I was born and raised in Pakistan, where mental health was rarely discussed within my community. Conversations about health were almost entirely limited to physical well-being, and psychological concerns were frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Growing up in this environment initially led me toward medicine, as I believed it was the most direct path to helping others. However, it was not until I experienced anxiety myself that I truly understood how critical mental health is and how deeply it shapes an individual’s quality of life. My lack of awareness at the time meant I struggled to recognize my symptoms or find effective ways to cope. That personal experience became a turning point, one that opened my eyes to the reality that health encompasses far more than the physical body. It includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. In 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when my family relocated to Japan. Adjusting to an entirely new country, language, and culture was profoundly challenging. Despite the uncertainty, I approached this transition with resilience and determination, continuing to pursue academic goals in an unfamiliar environment. When the constraints of language requirements and limited English-taught programs made medicine inaccessible, I was forced to reconsider my path. Rather than viewing this as a setback, I returned to what had already reshaped my understanding of health, the importance of psychological well-being and the profound gap in awareness and support that exists within communities like my own. I became increasingly aware that many individuals, particularly those from underserved or culturally isolated backgrounds, struggle with psychological and developmental challenges without the knowledge or resources to understand what they are experiencing. This realization solidified my commitment to pursuing psychology not as a second choice, but as a deeply personal calling. Discovering Lakeland University gave me the opportunity to formally begin this journey. Through my coursework, I developed a strong foundation in psychological principles, human behavior, and research-based approaches to mental health. Earning my associate degree confirmed my passion and clarified my long-term goal of working in applied, evidence-based mental health services. My multicultural background has been central to shaping my perspective as an aspiring psychologist. Having lived across Pakistan, Japan, and now the United States, I have witnessed firsthand how cultural stigma, limited access to services, and lack of awareness can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need and deserve. These experiences have instilled in me a deep commitment to serving diverse and underrepresented populations with cultural sensitivity, compassion, and scientific integrity. Graduate study in psychology represents the natural next step in this journey. I am eager to deepen my understanding of psychological assessment, research methodology, and evidence-based intervention. I am particularly interested in how psychological science can be applied to support individuals facing mental health challenges that are compounded by cultural, socioeconomic, or systemic barriers. I want to contribute to a field that not only treats individuals but also advocates for broader awareness and equity in mental health care. I bring to this program a unique combination of lived experience, academic preparation, and genuine motivation to make a meaningful difference. My path has not been conventional, but it has been purposeful. Every challenge I have navigated has deepened my empathy, strengthened my resilience, and reaffirmed my commitment to a career dedicated to the well-being of others.

Growing up in Pakistan, mental health was rarely discussed within my community. Conversations about health were almost entirely limited to physical illnesses, while psychological concerns were often misunderstood or ignored. Because of this environment, my early aspiration was to pursue a career in medicine. I believed becoming a doctor was the most direct way to help others and improve people’s lives. However, my understanding of health began to change when I personally experienced anxiety several years later. At the time, I struggled to recognize my symptoms or understand what I was going through because of the lack of awareness surrounding mental health. This experience became a turning point in my life, helping me realize that health extends far beyond the physical body and includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. In 2017, my life changed dramatically when my family unexpectedly relocated to Japan. Moving to a completely new country after spending my entire life in Pakistan was both exciting and challenging. I had to adapt to a new culture, a new language, and a completely different educational system. Despite these challenges, I remained determined to pursue my academic goals and continued working toward earning a medical degree. Studying complex scientific subjects in an unfamiliar language and environment strengthened my resilience and adaptability. However, when the time came to apply to universities, I encountered a major obstacle. Medical programs in Japan require advanced Japanese language proficiency, and there were very few English-taught options available. As a result, I was forced to reconsider my academic path and future career plans. During this period of reflection, I found myself returning to the experience that had reshaped my understanding of health: my struggle with anxiety and the lack of mental health awareness in my community. I began to realize that many individuals, particularly those from communities like my own, face psychological and developmental challenges without access to the knowledge, resources, or support needed to understand their experiences. This realization motivated me to pursue psychology, with the goal of helping individuals who are often underserved or misunderstood. Unfortunately, psychology programs were also limited in Japan, which