My educational goals are to continue my education in Early Childhood Development and build a career where I can work with children and help them succeed. I have always wanted to have a career where I can make a positive difference in someone’s life. Right now, I am working toward my education in early childhood development because I want to learn more about how children grow, learn, and develop and how I can support them along the way. Before starting my education in early childhood development, I attended welding school and earned my welding certification. Welding is still something I am interested in, and I would not mind working in the welding field in the future. Earning my certification was an accomplishment that I am proud of because it showed me that I can work hard, learn a skill, and reach a goal that I set for myself. Even though I have that certification, my main goal is to eventually work with children and have a career where I can help them learn, grow, and become successful. I know that continuing my education will take time, effort, and financial support. This scholarship would help me by giving me financial assistance with the costs of school and allowing me to focus more on my education. The money would help pay for school-related expenses and could also help me put more toward building my future career. Having that extra support would take some financial pressure off of me and allow me to continue working toward my goals. I want to be someone that children can look up to and feel comfortable learning from. I understand that working with children is an important responsibility because the support they receive when they are young can make a difference in their future. My goal is to find a job where I can work directly with children, encourage them, and help them reach their potential. I am proud of the different paths I have taken so far, including earning my welding certification and now continuing my education in early childhood development. Both experiences have taught me the importance of working hard and not giving up on my goals. This scholarship would help me continue my education and move closer to the career I truly want. Ultimately, I want to use my education to make a difference in children’s lives while building a stable and meaningful career for myself.

Addiction has affected my life in ways that I never expected it would. My mom struggled with drug addiction for a long time. She used pills and other substances, and I watched someone I loved slowly lose control of her life. The hardest part was feeling like she was choosing drugs over me and my sister. As her children, we needed our mom, but addiction became more important to her than being there for us. Watching this happen was painful, confusing, and something I will never forget. Because of my mom’s addiction, I had to grow up faster than I should have. I had responsibilities that a child should not have to carry. I helped take care of my younger sister and tried to be someone she could depend on when things were not stable. I wanted to protect her from everything that was happening around us, even though I was trying to understand it myself. My dad was also in and out of my life, which made things even more difficult. There were times when I felt like I could not depend on the people who were supposed to be there for me. Fortunately, my aunt stepped in and became the person who gave my sister and me the care and stability we needed. She took us in and made sure we were taken care of. Her support showed me how important it is to have someone who believes in you and refuses to give up on you. One of the hardest things I have experienced is watching my mom throw away parts of her life because of addiction. I saw how drugs affected her choices, her relationships, and her ability to be the mother she wanted to be. Addiction did not only affect her; it affected everyone who loved her. It taught me that addiction is a struggle that can impact an entire family. Although I cannot change my mom’s choices or erase what happened, I can choose what I do with my experiences. Instead of allowing my past to define me, I want to use it as motivation to create a better future. My experiences have made me more responsible, understanding, and determined to succeed. Education is important to me because I want to build a stable life for myself and eventually use what I learn to help other people. I want others who have grown up around addiction, family struggles, or difficult circumstances to know that their past does not decide their future. Sometimes, having even one person who believes in you can make a difference. My aunt was that person for me and my sister. Her support helped me see that difficult beginnings do not have to lead to difficult endings. I want to carry that lesson with me throughout my education and my life. My past is part of my story, but it does not have to be the ending.

