Due to my own mental health challenges, I was presented with my passion for becoming a Mental Health Counselor. Since I was of the early age of 7, I was diagnosed with Anxiety and Panic Disorder. Some may say this is unfortunate, however, to me it is a blessing. I have learned much and have become a complete and introspective person. I continue to grow every single day. At the age of 12, I was diagnosed with a Depressive Disorder. This was very detrimental to my physical health as well as my mental health. People always ask me, "How do you do it? How do you get out of bed every morning with a smile? How do you seem so happy when you are dying inside?" And the answer to that, is truly, I don't know. I have no idea what the future holds, but I will promise one thing. For as long as I live, I will be here for one reason. To help others. Recently, I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. My therapist and I have been working extremely hard together to ensure that I live a fulfilled life. A couple of years ago I was hospitalized at my local Psychiatric Facility. This was an eye-opening experience for me. When I was having my inpatient stay, I built so many connections with the Nurses and Counselors that were in the building helping to take care of me. This was when I knew. This epiphany struck me, and I knew I wanted to help others the way that they had helped me. When I began my senior year of high school I had the opportunity to apply to be a part of this special program. This program was called "Pathways in Education" and through this program, I took a variety of college courses. Through this special opportunity, I was able to shadow a School Social Worker every Tuesday. These were all volunteer hours. I went every Tuesday for 8 months! I also was a volunteer tutor to 9th-grade students using AVID techniques. Having these experiences opened my eyes, once again. I was now 100% sure what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a Mental Health Counselor. I plan on using my mental health challenges which other people view as a weakness, into what others perceive as a strong career. I will be attending Marist College in the Fall of 2023 with a double major in Psychology and Social work. I plan on joining the Social Work Club at Marist, as well as a Sorority and the Dance Team. I love to read, spend time out in nature and socialize with my friends. I am excited to further my knowledge in College in earning my Master's Degree! I do have a lifelong goal of getting a Doctorate, however, money is slightly tight and I want to make sure I can help as many people as possible. I plan on being that support that I received, and more. I will be the difference we would all like to see.

Looking back at my life, I realize that the struggles and challenges I have already faced have made me a more introspective and complete person. It is impossible to single out just one event that has led me to become the person I am today. I have been challenged in every waking moment throughout every day of my life with personal demons. Some days it starts when I wake up and try to get out of bed, other days simple daily tasks are a struggle. Over 250 million people around the world suffer from anxiety but there’s still a social stigma. After further research, my eyes were widened to those who struggle like me. I would sit in class as the walls would close in, I would experience clammy hands and shaking legs, thinking that… I am the only one. There must be something wrong with me. This led me to think, why is mental health not a focus of discussion? Why is nobody talking about this around me? Are they embarrassed? I too was embarrassed for some time then I realized…this is what makes me, me. Going to school used to be an arduous task. I used to tell myself that taking a mental health day occasionally was acceptable until it was a normal weekly occurrence. Every day waking up reality hit me… telling myself I must go to school. In the back of my mind, I am thinking, I have to face the people that laugh at me in the halls, I have to listen to my thoughts all day non-stop while I put on my happy face. The first step in the process was to get out of bed, which on the surface seems like a simple task but goes much deeper. As challenging as getting out of bed was on some days, that was much easier than the peer ridicule and social judgment that awaited me when I entered my school environment. Right as I walked in I was bullied and judged. Due to my anxiety, every little thing that irks me will replay in my mind over and over again until I am physically ill. My palms get sweaty, my fight or flight reaction is activated, and immediately I have to hold back tears. It already took me so much to get into school, now it is taking everything left in me to stay. This challenge, known as my life, has prompted a strong passion for children's mental health. All children deserve to receive the same help that I received. Now, there is nothing I can’t handle, and I look forward to furthering my mental strength in order to be the best possible person I am capable of being. If I could solve one problem, it would be to give everyone mental health resources in schools. I wish I had more support than I did, and I wish I was able to give that to everyone in NYS. Unfortunately, no amount of money or a magic wand can solve mental health problems arising in children and teenagers. However, we can start by providing support, lessening the stigma and simply just spreading the word that it is okay to not be okay. Mental health around the world is never going to go away, so it is time we help those around us and we become a team.