led me to explore educational opportunities elsewhere. Eventually, I discovered Brooklyn College, which provided me with the opportunity to continue my academic journey in psychology and move closer to my career goals. Through my coursework, I developed a strong foundation in psychological principles, human behavior, and research-based approaches to mental health. As I continued my studies, I became especially interested in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Learning about the experiences of individuals with autism and their families deeply inspired me, particularly the ways in which structured, evidence-based interventions can improve communication, social skills, and independence. My academic experiences led me to develop a strong interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA stands out to me because it combines scientific research with practical and compassionate support. Its focus on observable behavior, skill development, and individualized interventions aligns with my desire to make a meaningful and measurable difference in people’s lives. I am especially motivated to support individuals with ASD and their families, helping them build skills that improve their daily functioning and overall quality of life. Having lived in Pakistan, Japan, and now the United States, I have witnessed how cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to services can affect individuals with developmental or mental health conditions. My multicultural background has strengthened my commitment to advocating for underserved communities. My long-term goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and work directly with individuals with autism, implementing evidence-based interventions that promote independence, communication, and improved quality of life. Receiving this scholarship would support my educational journey and help me continue pursuing my goal of making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

Growing up in Pakistan, mental health was rarely discussed within my community. Conversations about health were almost entirely limited to physical illnesses, while psychological concerns were often misunderstood or ignored. Because of this environment, my early aspiration was to pursue a career in medicine. I believed becoming a doctor was the most direct way to help others and improve people’s lives. However, my understanding of health began to change when I personally experienced anxiety several years later. At the time, I struggled to recognize my symptoms or understand what I was going through because of the lack of awareness surrounding mental health. This experience became a turning point in my life, helping me realize that health extends far beyond the physical body and includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. In 2017, my life changed dramatically when my family unexpectedly relocated to Japan. Moving to a completely new country after spending my entire life in Pakistan was both exciting and challenging. I had to adapt to a new culture, a new language, and a completely different educational system. Despite these challenges, I remained determined to pursue my academic goals and continued working toward earning a medical degree. Studying complex scientific subjects in an unfamiliar language and environment strengthened my resilience and adaptability. However, when the time came to apply to universities, I encountered a major obstacle. Medical programs in Japan require advanced Japanese language proficiency, and there were very few English-taught options available. As a result, I was forced to reconsider my academic path and future career plans. During this period of reflection, I found myself returning to the experience that had reshaped my understanding of health: my struggle with anxiety and the lack of mental health awareness in my community. I began to realize that many individuals, particularly those from communities like my own, face psychological and developmental challenges without access to the knowledge, resources, or support needed to understand their experiences. This realization motivated me to pursue psychology, with the goal of helping individuals who are often underserved or misunderstood. Unfortunately, psychology programs were also limited in Japan, which led me to explore educational opportunities elsewhere. Eventually, I discovered Brooklyn College, which provided me with the opportunity to continue my academic journey in psychology and move closer to my career goals. Through my coursework, I developed a strong foundation in psychological principles, human behavior, and research-based approaches to mental health. As I continued my studies, I became especially interested in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Learning about the experiences of individuals with autism and their families deeply inspired me, particularly the ways in which structured, evidence-based interventions can improve communication, social skills, and independence. My academic experiences led me to develop a strong interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA stands out to me because it combines scientific research with practical and compassionate support. Its focus on observable behavior, skill development, and individualized interventions aligns with my desire to make a meaningful and measurable difference in people’s lives. I am especially motivated to support individuals with ASD and their families, helping them build skills that improve their daily functioning and overall quality of life. Having lived in Pakistan, Japan, and now the United States, I have witnessed how cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to services can affect individuals with developmental or mental health conditions. My multicultural background has strengthened my commitment to advocating for underserved communities. My long-term goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and work directly with individuals with autism, implementing evidence-based interventions that promote idependence and communication.