The Girl Who Sat Alone Mia was a quiet girl who loved drawing. Every day at school, she carried a small purple notebook filled with pictures of colorful flowers, magical castles, talking animals, and places she imagined visiting someday. Mia had a big imagination, but she usually kept it to herself. At lunch, she would sit at the end of a table by herself and draw in her notebook. She liked imagining that the pictures in her notebook were real places where everyone was welcome. One Monday morning, a new girl named Lily walked into Mia’s classroom. Lily was shy and nervous. She stood beside her teacher while the teacher introduced her to the class. “This is Lily,” the teacher said. “She just moved here, so let’s make sure she feels welcome.” Lily smiled nervously and took her seat. At first, everything seemed fine. But during recess, a few students noticed Lily’s old sneakers and the lunchbox she carried. “Why do you have those shoes?” one student asked. Another student laughed. “That lunchbox looks like it belongs to a little kid.” Lily looked down at the ground. She tried to walk away, but the students continued making fun of her. Mia was watching from across the playground. She knew what it felt like to feel invisible. She also knew that sometimes one kind person could make a very big difference. For a moment, Mia was scared to say anything. She wondered if the other students would make fun of her too. Then she remembered something her grandmother always told her: “Being kind doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid. It means you choose to do the right thing even when you are.” Mia took a deep breath and walked over. “Hey,” she said. “That’s not nice. You should leave her alone.” The students looked at Mia. “Why do you care?” one of them asked. Mia didn’t argue. She simply walked over to Lily. “Do you want to sit with me?” Mia asked. Lily looked surprised. “Really?” “Really.” The two girls walked to a quiet spot underneath a large tree. For a few moments, neither of them said anything. Then Mia opened her purple notebook. “I like drawing,” she said. Lily smiled. “I like drawing too.” Mia handed her a pencil. “What do you like to draw?” “Animals,” Lily answered. “Then draw your favorite one.” Lily began drawing. Soon, she had created a picture of a small fox wearing a blue scarf. “That’s really good,” Mia said. “Thanks,” Lily replied. “Your drawings are really good too.” Mia smiled. For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t sitting alone. Over the next few weeks, Mia and Lily became best friends. They discovered that they had many things in common. They both loved drawing, making up stories, and imagining what it would be like to explore outer space. One afternoon, they decided to create their own imaginary world. They called it Kindness Island. On Kindness Island, everyone had a special talent. Some people could paint beautiful pictures. Some could sing. Some could build amazing things. Others were really good at making people laugh. But there was one rule on Kindness Island: Everyone had to help someone else discover what made them special. Mia and Lily began drawing pictures of Kindness Island together. They added colorful houses, giant trees, friendly dragons, and a castle where everyone could meet. Their teacher noticed how much the girls enjoyed creating their imaginary world. One day, she asked them to share it with the class. Mia and Lily stood in front of everyone and explained their idea. “We made Kindness Island because we think everyone deserves to feel like they belong somewhere,” Lily said. Mia added, “Sometimes you don’t know what someone is going through. A small act of kindness can make someone feel less alone.” The classroom became quiet. The students who had teased Lily looked embarrassed. One of them raised her hand. “I’m sorry for what I said to you,” she told Lily. Lily smiled. “Thank you.” After that day, something changed in the classroom. Students began inviting others to play during recess. They started sharing supplies and helping classmates who were struggling with their schoolwork. Mia’s purple notebook became something special, too. Instead of keeping it just for herself, she began letting other students add drawings and stories to it. Every page became a reminder that everyone had something special to share. One Friday afternoon, Mia and Lily sat underneath their favorite tree. “Do you remember the first day we met?” Lily asked. Mia laughed. “Of course.” “I was really scared,” Lily said. “I thought I wouldn’t make any friends.” Mia looked at her purple notebook. “I’m glad you came to our school.” “Me too.” The girls smiled at each other. Neither of them knew that a simple invitation to sit together would become the beginning of a friendship that changed their classroom. But sometimes, kindness begins with something very small. A smile. A hello. An invitation to sit down. A person choosing to speak up when someone else is being treated unfairly. And sometimes, one small act of kindness can grow into something much bigger than anyone imagined. Just like the girls’ drawings, kindness can create a world where everyone has a place. Why I Chose This Message I chose kindness because I believe children should learn that the way they treat other people can have a lasting impact. In the story, Lily is being bullied and feels alone, but Mia chooses to help her even though she is nervous about what the other students might think. Mia shows that being kind does not always mean doing something big. Sometimes, simply including someone, listening to them, or standing up for them can make a difference. I also wanted the story to show that friendship can begin when someone chooses to look beyond differences. Mia and Lily become friends because they take the time to learn about each other. Their friendship also helps create positive changes in their classroom. How Storytelling Can Positively Impact Young Audiences Storytelling can positively impact young audiences because children can learn important lessons while enjoying a story and using their imagination. Instead of simply telling children that they should be kind, a story allows them to see what kindness looks like through characters and situations they can understand. Stories can also help children develop empathy. When children read about a character who feels lonely, nervous, or left out, they can begin to understand how another person might feel. This can encourage them to think about how their own actions affect others. Stories also encourage creativity and imagination. In this story, Mia and Lily create Kindness Island, showing children that they can use their imagination to create new ideas and positive worlds. Most importantly, I hope this story reminds young readers that they have the power to make someone feel included. A small act of kindness may seem unimportant at the time, but it can become the beginning of a friendship, help someone feel less alone, and even inspire other people to be kinder.