Looking back at my life, I realize that the struggles and challenges I have already faced have made me a more introspective and complete person. It is impossible to single out just one event that has led me to become the person I am today. I have been challenged in every waking moment throughout every day of my life with personal demons. Some days it starts when I wake up and try to get out of bed, other days simple daily tasks are a struggle. Over 250 million people around the world suffer from anxiety but there’s still a social stigma. After further research, my eyes were widened to those who struggle like me. I would sit in class as the walls would close in, I would experience clammy hands and shaking legs, thinking that… I am the only one. There must be something wrong with me. This led me to think, why is mental health not a focus of discussion? Why is nobody talking about this around me? Are they embarrassed? I too was embarrassed for some time then I realized…this is what makes me, me. Going to school used to be an arduous task. I used to tell myself that taking a mental health day occasionally was acceptable, until it was a normal weekly occurrence. Everyday waking up reality hit me… telling myself that I have to go to school. In the back of my mind I am thinking, I have to face the people that laugh at me in the halls, I have to listen to my thoughts all day non-stop while I put on my happy face. The first step in the process was to get out of bed, which on the surface seems like a simple task, but goes much deeper. As challenging as getting out of bed was on some days, that was much easier than the peer ridicule and social judgment that awaited me when I entered my school environment. Right as I walked in I was bullied and judged. Due to my anxiety, every little thing that irks me will replay in my mind over and over again until I am physically ill. My palms get sweaty, my fight or flight reaction is activated, and immediately I have to hold back tears. I knew I couldn’t let anyone see me like this. God forbid I let the people around me know that I'm hurting. I fix myself up and hope nobody will see through my disguise, and I just try to get through one more day. Eventually, due to my anxiety, I was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for mental health treatment. Even though my inpatient stay was not a choice, it was a necessary evil, and I learned vital lessons while there. A combination of coping mechanisms along with group therapy and individual meetings with a therapist led to a strategy that has revolutionized my personal well being. I am now proud to say that I am confident to face the challenges of the world, and I have the ability to withstand anything I am faced with. This challenge, known as my life, has prompted me with two very strong passions; one going to college to study psychology, and two to become a teacher. With either career path I will be helping the future generations, and I think that is what matters most. All children deserve to receive the same help that I received. There is nothing I can’t handle, and I look forward to furthering my mental strength to be the best possible person I am capable of being.

I am confident that I am the best possible candidate for this scholarship because I have consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills, and maintained a high level of academic excellence. I have taken on leadership responsibilities and flourished in group settings as a role model. The positive experiences I held in school allowed me to learn how to effectively communicate with others, delegate tasks, and work towards a common goal. In addition to my leadership abilities, I am proud of my academic record. I have consistently been on the high honor roll, and have taken many difficult college courses to challenge and expand my knowledge. I believe that a strong education is a foundation for success. I am dedicated to maintaining my academic standing. Finally, I am a positive and energetic individual who brings a unique perspective to any situation. I am always looking for ways to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same. I believe that this positive energy is contagious and I have seen firsthand the difference it can make in the lives of those around me. Whether I am working with my peers, serving my community, or pursuing my personal goals, I always bring my best and strive to make a difference. I plan on giving back to my community with my career. I have always wanted to help people without being a first responder. I plan on being a psychologist, and a mental health counselor. I hope to reach many people through my counseling, and I plan on one day writing a self-help book. I also plan on fostering my own children to help the kids who don't get the love and courage they deserve. Something as little as a smile to a stranger is giving back to the community. I plan on always spreading kindness throughout my life. I also plan to volunteer my time and donate. I already donate blood through the red cross and plan on doing that forever. I also plan on being an organ donor. Something else small that can make a difference is being kind. Simply paying for the person in front of you in a drive-through, or complimenting a stranger. The little things will help the community little by little. Any random act of kindness will never be left unnoticed. When you see someone struggling, help! When you see someone sad, talk to them! When you see someone happy, ask them why!

