Becoming a mental health professional was never part of my plan growing up. In fact, for most of my life, I never really had a clear idea of who I wanted to be or what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. What I did know, however, was that I wanted to make an impact; to help people in a meaningful way. I have always been drawn to people, even the people whom others might find difficult to tolerate. I’ve always believed that everyone has a story, and sometimes that story explains more than we realize. When I see someone behaving in a way that most people would call “irrational," I don’t automatically get angry; instead, I think maybe they’re dealing with something. I’ve always tried to approach people with empathy, even when their actions make that difficult. I don’t think it’s ever okay to take your pain out on others, but I also don’t believe in judging people for how they express their hurt. There’s usually an explanation beneath the surface. That way of seeing the world has shaped almost every part of who I am. My perspective on mental health and compassion became especially personal through my father. He’s a veteran, and for years after leaving the military, he silently carried the heavy emotional burden that came with his service. He didn’t talk about what he was feeling, and our family often felt the ripple effects of his inner battles without truly understanding them. It wasn’t until about ten years after he got out of the military that he finally sought professional help. Watching him take that step, watching him finally allow himself to be vulnerable and reach for healing, was a turning point for me. That was the moment I realized I wanted to be that person for others. The person who helps people see that healing is possible, that asking for help isn’t weakness, and that no one must carry the weight of their mind alone. Like many people, I’ve had my own struggles with mental health. For years, I wrestled with internal battles that I didn’t have the words for. Growing up, I was often told I was “too young” to feel depressed or anxious. Those words stuck with me, and for a long time, they stopped me from seeking the help I desperately needed. I learned to mask how I felt, to smile when I was breaking down inside, to distract myself instead of confronting my emotions. I told myself that if I just stayed busy, I could outrun the sadness. So, I did what I thought I was supposed to do: I went for walks, went hiking, hit the gym, and spent time in nature. I told myself that if I just pushed through and took care of myself physically, everything else would fall into place. And while those things helped me in the moment, they cleared my head, gave me a temporary sense of peace, the emptiness always seemed to return. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was wrong, but I didn’t know how to face it. It wasn’t until I started taking psychology courses in college that things began to make sense. I started learning about how the brain works, how trauma affects behavior, and how mental health influences nearly every part of our lives. For the first time, I started seeing myself in what I was studying. The theories and case studies weren’t just abstract concepts, they were reflections of my own experiences, and of the people I loved. It was then that I officially declared my major in health psychology. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was on the right path. I realized that my purpose wasn’t just to understand mental health, but to use that understanding to help others heal, the way I never fully could on my own. Not long after that, I finally decided to seek therapy myself. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My therapist has become such an important figure in my life, someone who has helped me unravel the patterns I built to survive and replace them with healthier ways to cope. Therapy didn’t just help me heal; it also deepened my desire to help others. It showed me how powerful human connection can be when it’s built on empathy, trust, and understanding. The more I learned, both in my coursework and in my own personal growth, the more I started to understand the people around me. I began to see why my dad said the things he did when he was struggling, why my siblings would lash out so quickly, and why my best friend sometimes took her frustrations out on me. These realizations were painful but also liberating. They helped me stop taking things personally and start seeing behavior as communication. When someone lashes out, it’s often not because of who’s in front of them, it’s because of what’s going on inside them. However, being that understanding person in relationships, the one who always tries to see the other side, can also be heavy. When you’re the person others come to when they’re breaking down, you start carrying a lot of emotional weight that isn’t yours. It can be exhausting, but I’ve learned to see it as both a gift and a responsibility. It’s what makes me human. It’s what makes me the kind of person I want to be as a future mental health professional: empathetic but grounded, compassionate but aware of my own limits. Today, my goal is to become a mental health professional who creates that kind of space for others, the same kind of space my therapist created for me, and the one I wish my younger self had. I want to work with individuals who feel unseen, misunderstood, or silenced by stigma. Looking back, I can see that every experience has led me here. I didn’t plan on this path, but it feels like it was always waiting for me. Becoming a mental health professional isn’t just a career choice; it’s a continuation of everything I’ve lived, felt, and learned. It’s how I hope to turn pain into purpose, and compassion into healing.