Growing up, I experienced things that forced me to become responsible at a very young age. My mom struggled with drug addiction, and my dad was barely around. Because of this, I often felt like I had to be stronger than I really was. I also took on a lot of responsibility for my little sister. I wanted to protect her and make sure she was okay, even when I was struggling myself. I felt like I had to grow up before I was ready. Taking on those responsibilities while still being a child affected me mentally in ways I did not always understand at the time. I often felt overwhelmed, stressed, and emotionally exhausted. There were times when I did not know how to process everything that was happening around me. Instead of being able to focus only on being a kid, I was thinking about my family, my sister, and what was going to happen next. I learned how to hide a lot of my emotions because I felt like I had to stay strong for everyone else. My experiences also affected me in school. It was difficult to focus and stay motivated when I had so much going on in my personal life. There were moments when I felt like my circumstances were going to control my future. I struggled with my confidence and sometimes questioned whether I was capable of accomplishing the things I wanted for myself. As I got older, I began to understand how much those experiences had affected my mental health. I realized that being strong did not mean that I had to pretend everything was okay. I also learned that it was okay to need support and to care about my own well-being. Having my aunt and other people in my life who supported me helped me realize that I did not have to handle everything alone. My past has shaped the person I am today. It taught me compassion, responsibility, patience, and resilience. Taking care of my little sister taught me how important it is to make people feel safe and supported. Those experiences are also part of the reason I want to continue my education in Child Development. I want to build a better future for myself, but I also want to eventually be someone who can make a difference in the lives of children who may be going through difficult situations. My mental health journey has taught me that the things we go through can affect us, but they do not have to define us. I cannot change what happened while I was growing up, but I can choose what I do with those experiences. I am proud of how far I have come, and I want to continue growing, pursuing my education, and creating a life that is better than the circumstances I came from. I hope my story can show that even when someone grows up facing difficult situations, there is still a way forward.

The trade I am pursuing is welding. I became interested in welding because I wanted to learn a hands-on skill that could lead to a stable career and give me the opportunity to build something for myself. I enjoy that welding requires focus, patience, attention to detail, and determination. It is not just about working with equipment; it takes skill and practice to create something strong and useful. I am passionate about welding because it gives me the chance to learn a valuable skill that I can continue improving throughout my career. After completing my trade education, my goal is to continue gaining experience and developing my skills as a welder. I want to build a stable career, become financially independent, and create a better future for myself. I also want to continue learning because I know that there is always more to improve on in a skilled trade. Eventually, I would like to use the skills and experience I gain to open more opportunities for myself and build a career that I can be proud of. One of the biggest examples of adversity I have overcome happened during my teenage years. My childhood and high school years were difficult, and there were times when I did not know where I would be living or what my future would look like. I also had to take on responsibilities at home and help care for my younger sister while dealing with difficult circumstances in my family. At one point, I struggled so much that my education was affected, and I had to work hard to get myself back on track. Instead of allowing those experiences to determine my future, I decided that I wanted something different for myself. I learned to keep going even when things were difficult. I focused on my education, surrounded myself with people who supported me, and reminded myself that my circumstances did not define who I could become. I eventually graduated high school and continued pursuing education and career opportunities. Overcoming those experiences taught me that I am stronger and more determined than I once believed. Pursuing a skilled trade is another step toward the future I have worked so hard for. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education, reduce some of the financial stress of pursuing my goals, and allow me to keep building a career and life that I can be proud of.