I am excited about many things at college. I plan on attending Marist, for psychology. I am super stocked to meet new people from all around the world! Being contained to just one school district my whole life has restricted the number of people that I have met. I have been preparing myself emotionally for this drastic change. I plan on keeping a healthy mind by continuing my therapy sessions in and out of school. I also plan on meditating frequently to encourage a calm mindset. I will be learning all about teaching others how to maintain a positive lifestyle, so I will need to maintain one of my own. There are many components in my life that are "healthy" and that aren't working out. For example, I like to journal and read daily. This is something that I implemented into my life for time to decompress. Keeping a healthy body is just as important as keeping a healthy mind. I plan on eating healthy meals! A lot of upcoming freshmen are excited about the pizza, pasta, and all the junk, but I am excited to go to the on-campus acai bowl place. I plan on focusing on myself first, always. Self-care is the most important thing to me. In order to function I must be taking proper care of myself. This includes meditation and eating properly and it can vary from person to person. I pray every day, no matter the circumstances. God gives me the hope to keep going when my depression tells me to stop. Having a mental illness will make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is so important, even though it is hard. Having a schedule helps me get my mind in order. As someone who has recovered from an eating disorder, I now have a healthy relationship with food. Now, I can confidently say I eat 3 meals a day! This may seem minuscule to others but is a giant milestone for me. This is something that has kept me healthy, food. Having a stable schedule, eating healthy, working out, and staying positive are all vital parts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. My health journey hasn't been easy, but it has been a crucial role in my healthy living. I am always looking for ways to make a positive impact and inspire others to do the same. I believe that this positive energy is contagious and I have seen firsthand the difference it can make in the lives of those around me.

Getting out of bed in the morning used to be the most challenging part of my day. When I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression I knew this was a diagnosis I couldn't "fix." I knew when I was diagnosed that my lifestyle would have to change for my physical and mental well-being. Luckily I have a lot of family support to help me change my lifestyle, however, not many children do. I was a dancer from age 3 and had continued nearly all my life so far. I would dance every single day, for at least 6 hours. When I had decided dance wasn't what was best for my mental well-being, I decided I needed another way to exercise. I ended up changing my whole lifestyle around. I began to eat differently, and work out. Having depression is tough when being in bed seems so much better than leaving the house, but you soon realize you need to fight those thoughts. Fighting thoughts looks different for everyone, but I fought my thoughts by doing things. A healthy lifestyle doesn't just mean working out to me. I have a healthy lifestyle and I am not a bodybuilder. There are many components in my life that are "healthy" and that aren't working out. For example, I like to journal and read daily. This is something that I implemented into my life for time to decompress. I needed an outlet where I could go and leave everything behind. While having depression, it is difficult to have and maintain hope. Something that I added to my daily regimen was prayer. I pray every day, no matter the circumstances. God gives me the hope to keep going when my depression tells me to stop. Having a mental illness will make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is so important, even though it is hard. Having a schedule helps me get my mind in order. As someone who has recovered from an eating disorder, I now have a healthy relationship with food. Now, I can confidently say I eat 3 meals a day! This may seem minuscule to others but is a giant milestone for me. This is something that has kept me healthy, food. Having a stable schedule, eating healthy, working out, and staying positive are all vital parts to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. My health journey hasn't been easy, but it has been a crucial role in my healthy living.