I used to not understand mental health; used to feel it was simply an excuse for behaviors; excuses people gave themselves in order to justify one's bad actions. Of course, I grew up. I saw the reality as the trauma grew bigger and the depression finally sank in. It wasn't until recently I realized the issues from my past that had bestowed onto me; onto my beautiful and perfectly imperfect siblings. I was barely 5 years old when I met my now adopted father. He took us in and made us financially safe. Not too long after our meeting, he was married to my mother and left for Iraq for a year. I don't remember who he was before then, but I can only imagine how kind he must have been, especially if he could love my mother so much, even with 3 psychos she called her children. There is so much love and connection in our not-so-little family, but overtime, my fathers trauma only grew more and more like a cyst you are unaware of. He tried, and he did so well with raising us to "not be a bunch of whiners" and I love being that rock that can be counted on. However, in one night, it finally blew out of proportion and completely destroyed our family. The gun to his head, the shot to the ground to scare me off, the fighting and hitting that took place a few moments before, the almost cheating that happened that caused this whole thing, and of course, the alcohol abuse that is always there in order to comfort; although that night? It was there to rid us as a family, once and for all. We knew he struggled. The fourth of July's he hid from and the gun to his head on countless occasions. All of which were swept under the rug so neatly, we missed it. As much as I tried, as much as I screamed, as much as my voice went dry and my throat numb, I wasn't able to stop it. He is not dead, no, I am one of the lucky ones. I have forgiven him for that slap to my face, the one to my brothers, and even the one to my mother. I have forgiven for one reason; he has major PTSD and was in need of severe help. The cops were able to take him away that night. He was able to get the intensive therapy his brain needed and the medication to keep him from drinking and keep him from hurting himself or others again. I was grateful, and I am happy he found someone new he loves, and happy he left town for good to be with her, he deserves to be happy. Pre-life-changing-event, I was a sophomore in college, there to become a therapist. Masters degree in psychology. But what did I want to specialize in? I did not know. Now? Now I want nothing more than to be a therapist on the inside. An on-duty therapist to on-duty veterans. Where they go, I will go. Little by little, I am hoping to shape minds of those adults in need of me, then and there. If I can slow the trauma as it grows instead of after? I feel I can protect those along with their families in the long run. As I walk through my academic journey, step by step, I feel this electricity from the tips of my toes to the hairs begging to stand on the back of my neck. I am more than thrilled to be able to partake on this adventure we call college education. My fathers mental health collided with mine; a collision so flooding, it affected the way I saw this world. I didn't appreciate that. One part of me sees this darkness in people, but I will not, can not, nor will I ever, give in to that thought process. The world is damaged, the people are damaged, but I see the kindness in this world, the want for peace. And if I can be apart of that, even just a fraction of the help this world needs, than I consider that the most success I could possibly achieve in one lifetime.

In high school, math was my favorite subject. My friends all thought I was weird whenever the bell rang and I'd have the biggest smile on my face; knowing it was time for my math class. I took Algebra 1 as a freshman in high school, just like everyone else, and I couldn't believe how I was able to understand it. The year before, I barely passed. I didn't know why I was struggling so much in 8th-grade math. Maybe something was going on in the outside world that had me struggling with school. Either way, I redeemed myself as I started high school. Algebra 1, then geometry, and then Algebra 2 and I passed with flying colors. A's on every test, in all three math classes, and I just could not believe it. When I had taken the math placement test for my freshman year of college, I was left distraught to find out I needed to take Math 106 before Math 107. I knew I was smart, or at least I thought. I didn't dwell too much on the thought, however, I am currently in Math 107 and I am now left feeling grateful for that extra class. With Algebra, there was more consistency and simplicity and looking back, those two words described my life. I like the simple life, no drama of any sort, just living. Yes, there is some consistency and still an answer to every problem in this college-level class but it isn't so simple anymore. And neither is my life right now. I never really thought to relate mathematics to mine or anyone's life but it's hard not to when it's right in front of my face. Growing up, things become more difficult as you begin to expand your knowledge. As I learn more in this 107 class, I can see how one may relate it to the outside world and after all those years of math classes, I am finally beginning to understand how you can use those principles to understand the world. I had taken a financial planning class in my senior year of high school and that class broadened my perspective on planning for future financial decisions. Now, as I am getting older, I realize that by using these math principles in the real world, I can learn to have consistency in my life. Everything from "solve for x" to "find the probability for..." and nothing makes me happier than knowing this information can be used in any situation. It's a sense of relief.