Choosing to pursue a trade has taught me that success does not always come from taking the easiest path. Sometimes it comes from being willing to work with your hands, learn from your mistakes, and keep going even when things become difficult. I chose to pursue welding because I wanted to learn a skill that could provide me with a career, independence, and opportunities for my future. My journey has not always been easy. I have experienced obstacles in my life that could have caused me to give up on my education and my goals. There were times when I struggled with my circumstances and had to take on responsibilities that were difficult for someone my age. Instead of allowing those experiences to define me, I used them as motivation to build a better future for myself. Continuing my education became important because I wanted to prove to myself that my past did not determine what I could accomplish. Welding showed me the importance of patience, focus, and determination. It is a trade where small mistakes can make a big difference, so learning to pay attention to detail and keep practicing has been important to me. I enjoy the hands-on aspect of skilled work because I can see the results of the effort I put in. Welding also showed me that skilled trades require intelligence, responsibility, and dedication. Skilled workers are essential because they build, repair, and maintain many of the things people depend on every day. My goal is to continue developing my skills and education so that I can create a stable career for myself. I want to continue learning, gain more experience, and eventually use my skills to create more opportunities for my future. I am proud of myself for continuing to move forward despite the obstacles I have faced. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education by reducing some of the financial pressure that comes with school, supplies, and other educational expenses. More importantly, it would remind me that the hard work I have put into my education is recognized and that people believe in my potential. I am proud of the journey I am on because I know how far I have come. My experiences have made me stronger, more determined, and more appreciative of every opportunity I receive. I believe skilled work matters because it gives people the ability to build something meaningful—not only with their hands, but also for their future.

My name is Hayzelle, and my experiences growing up have shaped the person I am today. I have experienced difficult situations within my family that affected not only the people around me, but also the way I viewed myself, my relationships, and my future. Mental illness and the struggles that can come with it have been a part of my family’s life, and growing up around those challenges taught me lessons that I carry with me every day. There were times when I had to deal with situations that were difficult to understand at a young age. I saw people I cared about struggle, and there were moments when I had to take on responsibilities that were much bigger than what I expected at my age. Instead of always being able to focus on being a child, I often felt like I needed to be strong and help take care of the people around me. That experience affected me emotionally, and there were times when I did not know how to process everything I was feeling. One of the biggest things I have learned is that mental illness does not only affect the person experiencing it. It can affect an entire family. It can change relationships, create instability, and cause people to take on roles they may not have been prepared for. At the same time, my experiences taught me to have compassion. I learned that people can be struggling with things that you cannot see, and that judging someone without knowing their story can be unfair. As I got older, I began to understand the importance of having a healthy support system and taking care of my own well-being. Having family members who provided me with stability and support helped me realize how important it is to have people who believe in you. It also taught me that asking for help is not a weakness. Sometimes, having someone listen and simply be there can make a major difference. My experiences have influenced my goals because I want to create a stable and successful future for myself. I want to continue my education, build a career, become independent, and eventually be someone who can provide support and encouragement to others who may be going through difficult situations. Although I would never choose the difficult experiences my family and I went through, they have helped shape my strength, empathy, and determination. They taught me that someone’s past does not have to determine their future. I want to use what I have experienced not as something that holds me back, but as motivation to keep moving forward and build the life I want.