My mom is my biggest role model. I have never met a woman so strong, kind, resilient, and brave. My mom is my rock, and without her, I don't know where I would be. She is always an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. Not only is she an amazing woman, but she also gave birth to two children, myself and my brother. It is hard to fathom that at one point I was just sitting in her belly waiting to explore the world. I have never felt more loved than anyone other than my mother. My mom is truly my hero. I can talk to her without even using words. Just by walking into the room will she know what mood I am in. My mom loves me unconditionally, and she is not just my mother. She is my mentor, my guide, my helper, and my teacher. My mother has taught me the way of the world; the rights and wrongs, how to follow simple rules, and how to stay kind to others. My mom has always made me appreciate the small things. She always focuses on the simplicity in her life, when I am drowning in the big things. I aspire to be just like my mother. She is also a teacher, and I watch her teach her students and pray that one day I am teaching students like her. I want to be a mother just like her when I am older. My mom has taught me morals, and wrongdoings. How to be a nice person and how to be nice to myself. My mother does a lot to nurture me and support my family. She works hard daily and when she returns from work she does her job as a mother. You would think she would be exhausted but she pushes from 8 am-8 pm every day. My mother is so hardworking. She turned me into the hard worker that I am. My mom encouraged me with my academic efforts, and now I don't want anything less for me or for her. Everything I do is for my mother, and I wouldn't want it any other way. My mom was the one who was there when I couldn't get out of bed in the morning. She was the one telling me, "Just one more day." My mom was the one to explain to me that my anxious thoughts were lying to me, and that they were irrational. She has been there. Through the highs and lows, I wouldn't change it for the world. My mother is my best friend, and role model.

Looking back at my life, I realize that the struggles and challenges I have already faced have made me a more introspective and complete person. It is impossible to single out just one event that has led me to become the person I am today. I have been challenged in every waking moment throughout every day of my life with personal demons. Some days it starts when I wake up and try to get out of bed, other days simple daily tasks are a struggle. Over 250 million people around the world suffer from anxiety but there’s still a social stigma. After further research, my eyes were widened to those who struggle like me. I would sit in class as the walls would close in, I would experience clammy hands and shaking legs, thinking that… I am the only one. There must be something wrong with me. This led me to think, why is mental health not a focus of discussion? Why is nobody talking about this around me? Are they embarrassed? I too was embarrassed for some time then I realized…this is what makes me, me. Going to school used to be an arduous task. I used to tell myself that taking a mental health day occasionally was acceptable, until it was a normal weekly occurrence. Everyday waking up reality hit me… telling myself that I have to go to school. In the back of my mind I am thinking, I have to face the people that laugh at me in the halls, I have to listen to my thoughts all day non-stop while I put on my happy face. The first step in the process was to get out of bed, which on the surface seems like a simple task, but goes much deeper. As challenging as getting out of bed was on some days, that was much easier than the peer ridicule and social judgment that awaited me when I entered my school environment. Right as I walked in I was bullied and judged. Due to my anxiety, every little thing that irks me will replay in my mind over and over again until I am physically ill. My palms get sweaty, my fight or flight reaction is activated, and immediately I have to hold back tears. It already took me so much to get into school, now it is taking everything left in me to stay. I knew I couldn’t let anyone see me like this… I immediately rush to the bathroom to make sure my makeup isn’t smudged. God forbid I let the people around me know that I'm hurting. I fix myself up and hope nobody will see through my disguise, and I just try to get through one more day. I am now proud to say that I am confident to face the challenges of the world, and I have the ability to withstand anything I am faced with. This challenge, known as my life, has prompted me with two very strong passions; one going to college to study psychology, and two to become a teacher. With either career path I will be helping the future generations, and I think that is what matters most. All children deserve to receive the same help that I received. Now, there is nothing I can’t handle, and I look forward to furthering my mental strength in order to be the best possible person I am capable of being.

