My desired career path is to become an advocate and counselor for survivors of sexual assault and trauma. My goal is to work in rehabilitation or advocacy centers where I can support people through recovery, help them rebuild their confidence, and ensure that they are treated with compassion and respect. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and understood — and that belief drives everything I want to do with my future. My interest in this field comes from both my personal experiences and my natural desire to help others. Growing up, I faced many challenges, including my mother’s struggle with drug addiction and my own battles with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. There were times when I felt unseen or unheard, but through therapy, art, and community service, I learned the power of compassion and understanding. Those experiences made me realize that I want to dedicate my life to helping others through their most difficult moments. To start building toward this goal, I am currently studying Criminal Justice at the Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT). This program has given me a foundation in understanding laws, justice systems, and how they impact individuals and communities. With a 3.75 GPA and honors-level coursework, I have learned the importance of discipline, focus, and teamwork. As a member of the Leadership Council, I’ve gained experience in communication and decision-making, skills that will be essential in my future career. Outside the classroom, I’ve taken part in community service that reflects my commitment to helping others. Volunteering with the Helping Hands Homeless Mission and the Sending Help Club has given me firsthand experience working with vulnerable populations. I’ve served meals, organized donations, and, most importantly, learned to listen to people’s stories. These experiences taught me that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact — a lesson I’ll carry into my career as an advocate. In the future, I plan to attend college to earn a degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. I want to learn more about trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and the emotional recovery process. My goal is to eventually work with organizations that provide counseling and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and other forms of trauma. I hope to be a voice for people who feel silenced and to help create safe, supportive spaces where healing can begin. My skills and interests align closely with this path. I’m empathetic, patient, and a strong communicator. I’ve learned how to handle sensitive situations with care and how to stay calm in stressful moments — skills that come from both my training and my personal growth. My background in Criminal Justice gives me insight into the legal systems survivors often must navigate, while my compassion and lived experiences allow me to connect with people on a deeper level. Ultimately, I want to make a positive impact in my field by promoting awareness, accessibility, and healing. I envision a future where survivors are not only supported but also empowered to rebuild their lives. Through education, advocacy, and compassion, I want to be part of that change — turning my experiences into a career that truly makes a difference.

When I think about my future, I don’t just see a career — I see a purpose. My goal is to earn a degree in psychology, counseling, or social work so I can become an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and trauma. I want to help people who have been through pain rediscover their strength, just like I’ve had to find mine. Growing up, life wasn’t easy. My mother struggled with drug addiction, and because of that, she wasn’t able to be a part of my life the way I needed her to be. Her absence left me with a lot of pain and confusion, but it also taught me empathy and understanding. I’ve learned that everyone fights battles others may not see, and that compassion can make all the difference. Along with my own experiences with depression, anxiety, and ADHD, these challenges have made me want to dedicate my future to supporting others through difficult times. At the Burlington County Institute of Technology, I’m studying Criminal Justice and maintaining a 3.75 GPA while taking honors classes. I serve on the Leadership Council, where I’ve learned to communicate, collaborate, and lead with kindness. My education has helped me grow more confident and focused on my long-term goals. Outside of school, I’ve volunteered with the Helping Hands Homeless Mission and the Sending Help Club, serving meals and offering care to people in need. These experiences taught me that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. In college, I hope to build on this foundation. My dream is to work in a rehabilitation or advocacy center where survivors feel safe, supported, and believed. I want to help change how people view mental health, trauma, and recovery — showing that healing takes time, but it’s always possible. This scholarship would mean more than financial support; it would be a chance to keep pursuing my dreams without the constant worry of how to afford them. Coming from a background where stability hasn’t always been guaranteed, college represents independence, opportunity, and hope. With this support, I can stay focused on my studies and continue volunteering in my community. My Puerto Rican heritage and my Papi’s story of moving to the United States for a better life inspire me to work hard and never give up. I want to honor his resilience by using my education to help others build brighter futures. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that dream — turning everything I’ve been through into something meaningful.