My experiences growing up have shaped the way I understand mental health, relationships, and my goals for the future. I experienced instability at a young age, including times when I did not always have a consistent place to call home. I also had to deal with difficult family circumstances and take on responsibilities that made me grow up faster than I expected. There were times when I felt like I had to be strong for the people around me, even when I was struggling myself. Going through those experiences taught me that you never truly know what someone else is dealing with. Someone can look completely fine on the outside while carrying things that nobody else can see. Because of this, I have become more understanding and less judgmental toward others. I try to listen before making assumptions because I know how much a person’s circumstances can affect the way they think, act, and respond to the world around them. My experiences have also affected the way I view relationships. I have learned the importance of having people around me who genuinely care, support me, and allow me to be myself. I have also learned that it is okay to ask for help and that being strong does not mean handling everything alone. Having family members who gave me a more stable environment showed me how much having support can change a person’s life. My past has also influenced my goals. Instead of allowing the difficult things I experienced to determine my future, I want to use them as motivation to create a different life for myself. Education and building a career have become important to me because I want stability, independence, and the ability to create opportunities that I did not always have growing up. Most importantly, my experiences have taught me resilience. I have faced situations that could have caused me to give up, but I continued moving forward. I have learned that healing and growth do not happen overnight, and that it is okay to have difficult days while still working toward a better future. I cannot change what I experienced in the past, but I can choose what I do with those experiences. They have made me more compassionate, determined, and aware of the struggles that people may hide. My goal is to continue growing, build a successful future, and eventually be someone who can make other people feel understood and supported.

I want to join the Ironworkers Union because I am looking for more than just a job. I want to build a career that will give me stability, opportunities to grow, and something I can be proud of. I have always believed that hard work can create better opportunities, and I want to enter a trade where my effort, dedication, and willingness to learn can help me build a successful future. Joining the Ironworkers would give me the opportunity to learn a skilled trade and gain hands-on experience from people who have already built successful careers in the industry. I am interested in learning how to safely and properly perform the work, developing skills that I can use throughout my life, and becoming someone that my coworkers can depend on. I also believe being part of a union would give me a strong support system and opportunities to continue learning and advancing in my career. The Ironworkers would benefit me by helping me become more confident, skilled, and independent. I want to have a career where I can continue challenging myself instead of staying in the same place. I also want to be able to support myself financially and eventually have the ability to provide for my family. Having a stable career is important to me because I want to create a future where I can feel secure and know that I worked hard to get where I am. One of the biggest strengths I would bring to the Ironworkers is determination. I have experienced difficult situations in my life that forced me to grow up and become responsible at a young age. Those experiences taught me how to keep going even when things are not easy. They taught me the importance of being dependable, patient, hardworking, and willing to make sacrifices to reach my goals. I also bring a strong willingness to learn. I understand that I will not know everything when I first start, and I am willing to listen to people with more experience than me and learn from them. I am not afraid to ask questions when I need help, and I am willing to accept constructive criticism so I can improve. I believe being a good worker is not just about being physically capable; it is also about having the right attitude, respecting others, communicating, and being someone people can trust. I would be honored to have the opportunity to become an Ironworker. My goal is to build a long-term career, become financially independent, and create a better future for myself and the people I care about. I know becoming successful in this trade will require commitment and hard work, but I am ready to put in that work. I believe the Ironworkers Union can help me turn my determination into a career, and I hope to have the opportunity to prove what I am capable of.