Before I begin, I would like to share with you my experience with the military a little. My adoptive dad has always been an amazing guy, however, he had so many mental problems due to the war in Iraq. He was gone for a year and made sure to come back just in time to take me to my first day of kindergarten. When he first left for war, it was harder than I expected for only being four years old. I remember missing him so much. Now, he's my legal father and he's done so much for me and my siblings, I wouldn't have wanted anyone else. Since I'm older, he's told me stories about his experiences. Not everything, of course, I'm sure it's just too hard but just enough to make me realize how badly I needed to become a therapist to help veterans like my dad. He wasn't the only one though, even just growing up with friends; so many teenagers were struggling because of their parents or maybe they lost someone or even just a small heartbreak. I have worked with children since I was twelve years old, and I know that even children can struggle. So, I want to be that person who can tell them that it will be alright because I'm here now. I have been inside the minds of war vets and struggling teens, and I understand. I've struggled too and when I reached out, it felt so good. These five traits you mentioned, I'm not sure how I know if I have everything that's been said. Although I can tell you that I have always taken initiative since I am the oldest of four kids, or how every time I was in a school project, I would be the first to say, "This is what we need to do. You do this, and you, you can do this. I will take care of this portion. You got it?" That's how things get done. My father taught me that. I also know that I have been put in difficult situations or under a ton of stress but when I struggle, I take a moment to myself to just catch my breath and make a game plan before I make my next move. I think that's the key to making smart choices. Another thing I know, I have put people first for as long as I can remember. I'm just along for the ride. I like making the people I love happy. I do know the difference between what should and shouldn't be done though. I've had to back down in situations where someone could've been made happy but I know it wasn't the right thing to do. I also know that I am very much determined to make myself happy too. This life of college and career goals means I have something to look forward to, and that's all anyone wants, right? The last trait you mentioned is a strong work ethic. Those words mean so much to me. Every person who has ever written me a recommendation or talked about any traits I acquire has always said, "Strong work ethic." As I said, I've been working since I was twelve years old, so when I tell you I don't go home until I know every task at my job has been completed for the day, then every task will be completed. I hope you'll consider me as my future will bring happiness to those who truly need it. Thank you for your time.

Throughout the covid years, I struggled with maintaining a balance between school and work. I felt like i needed a job to do the things I wanted. However, when I got into my senior year and everything seemed a little more normal, I realized I had much to do if I wanted to attend college. So, I decided to quit my job and stay focus. All A’s for my senior year. The best I have ever done. And so, here I was, focusing on college. The struggles I faced with my experience in figuring out everything I had to do for college wasn’t an easy one. I was adopted in January and I had applied to college and filled out my FAFSA with my old last name. After it was changed, everything was screwed. So much extra paperwork was needed and it felt like it would never end. It still hasn’t. I start in one month and still haven’t received my financial award letter. I am completely and totally terrified on how I will be paying for college, but I’ve never been one to just give up. Although there were many things that have gone wrong, I still succeeded in much. Like getting into college, for instance. It was so unexpected. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to go to Eastern yet but I knew, deep down, it was exactly what I wanted. So, I applied. The only school I applied for and I was so happy to see I got in! Of course from there it was all a blur. Constant bumps in the roads but also some paths that led straight to where I needed to be. It has not been easy but like I said, I don’t just give up. Now, the question at mind here is, “What is my major.” That’s simple. I am going into the field of clinical and mental health psychology. I want to understand how the brain works and use that knowledge to help people with mental problems. My family has a long history of mental issues and I’ve had many friends with mentality issues as well, so I want to be able to understand it more. To help people just like them. After I graduate college, the biggest goal I have set for myself is becoming a clinical psychologist. I could work with people in insane asylums or prisons or anybody who sets up an appointment really. No matter how big or small the problem is, I want to be there as not only a “therapist” but also a friend. Someone they can simply open up to and talk to without being judged in any way. I personally believe the mental healthcare system isn’t the greatest. I want to be that someone to make it better. Make the changes that are needed to help people. The biggest problem with the healthcare system is mostly affordability. It’s very difficult for many people to get the help they reach out for when it costs so much. I believe if you pay the psychologist just a little less than maybe we can reduce prices for the people who most need it. It only seems fair to me. And the best part about all of this, the whole career, is it can help me to see things in more ways than one. It can help me grow more as a person and be more understanding and learn to not lead with emotion. That is the biggest long-term goal I have set for myself so I can be the best version of myself. I would do anything to skip ahead of all this college stuff and just be married with my career and a baby on the way. It sounds nice ya know? Minus the baby part, like outside school sounds peaceful. Sadly, I have to go through college, apply for jobs, look for houses, etc. There’s so much I gotta do before I just jump into things. As scary as it is, I need to keep my drive. I am so driven to being accomplished because of the terrible father I had. After being adopted, my birth father disowned me and told me he wasn’t proud of me. So everyday I spend to prove him wrong. Like how I reported a murder even though the guy who went to prison was my good friend, how I am in a mature relationship to whom I plan on marrying one day, or how I graduated high school and got accepted into a university. All of these things are my motivation. Motivation to keep moving forward and to keep doing things like this to prove him wrong over and over again. So yes, I am going to be a clinical psychologist and yes, I am going to change the world. My future is a future to all. Thank you for your time.