Looking back at my life, I realize that the struggles and challenges I have already faced have made me a more introspective and complete person. It is impossible to single out just one event that has led me to become the person I am today. I have been challenged in every waking moment throughout every day of my life with personal demons. Some days it starts when I wake up and try to get out of bed, other days simple daily tasks are a struggle. Over 250 million people around the world suffer from anxiety but there’s still a social stigma. After further research, my eyes were widened to those who struggle like me. I would sit in class as the walls would close in, I would experience clammy hands and shaking legs, thinking that… I am the only one. There must be something wrong with me. This led me to think, why is mental health not a focus of discussion? Why is nobody talking about this around me? Are they embarrassed? I too was embarrassed for some time then I realized…this is what makes me, me. Going to school used to be an arduous task. I used to tell myself that taking a mental health day occasionally was acceptable, until it was a normal weekly occurrence. Everyday waking up reality hit me… telling myself that I have to go to school. In the back of my mind I am thinking, I have to face the people that laugh at me in the halls, I have to listen to my thoughts all day non-stop while I put on my happy face. The first step in the process was to get out of bed, which on the surface seems like a simple task, but goes much deeper. As challenging as getting out of bed was on some days, that was much easier than the peer ridicule and social judgment that awaited me when I entered my school environment. Right as I walked in I was bullied and judged. Due to my anxiety, every little thing that irks me will replay in my mind over and over again until I am physically ill. My palms get sweaty, my fight or flight reaction is activated, and immediately I have to hold back tears. I immediately rush to the bathroom to make sure my makeup isn’t smudged. I can't let the people around me know that I'm hurting. I fix myself up and hope nobody will see through my disguise, and I just try to get through one more day. Eventually, due to my anxiety, I was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for mental health treatment. Even though my inpatient stay was not a choice, it was a necessary evil, and I learned vital lessons while there. A combination of coping mechanisms along with group therapy and individual meetings with a therapist led to a strategy that has revolutionized my personal well being. I am now proud to say that I am confident to face the challenges of the world, and I have the ability to withstand anything I am faced with. I have been prompted with two very strong passions; one going to college to study psychology, and two to become a teacher. With either career path I will be helping the future generations, and I think that is what matters most. All children deserve to receive the same help that I received. Now, there is nothing I can’t handle, and I look forward to furthering my mental strength in order to be the best possible person I am capable of being.

Looking back at my life, I realize that the struggles and challenges I have already faced have made me a more introspective and complete person. It is impossible to single out just one event that has led me to become the person I am today. I have been challenged in every waking moment throughout every day of my life with personal demons. Some days it starts when I wake up and try to get out of bed, other days simple daily tasks are a struggle. Over 250 million people around the world suffer from anxiety but there’s still a social stigma. After further research, my eyes were widened to those who struggle like me. I would sit in class as the walls would close in, I would experience clammy hands and shaking legs, thinking that… I am the only one. There must be something wrong with me. This led me to think, why is mental health not a focus of discussion? Why is nobody talking about this around me? Are they embarrassed? I too was embarrassed for some time then I realized…this is what makes me, me. Going to school used to be an arduous task. I used to tell myself that taking a mental health day occasionally was acceptable, until it was a normal weekly occurrence. Everyday waking up reality hit me… telling myself that I have to go to school. In the back of my mind I am thinking, I have to face the people that laugh at me in the halls, I have to listen to my thoughts all day non-stop while I put on my happy face. The first step in the process was to get out of bed, which on the surface seems like a simple task, but goes much deeper. As challenging as getting out of bed was on some days, that was much easier than the peer ridicule and social judgment that awaited me when I entered my school environment. Right as I walked in I was bullied and judged. Due to my anxiety, every little thing that irks me will replay in my mind over and over again until I am physically ill. My palms get sweaty, my fight or flight reaction is activated, and immediately I have to hold back tears. It already took me so much to get into school, now it is taking everything left in me to stay. I knew I couldn’t let anyone see me like this… I immediately rush to the bathroom to make sure my makeup isn’t smudged. God forbid I let the people around me know that I'm hurting. I fix myself up and hope nobody will see through my disguise, and I just try to get through one more day. Eventually, due to my anxiety, I was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for mental health treatment. Even though my inpatient stay was not a choice, it was a necessary evil, and I learned vital lessons while there. A combination of coping mechanisms along with group therapy and individual meetings with a therapist led to a strategy that has revolutionized my personal well being. I am now proud to say that I am confident to face the challenges of the world, and I have the ability to withstand anything I am faced with. Now, there is nothing I can’t handle, and I look forward to furthering my mental strength in order to be the best possible person I am capable of being.

