vision is to work in schools, foster care systems, or counseling centers, where I can directly impact children's lives and help create a safer, more supportive environment for them to grow. My experience working with neurodivergent children has further solidified my passion for this field. I have had the opportunity to support children with ADHD, autism, and other neurological differences, helping them navigate daily challenges and find ways to express themselves. Working with these children has taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of individualized care. Every child is unique, and their mental health journey requires a tailored approach that meets their specific needs. Through this work, I have seen the power of early intervention and compassionate guidance in helping children develop confidence and coping strategies. Additionally, my own mental health journey has given me an intimate understanding of what it means to struggle and overcome. I have learned how important it is to have a strong support system and access to proper resources, and I want to ensure that children receive the care they need to thrive. I believe that my personal experiences, combined with my professional aspirations, will allow me to connect with and support children in a meaningful way. Ultimately, my goal is to dedicate my life to making a difference in the lives of children struggling with mental health. I want to be an advocate, a mentor, and a source of hope for those who may feel lost. By pursuing a career in social work, I am committing myself to a path that aligns with my passion, my experiences, and my desire to create a brighter future for the next generation.

As a passionate advocate for gifted education, my career goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where children of all strengths and abilities can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Gifted children often experience unique challenges, including heightened sensitivity and social isolation.Also, gifted children often experience a sense of burn out, feeling like they cannot live up to standards anymore causing them to give up. It is critical to address not only their intellectual needs but also their social-emotional well-being to ensure their holistic development. My career aspirations as an educator and counselor will allow me to make a significant impact on both aspects of a gifted child’s life, promoting an enriching and well-rounded experience. Gifted children are frequently described as emotionally intense, with heightened sensitivity and an acute awareness of the world around them. This emotional intensity can result in difficulties in social interactions, anxiety, and struggles with self-esteem. Many gifted children feel out of place with their age peers, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness. To support the social-emotional well-being of these students, my career goal is to create an emotionally supportive environment where gifted children feel seen, valued, and understood. In my role as a counselor, I would provide a space for students to process their feelings and develop emotional intelligence. I would offer support in helping them navigate the complexities of relationships with their peers, as gifted children often experience difficulties in socializing with others who may not share their intellectual interests or emotional depth. Through small group sessions, peer mentorship, and guided social skills training, I aim to build their confidence and social competence, helping them develop meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging. Additionally, many gifted children struggle with perfectionism and high self-expectations. This can lead to anxiety, stress, and burnout. I aim to provide tools and strategies to help students manage these pressures, such as mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and cognitive-behavioral strategies for managing perfectionistic tendencies. By promoting emotional regulation and self-compassion, I will guide gifted children in balancing their intellectual potential with emotional resilience. Another aspect of the social-emotional needs of gifted children is the challenge of dealing with the pressures of external expectations. Parents, teachers, and even the students themselves may place high demands on their academic success. In my work, I would help children navigate these pressures by fostering a healthy sense of self-worth that is not solely based on achievement. Encouraging a well-rounded self-concept, where intellectual achievement is only one aspect of their identity, will be an essential part of my approach to supporting their social-emotional growth. In conclusion, my career goals in gifted education and counseling are rooted in a deep commitment to meeting the intellectual and emotional needs of gifted children. By fostering a learning environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, I can ensure that gifted children continue to grow and thrive academically. At the same time, by providing emotional support, encouraging healthy social relationships, and addressing the emotional challenges they face, I will help gifted students develop into well-rounded individuals who are not only successful academically but also emotionally and socially capable. Ultimately, my goal is to help gifted children lead fulfilling, balanced lives by empowering them to reach their fullest potential both in the classroom and in their personal lives.

The main goal that I have in working in this field is to help kids like me. The kids that did not get their parent's attention, the gifted kids, the quiet ones, the kids that did not need to be checked on, or the oldest daughter. Growing up, I was the gifted kid, the child the parents never needed to check on. I was the child that my parents needed to check on. I had a tremendous mental battle in my head while my younger sister, who was only eleven, was undergoing treatment for Leukemia, or blood cancer. I never wanted to speak up because I did not need to be checked in on, I was always just fine. I put on a mask to everyone around me but inside of my head, I was extremely anxious, depressed, and suicidal. I was a 4.0 GPA student and even though I was mentally struggling more than any middle-schooler and high schooler should have experienced I kept my mask on and grades flawless. My life journey allows me to understand what it is like to be a gifted kid, there is an immense amount of pressure put on you by your parents, teachers, peers, and yourself. Often the only way that gifted kids get checked on is if they fail or do something out of the ordinary. In my future career, I want to be the person in these kids' lives who can empathize with them. I want to be a children and adolescent counselor. Saying I will do this is not enough, it is substantial to have an action plan. If I were to get a client that comes in that is a gifted kid, I would remind them that their emotions are valid and the pressure that they are putting on themselves is not healthy. I would work with them diligently on creating a game plan with them. I would guide them to find a creative expression of how they are feeling. Whether it is music, art, or journaling I would encourage them to find something to express their emotions. Then, I would encourage them to get connected to something socially. Maybe it is scouts, sports teams, clubs, bands, or anything to guarantee that they feel supported. Being a gifted kid can be beneficial in many ways, but everything comes with its challenges. Experiencing the same situation all my life myself will help me, help people. Again, my goal is to help kids like me and assist them in realizing their potential and what an astounding future is ahead of them.