How Sabrina Carpenter’s Career Has Impacted Me I’ve been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter for years, not just because of her talent, but because of the way she’s grown — as an artist and as a person — in front of the world. What makes me admire her most is her honesty. Sabrina doesn’t hide from her experiences; she turns them into songs that make people feel seen, understood, and accepted. Her journey from a Disney actress to a confident, self-made pop artist has shown me that you can be soft and strong at the same time — that you can go through heartbreak, judgment, or self-doubt and still come out shining. I first became a fan during her Singular: Act I era, when I was struggling with my own self-confidence. I remember listening to “Sue Me” and feeling empowered for the first time in a long while. It wasn’t just a catchy song — it was a message about owning your worth even when others doubt you. At a time when I was learning how to cope with anxiety, depression, and feeling unseen, Sabrina’s music helped me realize that confidence isn’t about never being insecure; it’s about choosing to love yourself anyway. What I love most about Sabrina’s career is how open she’s been about growth. She’s faced criticism, public comparisons, and moments where people tried to define her story for her — yet she stayed true to who she is. Her songs like “because i liked a boy” and “emails i can’t send” show vulnerability without shame. Listening to her music reminds me that it’s okay to be emotional, to be messy, and to use pain as a way to learn about yourself. Her performances are another reason I look up to her. Whether it’s on stage or in interviews, Sabrina carries herself with authenticity and humor. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, but she takes her art seriously — and that balance inspires me. Watching her command a stage with confidence while staying grounded reminds me of the kind of person I want to be: someone who works hard, stays kind, and doesn’t let other people’s opinions define their path. Sabrina’s journey has also impacted how I see my future. I want to go into a career where I can help people — as an advocate for survivors of trauma and as someone who uses empathy to make a difference. Sabrina’s ability to connect with people through storytelling reminds me that every voice has power. She uses her platform to encourage others to express themselves, and that’s what I hope to do in my own way. Through her, I’ve learned that creativity and vulnerability can be tools for healing, not just for yourself but for others too. Her music has also become a safe space for me — a reminder that growth doesn’t happen all at once. Songs like “Skinny Dipping” and “Nonsense” show both the serious and playful sides of life, proving that we can laugh, cry, and start over again — sometimes all in the same day. That’s something I relate to deeply. Being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter isn’t just about admiring her music; it’s about learning from her resilience. She’s taught me that you don’t have to be perfect to be powerful — you just have to be real. Her career has shown me that even when life gets complicated, you can still find your voice, your confidence, and your joy.

Taylor Swift has a way of turning every performance into a story — not just about fame, but about growth, heartbreak, and resilience. Her music has always felt like a reflection of life itself: imperfect, brave, and endlessly evolving. Out of all her performances, the one that moves me the most is her 2021 Grammys performance of “Folklore” and “Evermore.” It wasn’t a stadium show full of lights and choreography; it was something more intimate — raw, vulnerable, and honest. Watching it reminded me that strength can exist quietly, and that healing often happens in moments of stillness. That night, Taylor performed a medley of songs she wrote during one of the hardest years of her life — and ours. The performance opened with her sitting in a cabin surrounded by her collaborators, strumming “Cardigan.” Her voice was soft but confident, carrying a mix of nostalgia and peace. The stage glowed in warm light, creating the feeling of being somewhere safe, even when the world outside still felt uncertain. It was a completely different side of her — stripped down, focused on storytelling, and full of emotion. What moved me most wasn’t just the beauty of her voice or the lyrics, but what the moment represented. After years of public criticism, career ups and downs, and reinvention, she stood there calmly, completely herself. It was a performance about survival — about finding peace after chaos. It reminded me that growth doesn’t always come with fireworks; sometimes it’s found in quiet confidence, in showing up as yourself even when the world has tried to tell you who to be. That performance also connected deeply with my own life. I’ve faced my share of challenges — with mental health, family struggles, and loss — and I’ve often turned to music as a way to make sense of it all. When Taylor sang, “When I felt like I was an old cardigan, under someone’s bed, you put me on and said I was your favorite,” I thought about how everyone longs to feel seen and valued. Her words captured emotions I’ve struggled to express myself: loneliness, healing, and the courage to start again. What I admire most about Taylor is her ability to use her platform to turn pain into art. She doesn’t hide from her experiences; she transforms them into something meaningful for millions of people. That inspires me — especially as someone who wants to build a career helping others through advocacy and support. Just as Taylor uses her voice to tell stories that bring people together, I want to use mine to speak up for those who don’t always have one, like survivors of trauma or people battling mental health issues. Her “Folklore” performance reminded me that strength isn’t about being perfect or untouchable — it’s about being real. Watching her stand there, completely in control yet deeply vulnerable, gave me hope that being open about our pain doesn’t make us weak; it makes us human. It reminded me that even when life feels uncertain, creativity, connection, and honesty can guide us forward. To me, that performance will always stand out because it represents everything Taylor Swift — and life itself — is about: transformation, storytelling, and self-acceptance. It showed that even after everything she’s been through, she continues to grow, evolve, and share her truth unapologetically. And that’s what I hope to do in my own life — keep showing up, keep growing, and keep finding strength in vulnerability.