Growing up, I learned what selflessness meant long before I understood the word. My mother struggled with drug addiction for much of my childhood, and because of that, I had to grow up quickly. Instead of focusing only on school, friends, or the typical experiences of being a kid, I took on responsibilities that most children never have to face. The person I worried about most was my younger sister. There were many days when my sister needed someone to comfort her, make sure she ate, help her get ready, or simply remind her that everything would be okay. I became that person. I did everything I could to create a sense of stability for her, even when I felt scared or overwhelmed myself. I learned to put her needs before my own because I wanted her to feel loved and protected, despite the challenges we were facing at home. Being there for my sister wasn’t something I did because I had to, I did it because I loved her. I wanted her to have someone she could count on. While other kids were able to focus on themselves, I was learning responsibility, patience, and sacrifice. There were times I felt exhausted and discouraged, but giving up was never an option because my sister depended on me. Eventually, my aunt stepped in and fought for custody of my sister and me. Watching someone fight for us reminded me that acts of selflessness can change a person’s life. That experience gave me hope and showed me that family is not only about blood but about the people who choose to stand by you when you need them most. It also inspired me to continue helping others whenever I can. Those experiences shaped who I am today. They taught me compassion, resilience, and empathy for people who are struggling. Instead of allowing my circumstances to define me, I used them as motivation to build a better future. I graduated high school despite the obstacles I faced, and I am now pursuing a college education so I can create opportunities that once seemed impossible. Selflessness is not always about grand gestures. Sometimes it means sacrificing your own comfort so someone else feels safe. It means showing up every day, even when life is difficult. My childhood taught me that helping others often requires quiet strength, patience, and unconditional love. Although I cannot change the past, I can use what I have lived through to make a positive difference in the future. The responsibility I carried for my sister taught me that kindness, perseverance, and selflessness have the power to transform lives. Those lessons continue to guide me as I work toward my education, my career, and my goal of helping others who may be facing challenges similar to the ones my family experienced.

Welding has always been a part of my life. My family worked in the trade, and from a young age I saw both the hard work and the rewards it could bring. My grandfather welded at home, and I was fascinated watching him create something strong and lasting from raw pieces of metal. Over time, I saw the opportunities welding offered—not just the ability to earn a living, but also the chance to travel, be independent, and create with my own hands. Those experiences inspired me to pursue welding for myself. I chose a career in the trades because I believe skilled work matters. So much of the world we depend on every day—bridges, buildings, vehicles, pipelines—exists because of the work of tradespeople. Welding in particular plays a role in nearly every industry, and I am motivated by the idea that my work will contribute to something bigger than myself. It is both a career and a calling, where creativity meets precision, and where I can take pride in the quality of what I build. Another reason I was drawn to welding is the stability and independence it offers. I know firsthand how challenging it can be when opportunities feel limited, and I wanted to choose a career that would allow me to stand on my own two feet while also supporting others. Welding provides a skill that will always be needed, and that makes me confident about the future. Beyond welding itself, I care about social causes that connect to opportunity and access. I know how important it is for young people to have exposure to skilled trades early on, so they can see the potential of a path that does not always get the attention it deserves. College is often presented as the only route to success, but trades like welding prove that there are many valuable ways to build a career and a life. I want to help break down the stigma that sometimes surrounds trade work and show that it is a field full of creativity, problem-solving, and pride. I also care deeply about the idea of giving back. One of my goals is to use my skills not only to provide for myself but also to help others. Whether that’s repairing something for someone in need, building projects that serve the community, or encouraging others to consider the trades, I want to use my work to make a difference. In the end, welding is more than just a job to me—it’s a path that represents hard work, creativity, independence, and community. By pursuing this trade, I am honoring the example set by my family while also carving out my own future. I believe skilled work has the power to change lives, and I am proud to be part of that tradition.