My family has been deeply affected by cancer. Three members of my family—my maternal grandfather, my maternal grandmother, and my paternal grandfather—were all diagnosed with cancer and passed away within a very short period of time. It was one of the most painful and difficult times my family has ever experienced. Everything happened so quickly that it was hard for us to even process what was going on. My mom’s father was the first to pass away. Watching him struggle with cancer was heartbreaking. He went through a lot of pain and treatment, and seeing someone you love suffer like that makes you feel very helpless. No matter how much you want to help, sometimes there is nothing you can do except be there for them and pray for them. Losing him was already a huge shock for our family, and we were still trying to cope with that loss. Just two months later, my mom’s mother also passed away from cancer. This was another devastating moment for our family, especially for my mother. Losing both parents within such a short time was extremely painful for her, and it was very hard to watch someone you love go through that kind of grief. As a family, we tried our best to support each other, but the sadness was overwhelming. What made the situation even more difficult was that just two days after my grandmother passed away, my dad’s father also died from cancer. In the span of about four months, we lost three grandparents. It felt unreal, like everything was happening too fast. Our family went through multiple funerals, grief, and emotional pain in such a short time. Those months were filled with sadness, stress, and a feeling of emptiness. During this time, I learned how fragile life can be. Cancer showed me that life can change very suddenly and that we should never take our loved ones for granted. It made me realize how important it is to spend time with family, appreciate the moments we have together, and express love and care while we still can. I also learned a lot about people during that difficult time. Hard situations reveal the true character of those around you. You begin to see who truly stands by you and who supports your family when things get hard. Some people showed us kindness, support, and compassion that we will never forget. Others were not there in the way we expected. This experience taught me the value of genuine relationships and how important it is to be there for others during their hardest moments. Another important lesson I learned is the importance of strength and resilience. Even though those months were extremely painful, my family had to stay strong for each other. We supported one another emotionally and tried to move forward together. Grief does not disappear, but you learn to live with it and honor the memories of the people you lost. Losing my grandparents to cancer changed the way I see life. It made me more compassionate toward others who are dealing with illness and loss. It also made me appreciate health, family, and time much more. Although the experience was incredibly painful, it taught me valuable lessons about love, support, and the importance of being present for the people who matter most in our lives.

1. I found TXT around 2020 when I started listening to more K-pop. I first saw one of their music videos online and then I started listening to more of their songs. After that I slowly learned about the members and their music, and I became a fan. 2. I think one of the most important characteristics of a MOA is being supportive. Supporting the members, respecting other fans, and spreading positive energy is really important. MOAs also care about the messages in TXT’s music and try to encourage each other. 3. Yes, I do have a bias. My bias is Yeonjun because I really like his stage presence and confidence. He works very hard and you can see how passionate he is when he performs, which I really respect. 4. My ult bias is Yeonjun from TXT. I admire how talented he is in dancing, rapping, and performing. He also seems very dedicated and always tries to improve himself. 5. My favorite TXT song is “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You).” I like the emotion in the song and the lyrics. It feels very powerful and relatable, and the vocals make it even more special. 6. No, I haven’t had the chance to see TXT live in concert yet, but I hope I can someday. Watching their performances online already shows how amazing their concerts must be. 7. My favorite album concept is The Chaos Chapter. I liked the darker and more emotional theme. The story and visuals were very strong, and the music in that era felt very meaningful. 8. Right now I am mainly paying for school through student loans and some personal support. As an international student, it can be difficult because there are limited financial aid options available. 9. This scholarship would help reduce my financial burden and help me focus more on my studies. It would fill the gap that my loans do not fully cover, such as tuition and educational expenses. As an international student, financial aid opportunities are limited, so support like this would make a big difference for me. It would allow me to concentrate more on learning and completing my program successfully without constantly worrying about finances. 10. TXT has influenced me in a positive way through their music and messages. Their songs often talk about youth, struggles, and hope, which can be really comforting. They remind me that it is okay to keep going even during difficult times. Their lyrics also encourage people to believe in themselves and not feel alone when facing challenges. Listening to their music motivates me to stay positive and keep working toward my goals. 11. I am studying psychology and autism studies, and I want to work with children with autism. I hope to use my education to support them and help them communicate and learn better. I want to make a positive difference in their lives and help them feel understood and supported. I also want to create a safe and encouraging environment where they can build confidence and develop their strengths. My goal is to help them feel included and give them the support they need to succeed in school and everyday life.