First off, I would like to say that this question is my baby right here. I have always tried to explain the way my brain works. All the questions I have would totally blow someone's mind and sometimes, I feel like maybe I'm a little weird, or maybe I just think differently. Or maybe everyone has these thoughts and they think they're weird too. Either way, everyone has that same question, "What is out there in our universe?" I can honestly say I have done much research on the values of our universe. I've tried to understand it all. Something had to have happened to bring us here, right? So what are the answers? How do we explore the natures of our universe without hurting our world? There are scientists working on things involving the outside world everyday. They have too many questions and not enough answers. I personally think that we might never be able to understand out universe. It's too complicated, too far away, too big. But that doesn't mean were going to give up. Scientists are way too stubborn to just let it be. And sometimes I feel like leaving space alone would be for the best. However, and don't laugh when I say it, but I think if we better understand our universe, we can locate potential threats out there. Generations from now, there could be catastrophic events that could be world ending and knowing what, how, who, and when could save us. Who knows what is out there? Maybe were the aliens, you never know. Conspiracy theories are everywhere and some of them actually makes sense. I have always been genuinely terrified of the world ending because I know it must be sooner than we think. Mostly our fault but I think it will be something out there in the universe. ' Personally, I feel as though if we better understand what is out there than we can either save our world, or relocate somewhere safer (with oxygen of course). I know how this sounds. Trust me, people think I'm crazy for believe the world is coming to an end a lot sooner than we think. But I have done my research. There's a scientist who kept getting shut down for speaking out about our planet being in danger. He's been trying to get his word out publicly for years and no one is listening, except for me. And the chemicals we put into the environment everyday isn't helping. Plastic bags are now paper? Okay but no matter which one we use, it hurts the planet. If anything, everything we do is hurting the planet. We aren't coming together as countries to help one another to survive. Relocation is the answer. You want my ideas and concepts? I think exploring our universe is the key to succeed. But so is working together. Our world is coming apart. No one stands together anymore to fight the bigger problem. I want, nay, need, everyone to come together, make a plan, talk to scientists and researchers and engineers and anyone else to get this done. Action is needed to be taken. I am a little worried that if people are already trying to find a way off the planet, and we don't know about it, than it means a lot of us won't be able to go with. And that is frightening to me. Our voices aren't heard. We aren't ever really apart of bigger problems and bigger solutions. We have to sit back and just watch our world take turn after turn for the worse. So yes, I will say it over and over again, discovering what is out there can possibly be the only way the human race survives. So what are you going to do? Who is going to be the one making these decisions? I'm only 18 years old, my voice isn't important. I can't do anything. Speaking up are for people who actually matter in the long run and I think that person needs to step forward and start doing something productive. Like, for instance, finding more and more ways to discover outside our solar system. The farthest planet in our solar system is Neptune. It takes 12 years to get there and yet it was only explored by a space probe in 1989 once. No missions are set for Neptune. Thus begins those "why" questions. We explored Neptune more than 30 years ago. We have advanced so much and still haven't thought to explore more? No, I don't think that's it. I think there's people out there working on ways to explore more but I don't think it's just because of their scientific curiosity and wonder. I think they know something, something the public doesn't know and I understand why they'd keep it from us. It all just seems so shady. Maybe all of my totally absurd comments are just my overheated brain and maybe I am totally wrong and were just exploring outside our planet because of genuine curiosity, but I have this feeling there's more to it. There's evidence all around us. The Doomsday Clock is set every year by a group of scientists. It has been there for 75 years and yes, it's questionable. It has been moved back and forth for so long but now, it has been set at 100 seconds to midnight, the closest it's ever been. It's to make people aware of our situation. There is a statement out there that has steps that people can make to save our planet but not enough people actually take the action needed. Now I know I'm getting off track. Or at least that's what it feels like. And I know I'm probably boring you and I am going to apologize in advance for that. My point to my rants and my crazy, "The world is ending," theories is that there's so many unexplored areas of our universe. And I simply think we have the technology to explore it. If we don't, I think it could be harmful in the long run.