Welding has always been a part of my life. My family worked in the trade, and from a young age I saw both the hard work and the rewards it could bring. My grandfather welded at home, and I was fascinated watching him create something strong and lasting from raw pieces of metal. Over time, I saw the opportunities welding offered—not just the ability to earn a living, but also the chance to travel, be independent, and create with my own hands. Those experiences inspired me to pursue welding for myself. My path hasn’t been without obstacles. I joined trade school this past year, and one of my biggest struggles was transportation. At first, I had no reliable way to get from home to school, and I often depended on others or had to find rides just to make it to class. It would have been easy to give up, but I stayed determined. I pushed through until I was finally able to get consistent transportation, which allowed me to focus fully on my training. That struggle taught me the importance of persistence and finding a way forward, even when things aren’t easy. My passion for welding comes from both creativity and precision. I love the balance between problem-solving and hands-on skill. Each weld requires focus and care, and I take pride in working toward clean, strong results. Welding allows me to use both my head and my hands while knowing that the finished product will serve a real purpose. Whether it’s building something new or repairing what’s broken, welding gives me a sense of pride in contributing to something bigger than myself. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a stable and skilled welder who can give back to others. I want to build a strong career, continue learning, and keep making myself a better worker and person. I believe skilled work matters because it keeps the world running. From the buildings we walk into, to the bridges we drive across, to the tools we use every day—skilled workers make those things possible. Welding combines creativity with problem-solving, and at the same time, it provides a purpose and a sense of pride that motivates me to keep growing. This scholarship would help me continue on my journey by giving me the support I need to stay in school and reach my goals. Education is the foundation of my career, and being able to focus on learning without as much financial stress would make a huge difference. It would not only help me become a better welder, but also put me in a position to build a stable future and contribute to my community. I am proud of the path I’ve chosen. Welding challenges me, inspires me, and pushes me to be better every day. With hard work and support, I know I can build a career that reflects both the strength of the trade and the passion I’ve carried for it since I was young.

The trade I chose to pursue is welding, I am passionate about doing welding because I grew up around some of my family members doing it and always found interest in it. I saw the money it brought in and how you got to travel and that’s something i’ve always wanted to do! My family who was in welding didn’t manage money well or stay in the trade for long because of addictions and I want to be different from that and just succeed in a career I really enjoy. When welding I feel at ease and it just takes my mind off things, it’s something I really enjoy. After learning all about welding and get done with schooling my plan is to just get out and go try pipe welding something that I can do traveling with. I want to get the experience to travel the world and see new things while working. My plan is to work for a couple of years and manage my money well then maybe get into a different education after awhile of doing welding. A time in life when I overcame adversity was when I lived with my mother we went through a bunch of struggles we had a lot of setbacks. We were homeless, she was highly addicted to drugs and I always was playing a mother role to my little sister, I never had time for school and was at a point that I wasn’t going to graduate, I was in a depressive state of mind and just felt like life didn’t matter and it was never going to get better but God gave me and my sister an opportunity to leave and I took it and left with me and my sister. We then went to live with my aunt and she took my mom to court to get custody of us. The moments with living with my aunt was a blessing, me and my sister didn’t have to be surrounded by drugs or drug addicts, we got to have a normal life. I was getting better mentally and didn’t feel depressed I felt just right I felt normal, I didn’t have to take on a role to keep up with my sister. I didn’t have to make sure she always made it to school, did her homework, ate throughout the day, or just make sure she was safe. I got to live the rest of the teenage years I had, I got better in school and actually got to take the time out and understand school and be more involved with it. I then graduated high school and got the chance to go into trade and do welding.

My experience with mental health shaped my goals out really great actually! At first in my early teenage years I was more confused with my emotions but over time I learned how to cope and work with them. At first I was lost in life but I learned that in order to grow and get better you have to take yourself out of the old way you were living and place yourself in a better environment in order to grow and get out that depressive state of mind. So over time when I placed myself in a different environment and started to live differently I became more clear of who I want to be, how I want to live, and what my job career will be in, I felt more connected with myself. Relationship wise I am still learning and know i’m growing as a person but so far what i’ve learned is everyone goes through things and reacts to things differently and everyone feels different. Just to respect how others feel. But mental health helped me understand the world more because going through mental health can connect people together.Going through mental health struggles can make you more empathetic and compassionate towards others. You might become more aware of the silent battles people face and be more inclined to offer support and understanding. Overcoming mental health challenges often builds resilience and inner strength. This can change your perspective on difficulties and make you more appreciative of the small victories in life. You might develop a better understanding of the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. This can lead to healthier lifestyle choices and better overall well-being. Overall, mental health experiences can shape a more nuanced and compassionate view of the world, emphasizing the importance of kindness, support, and understanding.