My name is Faith Benson, and I am a freshman at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where I am studying psychology. I have chosen to pursue a degree in psychology because I am deeply passionate about understanding the human mind and using that knowledge to help others, especially young people in BIPOC communities. My goal is to engage in meaningful research and clinical work, aiming to support and foster the well-being of children and their families and positively impact the lives of young individuals as they navigate the challenges of childhood and adolescence. Growing up as a Black woman, I have seen firsthand how mental health issues can impact young people in my community. There is often a stigma surrounding mental health, and many children and teenagers do not have access to the resources they need due to cultural misconceptions or even a lack of availability. This can lead to struggles in school, relationships, and overall well-being. By studying psychology, I hope to work with young people and provide them with the support they need to thrive, breaking down barriers and opening up pathways to healing. BIPOC communities can greatly benefit from mental health services that are sensitive to their unique needs and experiences. Young people, in particular, need to feel understood and supported in environments that respect their cultural backgrounds. When mental health professionals can provide this kind of care, it can make a huge difference in a young person's life. It is not just about treatment; it is about empowerment and giving them the tools to navigate life's challenges with confidence. I believe that by focusing on the younger population, we can build a future where mental health care is normalized and accessible for everyone, regardless of their background. Early intervention and support can help young people develop resilience and coping skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. I am committed to being part of this change and ensuring that BIPOC youth receive the mental health support they deserve, which can lead to healthier communities overall. In conclusion, my goal is to contribute to a future where all young people have access to the mental health care they need. By pursuing a degree in psychology, I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of young people in BIPOC communities and help them build a brighter future. I am dedicated to this journey and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in making a real difference.

The one work of literature that I would want everyone in the world to read is the memoir “Night” by Elie Wiesel. This memoir follows the author, Elie, at the young ages of 12 to 16, and his father as they try to survive the Holocaust and the Nazi concentration camps. In this memoir, Wiesel brought to light the many terrors of the concentration camps and showed much of his personal experiences there in great detail. Wiesel's short but powerful book memoir is a voice for the many other Holocaust victims, portraying the tragedy in such a way that the world will never forget the weight of it all. This first-hand story grips you and forces you to put yourself in the shoes of the victims, feeling what they were suffering, allowing you to understand their pain. It had this same effect on me. While reading it, I couldn't put "Night" down. It was so chilling to read what they actually went through. Even after I finished reading it, I couldn't stop thinking about the details of several events that happened during the holocaust and in the concentration camps because they were so shocking to me. Essentially, this memoir is inspiring to me because it represents individuals, not simply a collection of Holocaust survivors, putting faces to the events and names to those faces. In the concentration camps, the jews lost their families, their friends, all hope, all faith, and, in essence, their life. Despite all of this loss, they had to endure years of anguish and suffering, which I believe demonstrates their strength and bravery. This memoir inspires me because it also shows the importance of remembering past events, no matter how terrible they may be, and staying up to date with current events. In doing so, we are able to learn from the past, not let bad history repeat itself, and as a whole, make better choices for ourselves.