This is the one. This scholarship right here is asking the question that leads to a story I have wanted to share for so long. My dad served for 12 years in the army. He was sent to Iraq for a year when I was 4 years old right after my mom agreed to marry him. I don't remember it but he was aloud to come home 2 weeks early to take me to my first day in kindergarten. If you saw us that day, you wouldn't believe that I actually didn't like him when we first met. I was so young but in my little head, I wanted my birth dad. However, 14 years went by and he adopted me as one of his own. I made him cry! That never happens! Through all of the good times we've had, there's been bad due to the PTSD. I've seen his struggles, I've been told stories that would haunt you. Things you could only imagine to be true, but were, and were seen through my dad's eyes. Sadly, he was torn apart by everything that happened. Military men and woman taking advantage of one another. His friends dying not just in war, but from dumb things happening right under their noses. Mistakes being made that cost them their life. And he was there for all of it. The biggest question I always had was, "How can I help?" Finally, I have answered that question. Recently, I discovered my passion. Something that I can do for people like my dad who needs help. I am going to be a clinical psychologist to help people with the same, or even worse, mental illnesses that have diseased our world for generations. The best part is, my dad is right there, helping me to help others just like him. My dad turned to alcohol after the medications he was given for his mental issues didn't seem to help. He had to have at least 5 beers to help him sleep at night without any nightmares. That is why I want to do what I want to do. Every person is different and I want to take baby steps to getting their PTSD in order. I want to communicate with people who need me. I want to gain their respect and trust and show them that I am not just here to feed them drugs but I am also here as a friend to help them. Make a connection with them. Be that someone they can turn to. My dad is my idle. He is the biggest reason I have figured out my path. Now that I have, I just need to take the steps to follow it, one by one, so I can help people like him. At one point, I realized my dad needed me more than I needed him. We helped him to have a purpose while he was away. And he gave us our first winter jackets when my mom couldn't afford it. I can not wait until my dad can look me in the eyes in the next decade and say, "You've made it. You have built a life to helping people and you did it for me. Thank you." I sincerely hope you will consider my future and those who need me now more than ever. Thank you for your time.

Here's the thing: struggle is real. It happens all around us, day after day. It's out there, it's in here, it's everywhere. There's only so much we can do as a whole to help those in need. I believe mental issues are the real problem. And the sad part is, there's so many factors that leads to these issues and it can be really difficult to pick yourself up after falling into this overwhelming whirl of problem after problem. That's where addiction comes into play and from there, it's more weight bringing you down. Those factors I mentioned? Family, friends, the boy next door, anything, anyone can be a factor that draws you towards something you may never come out of. My personal experiences with addiction is a slow one. Starting off with friends who vaped and let me try it every now and than. Of course, I was a sweet 15 year old girl and felt as though I was taking advantage of other people. So, I got access to get my own. Always having different vapes until I found one I enjoyed most that had the most percentage of nicotine. Fast forward and here I am at 18 years old, not being able to leave the house without it, having to use it first thing in the morning and it being the last thing I do at night. I know it is an issue. I am at the stage with my addiction of awareness. It has affected my breathing and my anxiety seemed to have gotten worse and worse. It felt like I couldn't catch my breath and that is how I knew I had a problem. Sadly, vaping wasn't the only issue. Like I said, factors. And vaping was because of the friends I made in high school, and alcohol is because of my family history and the family at home. I think family can have the biggest affects on the type of person you are along with the things you do. Alcohol has always been a common thing in my household. It also has its history of alcoholics. My birth dad and his father, my mom and her mother, and my adoptive dad and his adoptive dad. Huh, I am seeing a weird pattern here. My point is, I am at high risk. I know I am. My 15 and 17 year old siblings have never really been into drinking. Here I am, trying my first drink at 12 not knowing the long term affect would be to want to start drinking in the morning. Thinking I need a beer before bed just to help me sleep. Not being able to say 'no' when someone asks if I want to take a shot with them. And these people I keep mentioning are in my home everyday. They aren't aggressive drinkers. In fact, every single one of them are totally and completely fun but that's why it's so easy to get lost in the drinking.. because it is considered fun where I come from. College and awareness are reasons I have been able to slowly stop. This summer was a struggle between, "Do I want a drink?" or, "Should I get more pods for my vape?" The facts are clear, the signs are there, I am one step closer to become really addicted and that is why I have taken the steps before college so I can succeed. I want to be a clinical psychologist and help people with addiction and mental illnesses, I can't do that if I let my own take over.

I started reading college level books by the time I was in middle school. Every time I picked up a book and started reading, I couldn't be pulled away. Even when my mom encouraged me to go outside. Or she'd tell me to put the book down and come have dinner. My imagination was more thrilling than anything I could have possibly done. The way a book could take me to the actual place, the way the characters interacted in my head, it was just like watching a movie but so much better. My senior year of high school, I finally read Paper Towns by John Green. It isn't really a challenging book. I've just seen the movie and was interested. And ever since I finally finished it after a month, I told everyone about it. It was so much better than the movie. So much detail that took my mind on adventures I can't explain. After reading, I did some research on the meaning Green was trying to express. He says, "I was inspired to write Paper Towns because I wanted to write a mystery story and because I wanted to explore how people idealize objects of romantic interest." What does that mean in particular? I think it means however you want it to. And for me, I interpreted as the lengths people would go to when finding a romantic interest. Because in the book, it was only an interest until it wasn't and then when it wasn't, it became known that they wanted different things and although they wanted to be with each other, they went there separate ways. I think that is one of the most grown up things you can do. And even though they aren't together, I think these characters hope to reunite one day.

