I have been labeled many things in this lifetime, smart, weird, but also depressed, anxious, autistic, ill, broken, and "one of those". Throughout middle and high school these words were thrown around more and more often. After being beaten down for years, my family chose to invest in getting me a therapist. It has been almost 5 years since my first meeting with my therapist, Andrea, and I couldn't be more grateful. She has helped me realize that I am not alone and that I am not the only one dealing with these struggles. I have never felt so comfortable and confident with my body and thoughts. Mental health has always been a huge part of my life. Thankfully I can now look at this side of me positively, but it wasn't always like that, and some beings don't have that privilege. By choosing to go into social work, I hope to erase harmful stereotypes and change people's lives, thoughts, and our world's future. Too many people in this world are struggling with these same problems and it can't be ignored any longer. Others may be too scared to stand up and make themselves vulnerable to the common public. I was once like that, and being given the chance to learn about myself, to stand up for myself, and to be able to speak for myself is one of the most valuable tools I have. Everyone should be given the same chance as I was, and I plan on making that a reality. When I graduate high school this spring and turn 18 I plan on immediately reaching out to non-profit organizations and volunteer programs. As well as start my college career and begin my journey. Sadly I don't know as much about psychology as I need to know to be able to help in this world yet, but thankfully I do have the opportunity to go to college and expand how I think and process more advanced situations. A huge inspiration of mine is my mother who was a single mother working to put food on the table and put herself through college for a chance of a better life for the family. She has come so far, and in the past few years was even able to start up and maintain her own privately owned business. She has given me so much and has worked so hard. The least I could do would be to carry on her passion and make my great strides in this world. Not only for my family but also for all of the people who have gone through even just a sliver of what I have on my mental health journey. There is always room to improve, and time to help. I was given more time on this earth, and plan on using it to help others be able to live their lives free of mental stress and be able to experience the true beauties of the world.