Looking back at my life, I realize that the struggles and challenges I have already faced have made me a more introspective and complete person. It is impossible to single out just one event that has led me to become the person I am today. I have been challenged in every waking moment throughout every day of my life with personal demons. Some days it starts when I wake up and try to get out of bed, other days simple daily tasks are a struggle. Over 250 million people around the world suffer from anxiety but there’s still a social stigma. After further research, my eyes were widened to those who struggle like me. I would sit in class as the walls would close in, I would experience clammy hands and shaking legs, thinking that… I am the only one. There must be something wrong with me. This led me to think, why is mental health not a focus of discussion? Why is nobody talking about this around me? Are they embarrassed? I too was embarrassed for some time then I realized…this is what makes me, me. Going to school used to be an arduous task. I used to tell myself that taking a mental health day occasionally was acceptable, until it was a normal weekly occurrence. Everyday waking up reality hit me… telling myself that I have to go to school. In the back of my mind I am thinking, I have to face the people that laugh at me in the halls, I have to listen to my thoughts all day non-stop while I put on my happy face. The first step in the process was to get out of bed, which on the surface seems like a simple task, but goes much deeper. As challenging as getting out of bed was on some days, that was much easier than the peer ridicule and social judgment that awaited me when I entered my school environment. Right as I walked in I was bullied and judged. Due to my anxiety, every little thing that irks me will replay in my mind over and over again until I am physically ill. My palms get sweaty, my fight or flight reaction is activated, and immediately I have to hold back tears. It already took me so much to get into school, now it is taking everything left in me to stay. I knew I couldn’t let anyone see me like this… I immediately rush to the bathroom to make sure my makeup isn’t smudged. God forbid I let the people around me know that I'm hurting. I fix myself up and hope nobody will see through my disguise, and I just try to get through one more day. Eventually, due to my anxiety, I was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for mental health treatment. Even though my inpatient stay was not a choice, it was a necessary evil, and I learned vital lessons while there. A combination of coping mechanisms along with group therapy and individual meetings with a therapist led to a strategy that has revolutionized my personal well being. I am now proud to say that I am confident to face the challenges of the world, and I have the ability to withstand anything I am faced with. This challenge, known as my life, has prompted me with two very strong passions; one going to college to study psychology, and two to become a teacher. With either career path I will be helping the future generations, and I think that is what matters most. All children deserve to receive the same help that I received. Now, there is nothing I can’t handle, and I look forward to furthering my mental strength in order to be the best possible person I am capable of being.