This year, I lost one of the most important people in my life — my mommom. She wasn’t just my grandmother; she was my best friend, my role model, and my biggest supporter. Watching her battle cancer was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. She fought with so much strength and grace, even when she was in pain. Losing her left a hole in my heart that I don’t think will ever completely heal, but it also taught me lessons about love, resilience, and what truly matters in life. During her battle, my mommom showed me what real courage looks like. She never gave up, even when the treatments made her weak or the doctors’ words became harder to hear. She stayed strong for everyone around her — always worrying about how we were doing, even when she was the one suffering. Her strength taught me that true bravery isn’t about pretending everything is fine; it’s about facing what’s in front of you with honesty and hope. When she passed, it felt like my whole world stopped. For a while, I didn’t know how to process the pain or how to move forward without her. I would think about calling her to tell her something funny or ask for advice, and then remember she wasn’t there. The grief came in waves — sometimes small and quiet, other times so heavy that it took my breath away. But even through that pain, I started to realize that her love and lessons were still with me. Losing my mommom changed the way I see life. It taught me not to take time for granted, to tell people you love them while you can, and to find gratitude even in small moments. It also deepened my empathy for others who are grieving or struggling. I now understand how much strength it takes to keep going after loss, and that has made me more compassionate and patient with the people around me. Her loss also motivated me to take my goals more seriously. I’m studying Criminal Justice at BCIT, and I want to use my education to help others — especially survivors of trauma and sexual assault. My mommom always taught me to stand up for what’s right and to use my heart to guide me. She believed in kindness, in giving back, and in helping people who felt alone. That’s exactly the kind of person I want to be. When I volunteer through the Helping Hands Homeless Mission or participate in community service, I feel like I’m continuing the values she lived by. My mommom’s passing has also reminded me of the importance of mental health and self-care. Grieving her has not been easy, but I’ve learned to give myself grace. I’ve learned that healing takes time, and that it’s okay to cry, to miss her, and to keep her memory alive by talking about her. I still feel her presence in the things she taught me — in the way I treat people, in my determination to work hard, and in my desire to make her proud. Even though losing her has been painful, it has also made me stronger and more grounded. She taught me that love doesn’t end when someone is gone — it becomes part of who you are. My mommom’s kindness, courage, and unconditional love live on in me, guiding me every day as I work toward a future that honors her.

My experience with mental health has changed the way I see myself, the people around me, and the world. Living with depression, anxiety, and ADHD has been one of the hardest parts of my life, but it has also shaped my beliefs about strength, empathy, and purpose. Instead of viewing my struggles as something to hide, I’ve learned to see them as proof of resilience and growth. Beliefs Before I began understanding my mental health, I used to believe that strength meant staying silent and pretending everything was fine. Over time, I learned that true strength is asking for help and facing the things that scare you. Therapy, journaling, and art have helped me express emotions I used to keep bottled up. I now believe that mental health deserves the same care and attention as physical health, and that healing isn’t about being “fixed” — it’s about learning how to live fully, even with challenges. Growing up with my mom’s drug addiction also shaped my beliefs about people and pain. For a long time, I felt angry and hurt by her absence, but as I learned more about addiction and mental health, I began to understand her struggles. That understanding taught me compassion — for her, for others, and for myself. It showed me that people aren’t defined by their mistakes but by how hard they try to recover and grow. Relationships My experiences with mental health have completely changed how I connect with others. They’ve made me more patient and empathetic. I’ve realized that everyone is fighting something, even if it isn’t visible. Because of that, I try to approach people with kindness and understanding. I’ve also learned to surround myself with people who support growth and honesty. Opening up about my mental health helped strengthen my friendships and family relationships. When I stopped hiding how I felt, I found people who truly cared and who encouraged me to keep moving forward. I’ve also used my experiences to help others — whether it’s listening to a friend in crisis or volunteering through the Helping Hands Homeless Mission and Sending Help Club. Volunteering gave me a sense of purpose and connection, reminding me that even small acts of kindness can mean everything to someone who’s struggling. Career Aspirations My mental health journey is the main reason I want to pursue a career in helping others. I’m currently studying Criminal Justice at BCIT, and my dream is to become an advocate for sexual assault victims and people recovering from trauma or addiction. My experiences have made me passionate about giving others the support I wish my mom had, and that I’ve needed at different times in my life. I want to work with survivors — to listen, to guide, and to help them find hope again. Conclusion My experience with mental health has taught me to believe in empathy over judgment, connection over silence, and growth over perfection. It’s changed how I see people, how I love, and what I want to do with my life. I hope to use everything I’ve learned — the pain, the healing, and the hope — to help others see that they are never alone, and that no matter what they’ve been through, recovery and happiness are always within reach.