For 5 years, I was a daycare provider for young kids. However, when I first started I was almost as old as some of these kids but I think that's why they enjoyed my company so much, because I interacted with them. Even the more challenging kids who usually pushed away their homework would sit and work with me. I impacted more lives than I though I would. Than when the daycare shut down, I started a babysitting business. Let's be honest, it's what I know best. Currently, I babysit my old employees kids and her sister-in-laws kids. And once a week I watch 3-5 kids at our local church for 3 hours. There's not much to do but I keep it fun and entertain them the best I can. I bring learning activities and work with them. My favorite moment was when the mothers tell me their kids were so excited to see me that day. One little girl has constantly told me she prefers me over any other babysitter and the joy it brings me is so astounding. However, I don't just babysit, I also mentor. I have tutored plenty of kids in the past, including my own younger siblings. My favorite part is watching these children grow mentally and physically. There's 3 little boys that I've known since they were barely born and ever since, I have mentored them. They look up to me, even though they give me a hard time occasionally. It's hard to blame them though. They were fostered really young by a family friend, and after there mother had passed, things were even more difficult. Overtime, like I have said, we worked with them and they have become so respectful and bright. It's amazing to see them grow. I wouldn't have it differently.

Sadly, mental illness has been a problem throughout America for decades and it's constantly growing. Researchers say that teenagers these days have more anxiety than people in insane asylums in the 20th century. And I fear it'll somehow get worse within the next couple of years. This is precisely why I want to be a clinical and mental health psychologist. Growing up, I never really understood mental health. I didn't think it could possibly affect someone so much. However, as a person who's gained so much stress over the years, it can affect you, to the point where it physically hurts. I have muscle issues simply because I'm stressed out and filled with anxiety. For those people out there with more severe issues, I can only imagine how that must feel. My grandma was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, my cousin with severe paranoia, anxiety, and depression, my mom is the same. They seem decently normal, but they use substances as a way to cope. Along with many other people I care for. This small little town I call home is full of people who need help but simply don't ask for it. Or they do but aren't heard. For as long as I can remember, my friends and family have come to me when they needed someone to just listen to them. I've even met strangers who have talked to me when they needed someone. I have a skill where people feel like they can trust me, where they feel safe enough to tell me what they're struggling with. Sometimes, I don't even talk, I just listen. And let's be honest, sometimes it's that simple. Personally, on occasion I don't want feedback, just a friendly pair of ears. That's the important part.

This is an interesting question. Honestly, I think I do a lot more than I realize. It's small things but those small things can definitely make a big impact. Recycling is so important to me. And I know, like I said, it's small but it can make an impact. Not many people do it. In fact, I don't think I know many people who do and it's sad. Recycling is so important to our environment. At first, I never really invested myself into doing it. I thought maybe I didn't do it because I didn't care enough to do it, or I was just lazy. But after educating myself, and others, I was able to learn the importance of recycling and now some friends and I do it all the time. Once a month, we get together, split up in different areas, and pick up trash as well. We try to encourage others to do the same. The best reward out of it is going home knowing we changed the world today. It makes you feel powerful in a powerless feeling world. I have always been proud of the way I feel about the climate and I have done enough research to know that there's not enough people who care. I have talked to so many people about it, trying to educate them enough to feel as passionate as I do. I'm hoping others will start educating themselves and realize how serious and important this is.

For as long as I can remember, I loved music. But not just music itself, what comes with it. Getting your closest people together, playing a good song, and just moving your body to the rhythm has always been a highlight. At age 5, I went to my first ballet practice. And I greatly enjoyed it. As I recall, I wasn't very good but I kept at it. Later on down the road, I stopped and got more into hip hop dancing. I enjoyed dancing without there being a step plan. I liked going with the beat. Honestly, dancing was when I was at my happiest. There has been things in my life that have brought me down and yet, even on my darkest days, I'd overcome it with the beat of music and the sway of my hips. It has always been a coping mechanism for me. Helps me process when things take a turn for the worse. I do want to be a clinical psychologists. And you might ask how that relates to dance. I think mental issues can be kept in shape by listening to your favorite song and letting loose. Even just sanding, taking a deep breath, and moving yourself back and forth, eyes closed, and just turn off your mind for a bit. I know how ridiculous it might sound but who knows, this technique could save lives one day. It saved mine. One day, I will be sitting in a chair across from someone who needs me and I will tell them about my experiences. Maybe they won't want dance as a way to cope. Maybe they have other interests in mind that can help them heal from anything they might be going through. I can not wait for the day I get to help people just as I had been helped. Look out world, here I come.