I was born and raised in Pakistan, where mental health was rarely discussed within my community. Conversations about health were almost entirely limited to physical well-being, and psychological concerns were often overlooked or misunderstood. Growing up in this environment shaped my early aspirations to pursue a career in medicine, as I believed it was the most direct way to help others. However, it was not until I experienced anxiety myself several years later that I truly understood how critical mental health is and how deeply it affects an individual’s quality of life. At the time, my lack of awareness meant I struggled to recognize my symptoms or find effective ways to cope. This personal experience marked a turning point, leading me to realize that health encompasses far more than the physical body—it includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. In 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when my family abruptly relocated to Japan. Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture was challenging, especially after having lived my entire life in Pakistan. Despite the uncertainty, I approached this transition with resilience and determination, continuing to pursue my goal of earning an M.B.B.S. degree. I studied complex scientific concepts in an unfamiliar language and environment, which strengthened my adaptability and perseverance. However, when it came time to apply to universities, I encountered a significant barrier: pursuing medicine required advanced Japanese language proficiency, and English-taught medical programs were extremely limited. Faced with these constraints, I was forced to reconsider my academic path. Through reflection, I returned to the issue that had initially reshaped my understanding of mental well-being. I became increasingly aware that many individuals, particularly those from communities like my own, struggle with psychological and developmental challenges without the knowledge, resources, or support to understand what they are experiencing. This realization solidified my desire to pursue psychology, intending to support individuals who are often underserved or misunderstood. Unfortunately, psychology programs were also limited in Japan, which led me to explore alternative educational pathways. Discovering Lakeland University provided me with the opportunity to pursue a liberal arts education and formally begin my academic journey in psychology. Through my coursework, I developed a strong foundation in psychological principles, human behavior, and research-based approaches to mental health. Earning my associate degree confirmed my passion for this field and clarified my long-term goal of working in applied, evidence-based mental health services. However, I also recognized that continuing my education and professional training in Japan would be extremely challenging due to limited program availability. As I continued to refine my interests within psychology, I became particularly drawn to working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I was deeply moved by the unique strengths and challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their families, as well as by the profound impact that structured, evidence-based interventions can have on their daily functioning and independence. Through my academic exposure to developmental and behavioral disorders, I developed a strong interest in Applied Behavior Analysis as a practical, data-driven approach to supporting individuals with autism. ABA’s emphasis on observable behavior, skill acquisition, and individualized intervention aligns closely with my desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I am particularly interested in ABA because it combines scientific rigor with compassionate care. The focus on improving communication, social, academic, and daily living skills resonates with my belief that mental health and developmental support should empower individuals to reach their full potential. My multicultural background has further strengthened this belief, as I have witnessed how cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to services can negatively affect individuals with developmental and mental health needs. I am committed to advocating for individuals with ASD and their families, especially those from diverse or immigrant backgrounds who may face additional barriers to receiving appropriate care. Brooklyn College’s ABA certification program stands out to me as an ideal environment to pursue this goal. The program’s emphasis on ethical practice, evidence-based interventions, and supervised field experience aligns directly with my aspiration to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). My long-term goal is to work directly with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, implementing ABA interventions that promote independence, communication, and improved quality of life. I also want to contribute to increasing awareness and acceptance of developmental and mental health conditions within underrepresented communities, where stigma and misinformation often prevent individuals from seeking help.