For me, going to college isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about breaking cycles, building a better future, and proving to myself that I can turn my struggles into something meaningful. College represents opportunity, stability, and hope. It’s the next step toward creating a life where I can help others heal, find their voice, and believe in themselves the way I’ve learned to believe in me. My journey hasn’t been an easy one. I grew up without my mother being fully present because of her struggle with drug addiction. As a child, I didn’t always understand why she wasn’t around, and that absence left me with feelings of anger, sadness, and confusion. Over time, I learned that addiction is an illness — one that doesn’t just affect the person using drugs but also the people who love them. That experience shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. It taught me empathy, strength, and a deep understanding of how much pain can exist behind someone’s silence. I’ve also faced my own battles with mental health, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. There were times when school felt overwhelming and focusing seemed impossible. But even through the hardest moments, I never gave up. I learned how to advocate for myself, seek help when I needed it, and find ways to stay grounded — whether through art, journaling, or volunteering. Those experiences made me stronger and gave me a sense of purpose: to help others who are fighting battles they can’t always explain. That’s why going to college means so much to me. I plan to major in psychology, counseling, or social work so I can become an advocate for sexual assault victims and people dealing with trauma. I want to create a safe space for survivors to heal — to listen to them, support them, and help them rebuild their confidence. Too many people suffer in silence, and I want to be the voice that reminds them they’re not alone. My Puerto Rican heritage also plays a big role in who I am and what motivates me. My grandfather — my Papi — came to the United States from Puerto Rico with almost nothing, but he worked hard to build a better life for his family. His strength, pride, and perseverance remind me that I come from a line of fighters. He showed me that with hard work, faith, and heart, anything is possible. Going to college is my way of honoring that legacy. It’s my chance to continue what he started — to use education to create change and make my family proud. Through college, I hope to grow not only academically but also personally. I want to learn how to turn my empathy into action, my experiences into understanding, and my dreams into something that helps others. I want to build a career where I can use my story — the good and the painful parts — to inspire hope and healing in others. Going to college means stepping into the future I’ve always imagined: one where I’m independent, confident, and doing work that truly matters. It means proving to myself that my past doesn’t define me — my determination does. I’m not just chasing a degree; I’m chasing the chance to make a difference, to help others find strength in their struggles, and to show that even from pain, something beautiful can grow.