I have many different personal experiences when it comes to finances. I had my first job at 12 years old and was getting paid under the table to help my mom out with her daycare. And of course at a young age, all you're thinking about is spending it on food. For me though, I was spending it more on other people. By the time I was 16 and started getting actual paychecks while babysitting on the side, I still continued to just spend. When I was 17, the daycare closed down and I got a job at my local subway. This is when I did online schooling so it was easier to make money. I opened a savings account and started budgeting for the first time. And I loved it! Seeing my savings go up slowly made me feel good. I didn't even know what I was saving for at the time but it made me feel very proud. My senior year, I took a consumer finance class and I learned so much about the 3 foundations in personal finance. I learned about investing in the stock market and most importantly, I learned how to budget more efficiently to make my life easier. There are two types of people in this world, a saver and a spender. And from what I have learned throughout the years have made me into the person I am now, a saver. Because of this, I have a plan financially for college. I know things don't always work out and maybe I will have to pull out loans in the future, but either way, I am getting the education I want and deserve. Plus, once I am officially out in the real world, all that I have learned and will learn later on will help me to live a happy and debt free life.

Everyone has different thoughts about their money and what to do with it. But no matter what you do with it or how you think about it, you are still budgeting. All you have to say is, "Can I afford $5 for coffee this morning or do I need it for something else?" Everyday you think about ways to spend or save your money, that's budgeting. It may not be the proper way but people do it everyday even when they don't know it. George Washington once said, "We must consult our means rather than our wishes." In this world of poverty and greed, we have had to adapt. Budgeting is that adaptation. Especially now in the 21st century, there are free budgeting apps to help you. Or if you like it old school, you can take a paper and pencil and write down how much money you have this month and what to spend it on. Which is exactly what George Washington means, you need to put your needs before your wants. Everyone's living situation is different, some people may get paid so well that they barely need to budget because they have so much leftover money, and others just make ends meet and don't get to have the things they want. Either way, rent, food, clothing, gas, your kids if you have them, those things come first. Budgeting keeps you happy. It makes it easier to do all the fun things you want to do. If you have $50 by the end of the month, go out to eat. Budgeting is just as important as treating yourself and others. Giving is the first foundation in personal finance. Than saving, than spending. Live by these budgeting rules, and you'll live a happy and carefree life!

I have always been financially okay. My first job was with my mom at her daycare when I was just 12 years old. By the time I was 17, I worked at Subway and currently, I am an individual care provider for my little sister who has down syndrome. And, through all of this, it used to be so easy to spend money on whatever I wanted. At the time, it was mostly childish things like candy and movies with friends. But now, with age, I have learned there are more important things. I have learned to separate my needs from my wants and most importantly, I know that needs come first. Honestly, I had to learn a lot through my financial mistakes along the way. Although I must say, my mom was probably my biggest financial influence throughout my years learning the importance of having financial goals and being able to budget and things like that. One step at a time, I went to her about anything and she always had the answers. She had made similar financial mistakes as I had done and she learned from them. One thing I will never forget that completely changed my view is when she said, "Cash makes you spend less money." Of course I had her explain. I thought having a debit card was easier and it is but she explains that pulling out cash makes it harder to spend. When giving someone 20 dollars, you leave with the thing you bought but you don't leave with the same amount of cash. Whereas, with card, you leave with your card and the thing you bought. So overall, carrying cash can subconsciously help you save your money. Today, I carry a certain amount of cash with me each month. I limit myself.

Every since I was a kid, I always saw the best in people, even when they let me down. I do know to be more cautious now that I'm older but I have always been the optimistic type. When things take a turn for the worse, I think of ways that it can be better. I think of the things I can do and I think about what is wrong and what is right. Knowing my morals has helped me to be a good person. There has been times where things happen around me and there's nothing I can do. It's sad but it's out of my control. All I can do is be supportive and think positive about the situation. I think about all the good thing's that could come out of what just happened. Even when my dad left, even when part of my family basically ignored me, even when a good friend of mine took another life and went to prison, even when I was cheated on by someone I fell in love with, even after all of these things, I still knew everything would turn around. I knew I had my whole life ahead of me. I don't fully believe in destiny... but I do believe you make your own destiny and that's what I did and currently am doing. So far, it's going better than expected and I can not wait to start my new life.

