We are currently in a mental health crisis. With my generation at an all-time high of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, it is a huge concern and I have seen the effects of these disorders in the community. This has driven me to make the goal to help children through mental health issues so that they can achieve their goals and dreams. I want to become a school counselor where I can help children who are struggling in school with mental illness, problems at home or motivation find their path. I want to be there for students in their times of need, I have seen so many peers around me struggling with mental health issues and some not getting the help they need. Eventually, I want to get into school administration and policymaking to help improve the school system and how they approach helping students with mental health issues and how they approach learning. The impact that I hope to leave on the world: leave the legacy of supporting those with mental health and increase support for mental health education and therapy.

If there is one thing that I have struggled with throughout my life, it has been letting go. I have held onto botched interactions and bad grades, missed opportunities, and decisions I should have made differently. I cannot begin to count the number of insecurities and anxieties that have gone through my head, like swimming in an ocean with an anchor tied around your waist, constantly trying to drag you down into the swarming and swirling thoughts below. If there is a sentence that I would share with the world, especially with other students like me, it would be "learn to let it go". I have been trying to let go of my anxieties and stress, not to invalidate how I feel, but to let go of the feelings that have been holding me back from achieving all that I want and am capable of achieving. It is not something that you have to do on your own either. Making my friends and family aware of these feelings has been met with support and warmth. I will continue on my journey of learning to let go of the anxiety and thoughts that are holding me back, and I hope that this short little phrase may be a source of inspiration for others to help do that same.

"We will be starting a new project today!" my middle school teacher announced to the class. While there were some moans and groans in the class, I was excited because projects are where I could practice my creativity and challenge myself! My teacher introduced the project with the challenge of coming up with an idea that involves the community. Immediately my mind started turning and turning with many different ideas, but I could not decide on any specific idea. I was stumped. When I went home that night, I talked with my mom, and she recommended drawing upon my own experiences to drive my project. This, in the end, is what spurred the idea for Baking Buddies. My older sister Grace has Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that she was born with that impacts her cognitively and physically. Grace serves as such an inspiration for me, as she lives her life to the fullest despite the reoccurring doctor's visits related to conditions common in those with Down syndrome and all of the challenges that life throws at her. Her love of baking inspired Baking Buddies, a baking class for individuals with special needs where they pair up with a buddy to learn measuring and baking skills by making sweet treats together. While this program might have only started as a middle school project, the positive response from the participants encouraged us to continue the program. Seven years later, the program is thriving, now run by the director of Christian education and the youth group at my church. There have been many new students over the years and increased volunteers from all around. This program is how I have enacted positive change for my community, connecting those with special needs with those in the community to encourage understanding of one another.