My experiences with mental health have shaped nearly every part of who I am — the way I see myself, how I connect with others, and what I want to do with my future. I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, and ADHD for much of my life, and for a long time, it felt like I was stuck in a storm that never seemed to end. Some days, just getting through felt like an accomplishment. But over time, I’ve learned that my struggles don’t define me — they’ve taught me strength, compassion, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. When I was younger, I didn’t really understand what mental health was. I just knew that I often felt different — too quiet, too anxious, too sad. I would overthink everything and feel like no one else could understand what was happening inside my head. Growing up with a mother who struggled with drug addiction also made my emotions heavier to carry. Her absence left me feeling abandoned and unsure of my place in the world. But those experiences also taught me empathy. They showed me that people fight battles we can’t always see and that sometimes, the most important thing you can offer someone is understanding. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve worked hard to take care of my mental health and find stability. Therapy, self-reflection, and creative outlets like art have helped me learn healthier ways to express myself. Art has been especially healing — it gives me a way to turn pain into something meaningful. I’ve also learned to reach out to others when I need help, instead of trying to carry everything on my own. That lesson has strengthened my relationships and helped me build deeper, more honest connections. It taught me that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s courage. My experiences with mental health have also shaped my goals for the future. I want to become an advocate for sexual assault victims and people dealing with trauma. I know how isolating it can feel to struggle and how much difference it makes when someone truly listens and believes in you. By studying psychology, counseling, or social work, I want to learn how to support others who are healing from trauma or mental illness. My goal is to help create safe spaces where people can speak freely, feel understood, and start to rebuild their confidence and self-worth. Through my own mental health journey, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it. I’ve learned that everyone is carrying something — even if it doesn’t show — and that kindness and patience can mean more than we realize. I’ve also realized that recovery isn’t about being “fixed”; it’s about learning to live fully, even with the scars we carry. My mental health struggles have shaped me into someone who feels deeply, loves hard, and refuses to give up — not just on myself, but on others too. They’ve taught me that strength isn’t about never falling — it’s about getting up again, and again, and again. And that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing, both in my life and in the work I hope to dedicate my future to.

What makes me unique isn’t just the challenges I’ve faced, but how I’ve used them to shape who I am and what I want to do with my life. My story has not been easy, but it has taught me strength, empathy, and perseverance — qualities that drive my passion for helping others and pursuing higher education. Growing up, my mother struggled with drug addiction, and because of that, she wasn’t able to be part of my life the way I needed her to be. There were times when I felt angry, confused, and abandoned. Watching her battle something so powerful made me understand early on how addiction and mental health struggles can affect not only one person, but an entire family. As painful as it was, her absence taught me to be independent and to find strength within myself. It also showed me how deeply people need compassion, understanding, and support when they’re fighting their own battles. Those early experiences made me more determined to build a better future — one where I can be the person others can turn to for help. I’ve struggled with my own mental health, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD, but I’ve learned how to manage those challenges through therapy, creativity, and volunteering. Art and service work have been my anchors. I’ve spent time volunteering to feed people experiencing homelessness, which showed me the power of kindness and community. Seeing how even small acts of care could brighten someone’s day gave me a sense of purpose. My Puerto Rican heritage is another important part of who I am. My dad is Puerto Rican, and my grandfather — my Papi — came to the United States from Puerto Rico to build a better life for his family. He worked hard, faced obstacles, and still managed to create something strong and lasting for all of us. His story reminds me every day that resilience runs in my blood. My culture and family have taught me to be proud of who I am, to never give up, and to always give back. One of my biggest goals is to become an advocate for sexual assault victims. I want to work with survivors to help them find healing, safety, and self-worth. Too many people suffer in silence after trauma, and I want to be someone who listens, believes them, and helps them reclaim their voices. That’s why I plan to pursue a degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. Education will give me the knowledge and tools I need to turn my empathy and life experience into a career where I can make a difference. What distinguishes me from other applicants is my resilience and purpose. I’ve faced loss, mental health struggles, and instability, but I haven’t let those experiences define me. Instead, they’ve become my motivation to build a life focused on healing and hope — for myself and for others. My journey has taught me that even when life is difficult, it’s still possible to turn pain into purpose. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support — it would mean that someone believes in my story, my strength, and my potential to create change. I plan to use my education to honor my family, my culture, and my past by helping others rebuild their futures.