Looking back at my life, I realize that the struggles and challenges I have already faced have made me a more introspective and complete person. It is impossible to single out just one event that has led me to become the person I am today. I have been challenged in every waking moment throughout every day of my life with personal demons. Some days it starts when I wake up and try to get out of bed, other days simple daily tasks are a struggle. Over 250 million people around the world suffer from anxiety but there’s still a social stigma. After further research, my eyes were widened to those who struggle like me. I would sit in class as the walls would close in, I would experience clammy hands and shaking legs, thinking that… I am the only one. There must be something wrong with me. This led me to think, why is mental health not a focus of discussion? Why is nobody talking about this around me? Are they embarrassed? I too was embarrassed for some time then I realized…this is what makes me, me. Going to school used to be an arduous task. I used to tell myself that taking a mental health day occasionally was acceptable, until it was a normal weekly occurrence. Everyday waking up reality hit me… telling myself that I have to go to school. In the back of my mind I am thinking, I have to face the people that laugh at me in the halls, I have to listen to my thoughts all day non-stop while I put on my happy face. The first step in the process was to get out of bed, which on the surface seems like a simple task, but goes much deeper. As challenging as getting out of bed was on some days, that was much easier than the peer ridicule and social judgment that awaited me when I entered my school environment. Right as I walked in I was bullied and judged. It already took me so much to get into school, now it is taking everything left in me to stay. I knew I couldn’t let anyone see me like this… I immediately rush to the bathroom to make sure my makeup isn’t smudged. God forbid I let the people around me know that I'm hurting. I fix myself up and hope nobody will see through my disguise, and I just try to get through one more day. Eventually, due to my anxiety, I was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for mental health treatment. Even though my inpatient stay was not a choice, it was a necessary evil, and I learned vital lessons while there. A combination of coping mechanisms along with group therapy and individual meetings with a therapist led to a strategy that has revolutionized my personal well being. I am now proud to say that I am confident to face the challenges of the world, and I have the ability to withstand anything I am faced with. This challenge, known as my life, has prompted me with two very strong passions; one going to college to study psychology, and two to become a teacher. With either career path I will be helping the future generations, and I think that is what matters most. All children deserve to receive the same help that I received. Now, there is nothing I can’t handle, and I look forward to furthering my mental strength in order to be the best possible person I am capable of being.

Looking back at my life, I realize that the struggles and challenges I have already faced have made me a more introspective and complete person. It is impossible to single out just one event that has led me to become the person I am today. I have been challenged in every waking moment throughout every day of my life with personal demons. Some days it starts when I wake up and try to get out of bed, other days simple daily tasks are a struggle. Over 250 million people around the world suffer from anxiety but there’s still a social stigma. After further research, my eyes were widened to those who struggle like me. I would sit in class as the walls would close in, I would experience clammy hands and shaking legs, thinking that.. I am the only one. There must be something wrong with me. This led me to think, why is mental health not a focus of discussion? Why is nobody talking about this around me? I was embarrassed for some time then I realized…this is what makes me, me. Going to school used to be an arduous task. I used to tell myself that taking a mental health day occasionally was acceptable, until it was a normal weekly occurrence. Everyday waking up reality hit me… telling myself that I have to go to school. In the back of my mind I am thinking, I have to face the people that laugh at me in the halls, I have to listen to my thoughts all day non-stop while I put on my happy face. The first step in the process was to get out of bed, which on the surface seems like a simple task, but goes much deeper. As challenging as getting out of bed was on some days, that was much easier than the peer ridicule and social judgment that awaited me when I entered my school environment. Right as I walked in I was bullied and judged. Due to my anxiety, every little thing that irks me will replay in my mind over and over again until I am physically ill. My palms get sweaty, my fight or flight reaction is activated, and immediately I have to hold back tear. I knew I couldn’t let anyone see me like this… I immediately rush to the bathroom to make sure my makeup isn’t smudged. God forbid I let the people around me know that I'm hurting. I fix myself up and hope nobody will see through my disguise, and I just try to get through one more day. Eventually, due to my anxiety, I was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for mental health treatment. Even though my inpatient stay was not a choice, it was a necessary evil, and I learned vital lessons while there. A combination of coping mechanisms along with group therapy and individual meetings with a therapist led to a strategy that has revolutionized my personal well being. I am now proud to say that I am confident to face the challenges of the world, and I have the ability to withstand anything I am faced with. This challenge, known as my life, has prompted me with two very strong passions; one going to college to study psychology, and two to become a teacher. With either career path I will be helping the future generations, and I think that is what matters most. Now, there is nothing I can’t handle, and I look forward to furthering my mental strength in order to be the best possible person I am capable of being.