As a child, you don't think about bucket lists. Mostly because you're too young to be thinking about dying. However, even as a kid, you think about the things you might want to do when you get older and it becomes a mental bucket list. Growing up, I always wanted to be a good adult. Graduate high school, college, work. And here I am, at 18 years old, about to start college and eventually get my dream job. Furthermore, I have slowly made a list of things I want to do. Getting into a University was my first and foremost step. It felt amazing reading the word "congratulations" at the top of my acceptance letter. With that, it has made me realize the adventures I want to go on. I've already started planning a trip with my 3 favorite people to L.A. and I can not wait. I am in love with nature and I have made lists of different hiking trails in my area to go on. One of which I want to do myself. I believe spending time with yourself every now and then is important. I just think the biggest things I truly want to do before settling down is traveling a little bit. I want nothing more than to eat cultural foods, experience cultural parties, and get to be in a totally different and diverse environment. I want that feeling of excitement and adrenaline. Like, skydiving, bungee jumping, cliff diving, and zip lining. These are under the adrenaline part of my bucket list and they have been there since I was barely first becoming a teenager. I don't know if it'll ever happen but I will be working every day until I get to make my dreams a reality.

As children, we are very impatient. I don't understand why, we just were. Even now, I have my moments of impatience that can have affects, whether that be in a negative or a positive manner. However, I think being a patient person is a very good characteristic to have. It's important. Time moves slow, or it can feel fast. Sometimes, things take time. There isn't anything you can do about it, except sit and wait. Let's say, for instance, you were waiting for you mom to get home from the vet. Something scary happened with your dog and your mom asks you to wait at home. But you're sitting in silence, head down, legs bouncing up and down, and you just can not help but to call your mom. Now, your mom doesn't want you to hear the bad news over the phone. She is almost home and tells you to wait. You're sitting there on the phone, begging and pleading that she tells you. Your mother caves and tells you right before she gets home. You freak out and have no one next to you to comfort you. I know this example is dramatic, but that isn't the point. My point is that patience is key when living in the real world. I have been in situations where if I was just patient, things would go more my way. Plus, patience is also respectful. Like, when your parents are talking and you need to ask them something. Don't interrupt, wait until they are done. So, overall, patience is important for relationships and real world problems.

For the longest time, I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. It always came down to that question. At one point, I wanted to be a teacher, or a financial analyst, or even a veterinarian. As I got older, I noticed a specific skill I had. I was easy to make conversation with. I could talk to someone I barely knew for 30 minutes and I could pin point their anxieties and fears. Their needs and desires. I could tell their personality by just listening. And they always talked to me. Even things they never though they'd open up about, they did, to me. One thing led to another and I realized that could relate to being a clinical psychologists. I have many friends and family with mental problems and I have always been one to sit there and listen to them, along with doing my own research on the side. However, I do know that google won't get me to my career goal. Instead, I decided to apply at a university. One college specifically is interested in making my dream a reality and I can not wait to start. I want to have a graduate degree and possibly a PHD. As a very long-term goal, I was thinking of becoming an entrepreneur of clinical counselors. I am taking things one step at a time. I was accepted into college, now I just need to do what I can to pay for it along with steps to getting there. I am committed to getting my dream, and I hope that, although I may be just one person, you as well as others can help me get to my goal. I can't do this alone. I don't think anyone can.

Being there for others has always come naturally to me, but, when it comes to responsibilities that other people need to take care of on there own, I encourage them and be there for them the best way I can. For some odd reason, people open up to me. Which is one reason I want to be a mental health professional. I always give the best advice I can and even offer my assistance if they may need it. For instance, my best friend has been struggling with school. She used to never be this way but covid hit her life pretty hard and as a senior, she has been struggling. So, I sat down with her one day and I told her how capable she is, she just has to put in the work. I helped her make a system that works best for her so she can actually get to school in the morning and find the time to do the work. She is currently on track to graduate. Another example is my boyfriend. Last year, he wanted to drop out. Except, he only had one class to graduate. His mom and I sat him down, communicated with a teacher, and helped him finish this last class. He graduate in Pasco last year and got his diploma. I know they are small things, but those things affected their lives greatly. Whereas doing the dishes because my mom is stressed out is a little different, it's simpler but affects her day and makes her just a little more happy. I enjoy seeing small acts of mine put a smile on the faces of people I love and care about. I do my part, even for strangers. I've given money to people who ask politely and I do my part.

I have learned many things throughout my years as a teenager. But, personally, I think the biggest thing I learned was to not make assumptions about other people. I know, that sounds a little dumb. But it's true. And I think that one small change had a significance to my life. I see things so differently now. Although I don't seem to know what changed. It could have been the people I surrounded myself with. It could have been the constant bullies at my school. It could have been my parents or my siblings. Whatever it is, I should thank them. I don't judge anymore. I don't look at someone and instantly assume their life. I don't listen to the rumors because I know that it might not be true. Along with that, I have learned not to listen to what other people say about other people. I've learned to stay out of people's business because it isn't mine. Why would I sit there and say all these things about someone that may or may not be true? What's the point overall? There just isn't one. Not making assumptions, not being judgmental, and staying out of people's own stuff has made me a kinder and more friendly person. It has made me into the person I am today and I wouldn't change that for the world.