My Puerto Rican heritage is a big part of who I am and how I see the world. It’s not just about where my family comes from — it’s about the strength, pride, and perseverance that run through our history. My dad is Puerto Rican, and my grandfather, my Papi, came to the United States from Puerto Rico to build a better life for his family. He left behind everything familiar to start over in a new country, and through hard work and determination, he created a foundation for future generations, including me. To my family and me, being Puerto Rican means never giving up, no matter how difficult life becomes. My Papi’s story is one of courage and sacrifice. He taught me that real strength isn’t about being the loudest or the toughest — it’s about showing up every day, even when things are hard, and doing the best you can. He carried his pride for his culture everywhere he went. Whether it was listening to salsa music, cooking traditional food, or teaching us Spanish words and Puerto Rican sayings, he made sure we never forgot where we came from. His resilience and warmth remind me that identity and family are powerful sources of strength. Those lessons from my Papi inspire how I want to live my life and how I want to make the world a better place. My goal is to become an advocate for sexual assault victims — to give a voice to those who feel silenced and to help them find hope and healing. I’ve seen how trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles can affect people and their families. Survivors of sexual assault often carry deep pain that others can’t see, and too many of them feel alone or afraid to speak up. I want to change that by becoming someone survivors can trust, someone who listens, supports, and stands beside them on their journey to recovery. Education will be the key to achieving this dream. I plan to go to college and major in psychology, counseling, or social work. I want to learn about trauma, mental health, and the recovery process so I can understand what survivors need and how to best support them. My ultimate goal is to work in advocacy, maybe at a crisis center, hospital, or nonprofit that focuses on helping survivors of sexual assault and abuse. One day, I hope to help create programs that not only support victims but also raise awareness, teach prevention, and fight for stronger protections for survivors. My Papi’s example motivates me every day. He showed me that it’s possible to create a better life through hard work, compassion, and pride in who you are. He came to this country with little more than determination, and because of that, I have the chance to build a future that makes a difference. I want to honor his legacy by helping others find their strength — especially those who have been hurt or overlooked. My Puerto Rican heritage has given me a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and purpose. It’s taught me to fight for what’s right, to stay strong in hard times, and to use my voice to help others who can’t yet find theirs. By becoming an advocate for sexual assault victims, I hope to turn my compassion into action and carry my culture’s strength and spirit into the work I do every day.

Education, for me, is more than just earning good grades or getting a degree — it’s about finding purpose and using what I learn to make a difference. My experiences have taught me how important it is for people who have faced trauma or hardship to have someone in their corner, someone who believes in them when they can’t believe in themselves. That’s why my biggest goal is to become an advocate for sexual assault victims and to dedicate my life to helping others find their voice, healing, and hope. I’ve seen how trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles can affect individuals and families. Those experiences opened my eyes to how easily people can feel forgotten or silenced — especially survivors of sexual assault. Many individuals lack the support, safety, or understanding necessary to recover. Through my education, I want to change that. I want to study psychology, counseling, or social work so I can understand the emotional and psychological impact of trauma, and then use that knowledge to guide and support survivors. My goal isn’t just to work in a field that helps people — I want to become a voice for those who have been silenced. I want to help create safe spaces where survivors can share their stories, access resources, and start rebuilding their lives. Education will give me the tools to not only understand trauma but also to fight for better systems of care, awareness, and prevention in our communities. School hasn’t always been easy for me. I’ve struggled with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and ADHD, but those experiences have made me stronger and more empathetic. They’ve taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of taking care of yourself while caring for others. Every challenge I’ve faced has fueled my motivation to help people who feel like they don’t have anyone on their side. When I imagine my future, I see myself standing beside survivors — listening, guiding, and helping them rebuild their confidence and sense of safety. I see myself working in advocacy centers, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations that protect and empower survivors. My ultimate goal is to remind people that no matter what has happened to them, they still have worth, strength, and a future. Through education, I want to turn pain into purpose and compassion into action. Becoming an advocate for sexual assault victims isn’t just a career goal for me — it’s a calling.

Having ADHD has been a significant part of my life and education. Growing up, I often struggled with staying focused in class, remembering assignments, and managing my time. Simple tasks sometimes felt overwhelming, and even when I understood the material, completing work on time was a constant challenge. It was frustrating to see classmates move through lessons seemingly effortlessly while I had to work much harder to stay on track. This sometimes made me feel discouraged or like I was falling behind, even though I cared about learning and wanted to succeed. Over time, I realized that ADHD didn’t have to hold me back — it just meant I needed to approach learning differently. I started using strategies like breaking large projects into smaller steps, setting timers to focus for short periods, and keeping a detailed planner to track assignments. I learned to create a distraction-free study environment and to ask for help when I needed it, whether from teachers, tutors, or family members. These strategies didn’t make ADHD disappear, but they helped me manage it and stay organized. ADHD has also taught me resilience and creativity. Because my mind works differently, I often think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to problems. This has been a strength in school projects, group work, and creative assignments. I’ve learned to take my energy and curiosity and channel them into productive ways, which has allowed me to excel in subjects I’m passionate about. Rather than seeing ADHD as a limitation, I’ve come to understand it as a different way of thinking that can be an advantage when I approach tasks strategically. Another important lesson I’ve learned is the value of self-awareness and self-compassion. I’ve had to accept that I may need extra time or different strategies to complete work, and that’s okay. Celebrating small victories, acknowledging progress, and learning from mistakes have been essential in keeping me motivated. These habits not only help me in school but also in life, as I’ve learned to be patient with myself and persistent in the face of challenges. Today, I can say that ADHD has shaped me into someone determined, adaptable, and creative. While it has made schoolwork more challenging at times, it has also taught me problem-solving skills, resilience, and self-advocacy. By understanding my needs, developing strategies, and embracing my strengths, I have learned to sparkle and succeed both academically and personally. I know these skills will continue to guide me in the future, helping me overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.

