Mental health has had a profound impact on both my academic performance and personal life throughout my school years. For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with anxiety and borderline depression, which have affected how I view school, my relationships, and my sense of self-worth. These mental health challenges have often made it difficult for me to stay focused on my goals and manage my responsibilities effectively, and I have had to work hard to prioritize my well-being and learn how to balance it with my academic life. For much of my school experience, my anxiety and depression made it hard for me to find motivation, especially when it came to schoolwork. I found myself constantly worrying about how others perceived me, which became priority over my own academic goals. Instead of focusing on learning or the grades I needed to succeed, I often felt consumed by negative thoughts about what people might think of me or how I measured up to my peers. This mental state led to a loss of focus on my studies, and I watched as my grades began to suffer. My anxiety would often overwhelm me to the point that even simple tasks, like completing assignments or preparing for exams. At the same time, my depression would often leave me feeling drained and unmotivated, further amplifying my struggles. I would frequently isolate myself from others and withdraw from activities I used to enjoy. This made it harder to maintain friendships and engage in extracurricular activities that once brought me joy. I found myself caught in a cycle where the more I withdrew, the worse my mental health became, which only made it more difficult to escape the feelings of sadness and self-doubt. The effects of this were far-reaching, affecting not just my academic performance but also my overall happiness and sense of self-worth. Over time, I realized that in order to improve both my academic life and personal well-being, I had to make my mental health a priority. I began by seeking help from a therapist, who provided me with valuable tools and strategies for managing my anxiety and depression. Therapy helped me gain insight into my thought patterns and gave me the tools to challenge negative thinking. It also taught me how to reframe situations and approach challenges with a more positive mindset. Alongside therapy, I made the conscious effort to practice self-care and prioritize activities that helped me recharge, such as spending time with close friends or engaging in physical activities like exercise. In addition, I started setting small, achievable goals for myself, both academically and personally. By breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps, I was able to reduce the overwhelming feelings that often came with larger assignments. I also began reaching out for help when I felt overwhelmed—whether it was asking a teacher for clarification or talking to a friend when I felt down. I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a way to strengthen my support system and stay on track. My mental health has had a significant impact on both my academic performance and personal life, but it has also taught me the importance of taking care of myself. By seeking help, setting achievable goals, and practicing self-care, I have been able to regain control over my mental health and work toward improving my academic performance. Though it’s an ongoing journey, I am learning to prioritize my well-being and understand that my mental health will always be a crucial part of my success, both in school and in life.

Volunteering at my church has been one of the most fulfilling experiences that has shaped my personal growth and future goals. Through this, I’ve developed key strengths, gained valuable insights, and discovered a deeper sense of purpose that drives my ambitions. It has allowed me to combine my desire to help others with my personal interests in leadership, teamwork, and community service, creating a solid foundation for my future goals. One of my key strengths that has been refined through volunteering is leadership. I’ve had the opportunity to lead small teams, organize events, and assist in youth programs. These responsibilities helped me develop my communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. I learned the importance of guiding others, delegating tasks, and motivating people to work together toward a common goal. This experience gave me confidence in my ability to take charge and inspire others. Leadership is a strength that I plan to continue developing, as it will be invaluable in my career, where I hope to work with teams to bring about positive change. Another strength I’ve developed is the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people. The church community consists of individuals from different backgrounds, and working with them has helped me appreciate the value of various perspectives. Whether planning charity events or assisting with youth groups, I learned how to listen, empathize, and contribute to a team environment. This experience taught me how to work effectively with others, even when ideas differ. The ability to collaborate is a strength I’ll carry with me into college and beyond, where teamwork is often key to success. Volunteering has also sparked my interest in community service and leadership roles. Helping others—whether through organizing food drives or supporting church members in need—made me realize how much I enjoy making a tangible difference. This interest in service influenced my decision to pursue a career where I can continue helping others, especially in leadership roles. I’m drawn to working in nonprofit organizations, community outreach, or business management, where I can use my skills to support and uplift others. Additionally, my volunteer experience has reinforced the importance of responsibility and commitment. Volunteering requires not only giving my time but also making a commitment to the cause and people I’m helping. I’ve learned how to manage my time, balance multiple responsibilities, and follow through on commitments. This sense of responsibility extends to all areas of my life, including academics and extracurriculars. The dedication I’ve shown in my volunteer work has strengthened my work ethic and will serve me well in my future education and career. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue building on the strengths I’ve developed through volunteering—leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and service—and apply them in my future career. I hope to pursue a career that allows me to make a positive impact while utilizing my leadership and organizational skills. Whether through business, nonprofit work, or another path, I want to be in a position where I can help others and lead with empathy. Ultimately, my goal is to use my strengths and experiences to contribute to a world that values service, collaboration, and positive change. In conclusion, my experience volunteering at my church has not only refined my strengths but also guided my interests and shaped my goals. I’ve learned valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and service, which will continue to influence my academic and professional journey. As I move forward, I’m excited to build on these experiences and work toward a future where I can make a meaningful impact.

Growing up and attending a private school, I always felt like I was surrounded by people whose parents had attended college, or even multiple generations of family members who had gone to college. It was almost as if higher education was just a given for everyone around me. Every time I spoke with my classmates, they seemed to talk about college as if it were the next logical step in their lives, and many of their parents had already paved the way for them. They had a clear idea of what college would be like, what they wanted to study, and even who they might want to become after graduation. For them, it wasn’t a question of “if” they’d go to college but “where” they’d go. For me, though, things were different. Coming from a family where neither of my parents had attended college, I didn’t have that same roadmap. When my classmates talked about visiting colleges and looking at dorms, I was trying to figure out the basics of what it even took to apply. I didn’t have the same level of preparation or family knowledge that many of my peers had, which made me feel a little behind or even out of place at times. There were moments when I questioned if I truly belonged in such an academic environment, knowing that most of my friends came from families where going to college was something expected, not something that needed to be figured out along the way. What made it even more noticeable was the way my friends and their parents would talk about their experiences in higher education. It was normal for their families to attend college, and many had strong academic backgrounds to support it. In my case, my parents weren’t able to offer that same type of guidance. They didn’t have personal stories to share about college life or experiences navigating the application process. The idea of filling out financial aid forms or understanding the value of a degree was a bit of a mystery to them, and that left me to figure things out on my own. I realized that this gap in knowledge and experience was something I had to face and overcome on my own. Despite these differences, being at a private school also gave me a unique perspective. While I didn’t have the same advantages, I did have the opportunity to learn from my peers and hear about their experiences. The environment around me motivated me to work harder and bridge the gap between myself and my classmates. It pushed me to seek out resources, ask questions, and learn as much as I could, even if it meant taking a more unconventional path. Now, looking back, I realize that while my classmates had certain advantages, the challenges I faced have made me stronger. I may not have had the same built-in support system that many of my peers had, but I’ve learned to be resourceful and independent. The journey to higher education may have seemed more difficult for me, but it’s been worth it. In the end, my experience has taught me resilience and the value of hard work. It’s also given me a drive to not just follow the footsteps of others, but to carve my own path and set an example for those who come after me—whether they come from a family of college graduates or not.