I was born and raised in Pakistan, where conversations about health within my community were largely limited to physical well-being. Mental health was rarely discussed, and psychological concerns were often misunderstood or overlooked. Growing up in this environment initially inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, as I believed it was the most direct way to help others. However, several years later, when I personally experienced anxiety, I realized how deeply mental health affects an individual’s quality of life. At the time, my limited awareness made it difficult to recognize my symptoms or find effective ways to cope. This experience became a turning point for me, leading me to understand that health extends beyond the physical body and includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. In 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when my family relocated to Japan. Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture after spending my entire life in Pakistan was challenging. Despite these difficulties, I remained committed to my academic goals. I completed high school in Japan and later earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Lakeland University Japan. During this time, I initially hoped to pursue a medical degree; however, pursuing medicine in Japan required advanced Japanese language proficiency, and English-taught programs were extremely limited. Faced with these constraints, I was forced to reconsider my academic path. Through reflection, I returned to the issue that had once reshaped my understanding of health—mental well-being. I became increasingly aware that many individuals, particularly those from communities like my own, struggle with psychological or developmental challenges without the awareness, resources, or support to understand what they are experiencing. This realization motivated me to pursue psychology with the goal of supporting individuals who are often underserved or misunderstood. Seeking better opportunities, I began exploring universities in the United States and discovered programs in New York that aligned with my interests. Although I was initially admitted to a college, financial challenges forced me to postpone my plans. Despite this setback, I remained determined and reminded myself that I could still achieve my goals. In December 2023, I finally moved to New York and began my studies in January 2024. While financial difficulties have continued to present challenges, they have also strengthened my resilience and commitment to my education. As I continued to explore psychology, I became particularly interested in Autism Spectrum Disorder and the impact that evidence-based interventions can have on improving individuals’ lives. I am currently pursuing certification coursework related to autism and developmental disorders, which has deepened my interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I am drawn to ABA because it combines scientific rigor with compassionate, practical strategies that help individuals develop communication, social, and daily living skills. My long-term goal is to work with children on the autism spectrum and support them in reaching their fullest potential. I also hope to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and developmental disorders, particularly within underserved and immigrant communities. My journey across Pakistan, Japan, and the United States has shaped me into a resilient, adaptable, and compassionate individual, and I am eager to continue this path through advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis.

I was born and raised in Pakistan, where conversations about health within my community were largely limited to physical well-being. Mental health was rarely discussed, and psychological concerns were often misunderstood or overlooked. Growing up in this environment initially inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, as I believed it was the most direct way to help others. However, several years later, when I personally experienced anxiety, I realized how deeply mental health affects an individual’s quality of life. At the time, my limited awareness made it difficult to recognize my symptoms or find effective ways to cope. This experience became a turning point for me, leading me to understand that health extends beyond the physical body and includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. In 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when my family relocated to Japan. Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture after spending my entire life in Pakistan was challenging. Despite these difficulties, I remained committed to my academic goals. I completed high school in Japan and later earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Lakeland University Japan. During this time, I initially hoped to pursue a medical degree; however, pursuing medicine in Japan required advanced Japanese language proficiency, and English-taught programs were extremely limited. Faced with these constraints, I was forced to reconsider my academic path. Through reflection, I returned to the issue that had once reshaped my understanding of health—mental well-being. I became increasingly aware that many individuals, particularly those from communities like my own, struggle with psychological or developmental challenges without the awareness, resources, or support to understand what they are experiencing. This realization motivated me to pursue psychology with the goal of supporting individuals who are often underserved or misunderstood. Seeking better opportunities, I began exploring universities in the United States and discovered programs in New York that aligned with my interests. Although I was initially admitted to a college, financial challenges forced me to postpone my plans. Despite this setback, I remained determined and reminded myself that I could still achieve my goals. In December 2023, I finally moved to New York and began my studies in January 2024. While financial difficulties have continued to present challenges, they have also strengthened my resilience and commitment to my education. As I continued to explore psychology, I became particularly interested in Autism Spectrum Disorder and the impact that evidence-based interventions can have on improving individuals’ lives. I am currently pursuing certification coursework related to autism and developmental disorders, which has deepened my interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I am drawn to ABA because it combines scientific rigor with compassionate, practical strategies that help individuals develop communication, social, and daily living skills. My long-term goal is to work with children on the autism spectrum and support them in reaching their fullest potential. I also hope to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and developmental disorders, particularly within underserved and immigrant communities. My journey across Pakistan, Japan, and the United States has shaped me into a resilient, adaptable, and compassionate individual, and I am eager to continue this path through advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis.