Mental health has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I struggled with depression and anxiety that often felt overwhelming, and at times, I even had thoughts of ending my life. Some days it felt impossible to see a way forward, like I was trapped in a cycle I couldn’t break. But over time, I’ve learned that these struggles, while painful, don’t define me — they can also guide me toward growth, understanding, and purpose. Managing my mental health has been a journey of small, persistent steps. Therapy, support groups, and learning coping strategies like journaling, mindfulness, and creative expression have all helped me navigate my depression and anxiety. Art and volunteering became lifelines: drawing, painting, and helping at local shelters gave me a sense of purpose and a way to process emotions I couldn’t put into words. I realized that even in my darkest moments, I could create something meaningful or help someone else, which reminded me that I matter and my actions matter. These experiences have also shaped my educational goals and career aspirations. I want to pursue a college major in healthcare or rehabilitation because I’ve seen firsthand how critical support, guidance, and empathy are in helping people recover. I want to be someone who helps survivors of trauma, addiction, and mental illness find stability and hope — someone who can provide both practical tools and emotional support. My own experiences have given me insight, compassion, and resilience, which I believe will make me a strong advocate and caregiver in the future. Personal growth hasn’t been easy, and it’s ongoing. I’ve learned to recognize triggers, to reach out for help when I need it, and to celebrate progress, even when it’s small. Recovery is not linear; there are setbacks, but I’ve discovered that each challenge can also be a lesson. One of the most important things I’ve learned is the value of self-compassion — choosing to support myself rather than judge myself, even when life feels unfair or overwhelming. Looking ahead, I plan to continue managing my recovery through a combination of therapy, support networks, healthy routines, and creative outlets. I’ve realized that sustaining mental wellness requires both personal responsibility and community, so I am committed to continuing practices that strengthen my mind and body while also advocating for and supporting others who are struggling. I want to create a life where my experiences with mental health and trauma not only inform my empathy but also drive tangible change in my community and future career. Ultimately, my journey has taught me that pain can coexist with hope, and struggles can coexist with purpose. I am determined to turn my experiences into opportunities to learn, grow, and help others. By pursuing higher education and a career in healthcare or rehabilitation, I aim to use my story as a source of strength, resilience, and understanding — showing that even those who have faced the darkest moments can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

One issue in my community that I’ve taken the initiative to address is supporting people who are experiencing homelessness. I’ve volunteered at local shelters and food drives, helping prepare and serve meals to those in need. At first, I wanted to help simply because I wanted to give back, but over time I realized how deeply systemic issues like poverty and abuse affect people’s lives. Meeting people who struggle every day made me more aware of the importance of compassion, advocacy, and action. This experience also inspired me to think about other ways I can help vulnerable people, especially survivors of sexual assault. I want to become an advocate for SA victims, someone who listens, supports, and helps them navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming or unfair. Volunteering has already taught me that even small actions, like providing a meal or lending an ear, can have a real impact, and I want to take that dedication further. So far, I’ve helped feed dozens of people, built connections with community organizations, and learned how to work as part of a team to meet immediate needs. In the future, I want to expand these efforts by creating programs that combine direct support with advocacy. For example, I hope to organize workshops that raise awareness about sexual assault, educate survivors about their rights, and connect them with the resources they need to heal. My goal is to be a voice for those who often feel unheard and to make my community safer and more supportive for everyone.