May 16th, 2018. The day my life changed forever, the day when I would see my father cry for the first time in my life. That day was when my sister got diagnosed with Leukemia, which is a form of blood cancer. My depression and anxiety ran miles in my mind after my father told us about my sister's critical health. Instead of doing the things I love, I sit in my house and wait. Waiting for the results. I waited for my sister to be back to playing games with us. Waited for the anxiety to be lifted from our shoulders. I will wait for a time when I do not have to cry myself to sleep because no one lays in the bed adjacent to mine. Impossible to lay my head down at night. Every time my eyelids droop to cover my blue eyes, I am constantly picturing my sister with a bag of bright neon yellow liquid and some saline solution being pumped into her continuously and seeing her bald head lie on the red and yellow mickey mouse pillowcase with a feeding tube dangling down from the inside of her nose. Throughout my mental health throughout the whole journey in the pits, I was suicidal, depressed, anxious, and unmotivated. I could barely get out of bed, I had no friends, and I just wanted my sister to be okay. My sister was determined to be cancer free 858 days (about 2 and a half years) later. I had this thought in my mind that once my sister was okay, I would be okay. I still battled extreme anxiety and even some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. I went to therapy, and after my first appointment, I knew what my life was calling. I enjoy helping and hearing about people throughout their journeys. The healing of my trauma pointed me in the direction of being able to help people heal from their trauma. Without going through the trauma that I had experienced I would not be able to figure out what I wanted to do in life, I want to be guide for people throughout life so that they would be able to have the most joyous and fulfilling life they have possible. My goal is to be able to be a therapist to children, to be able to help and hear them. I hope that I can make a comfortable space for them to thrive. I hope to work in a school setting so that I can be able to help students be successful and achieve the dreams that they have like I am now able to achieve my goals.

If I were to be a highly influential figure, I would stand for more research on Childhood Cancer. I have personally been greatly affected by Childhood Cancer. It is something that you would not want to wish on anyone. It is very hard to go through your day, knowing that your child, siblings, family member, or friend are in the hospital, suffering. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease amongst Children. That should not be the case. We need more awareness of the topic and we need money donated for research. My younger sister had cancer and she was often in the hospital, we saw people come and go often and some people stay for just as long as we were there. We saw a lot of death from cancer around us. It was extremely depressing seeing these families mourn the loss of their child by a disease that "should only be for adults." People do not understand how easily cancer can strike a family, there needs to be more aware of all the hard it is and how strong the patients are for having to fight this awful disease. So basically, if I was a highly influential figure, I would fight for more research, more money, and more awareness of Childhood Cancer.

My favorite book is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Just Mercy is about a lawyer who advocates for his clients that have been cheated by the system. Just Mercy speaks on not only the journey through some legal cases but some life-changing stories. It shows the unfairness in the Justice system. Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer that fights for justice. He has a lot of cases that some would call “lost causes”. That does not matter to Bryan. One of the main cases that the book is focused on is the case of Walter McMillian. Walter has not even near the murder, he was at a fish fry at his house while the murder was taking place. But since Walter was an easy target because he was African American, they put him on death row. This book helped me view things through an entirely different lens. Knowing that everything that accorded in this book was in fact true is what really hit me hard. The Justice System that we currently operate in here in the United States of America is not only unjust but is an unequal system that puts people who don't deserve it because of their race, gender, or class. It taught me about the racism that is still present today and how badly people of color are treated in our Justice System and in our Jails. I really did love this book. The book shines a light on something that I will never understand to the fullest. Just Mercy teaches you that everybody deserves a second chance at life.

Although out my life I have always helped people. One of my favorite ways to help people is being there for them and listening. Sometimes in life, we someone to just listen to us and not interpret them while they are speaking. I love helping people problem-solve their problems and pointing them in the right direction with they need it. I, not only, want to make an impact in the lives of those closest to me but other people I interact with. Often, I babysit kids and I always make sure that there is a time while I am there that we sit down and talk. Whenever we do that I feel as if the child always talks the entire time and I just let them talk until they decide they are done. I want people to know that they are loved, they are heard, and that they matter. Being there and just listening is my favorite way to help people.