I was born and raised in Pakistan, where conversations about health within my community were largely limited to physical well-being. Mental health was rarely discussed, and psychological concerns were often misunderstood or overlooked. Growing up in this environment initially inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, as I believed it was the most direct way to help others. However, several years later, when I personally experienced anxiety, I realized how deeply mental health affects an individual’s quality of life. At the time, my limited awareness made it difficult to recognize my symptoms or find effective ways to cope. This experience became a turning point for me, leading me to understand that health extends beyond the physical body and includes emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. In 2017, my life took an unexpected turn when my family relocated to Japan. Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture after spending my entire life in Pakistan was challenging. Despite these difficulties, I remained committed to my academic goals. I completed high school in Japan and later earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Lakeland University Japan. During this time, I initially hoped to pursue a medical degree; however, pursuing medicine in Japan required advanced Japanese language proficiency, and English-taught programs were extremely limited. Faced with these constraints, I was forced to reconsider my academic path. Through reflection, I returned to the issue that had once reshaped my understanding of health—mental well-being. I became increasingly aware that many individuals, particularly those from communities like my own, struggle with psychological or developmental challenges without the awareness, resources, or support to understand what they are experiencing. This realization motivated me to pursue psychology with the goal of supporting individuals who are often underserved or misunderstood. Seeking better opportunities, I began exploring universities in the United States and discovered programs in New York that aligned with my interests. Although I was initially admitted to a college, financial challenges forced me to postpone my plans. Despite this setback, I remained determined and reminded myself that I could still achieve my goals. In December 2023, I finally moved to New York and began my studies in January 2024. While financial difficulties have continued to present challenges, they have also strengthened my resilience and commitment to my education. As I continued to explore psychology, I became particularly interested in Autism Spectrum Disorder and the impact that evidence-based interventions can have on improving individuals’ lives. I am currently pursuing certification coursework related to autism and developmental disorders, which has deepened my interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I am drawn to ABA because it combines scientific rigor with compassionate, practical strategies that help individuals develop communication, social, and daily living skills. My long-term goal is to work with children on the autism spectrum and support them in reaching their fullest potential. I also hope to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and developmental disorders, particularly within underserved and immigrant communities. My journey across Pakistan, Japan, and the United States has shaped me into a resilient, adaptable, and compassionate individual, and I am eager to continue this path through advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis.

As a child in Pakistan, mental health was not discussed in my community. Discussions around health were limited to physical well-being. This idea inspired me to study medicine as a way to help humankind. It was not until my own experience with anxiety several years back, that I realized how crucial mental health was. My lack of knowledge about anxiety meant I did not know how to identify or cope with my trauma. Here, I realized that I wanted to incorporate an understanding of mental well-being in my work toward an M.B.B.S. However, all my plans were thrown off course when my family abruptly shifted to Japan in 2017. Here, I was faced with a completely different language and a completely different environment from my home country, Pakistan. Yet, I did not let the fear of the unknown discourage my journey toward medicine and embraced this new community and home. At 16, I began learning Japanese, which was as hard as climbing Mount Everest. I carried on toward my goal of an M.B.B.S., studying difficult scientific concepts in a completely new language. Yet, once it came time to apply for universities, I faced another barrier: I had to learn a higher level of Japanese to pursue medicine, as degrees taught in English were not as common. With limited options, I again embraced change with an open mindset, deciding that maybe I should consider options outside of medicine. Through my reflection, an idea clicked: mental health. I started researching careers in psychology, and in this research, I remembered my own experience. I found that many people like me, are fighting against mental health issues without knowing what it is, and with no idea how to cope. My connection to these people made me realize that health is not just physical, and I can make a change by supporting people in their mental health. Yet, even when I realized this calling, psychology degrees were hard to find in Japan. When I discovered Lakeland University, I saw the opportunity to pursue liberal arts. Although this was not the plan, I knew I had to keep an open mind and avail the opportunity I had. Yet, I kept my passion for mental health in mind and took courses close to psychology, and my passion grew. Now, with my associate's degree, I know that my dream of pursuing a degree in psychology is not very possible in Japan. Yet, my hard work and ambition remain, and I know that I can make my dream of working in mental health a reality at the City University of Staten Island. It will be a new place for me, but I am always ready to face change with courage and embrace new opportunities with an open mind and strong ambition. My future plan is pursue my degree in clinical psychology and help humankind. Yet I have no enough experience in the mental health field rather than volunteering at Canvas Institute where we use to give anti violence sessions at schools in Staten Island. I will be working in child lab with one of my professor's for next semester.