To whom it may concern, Ever since I could remember, I’ve always been interested in people’s behavior. I love the complexities involving personality yet marvel at the traits that make us alike. My curiosity reached a new peak when I volunteered at the Miami Rescue Mission Clinic. In the clinic, I would assist with the social and general histories of the new homeless patients. I learned, how unique yet similar the origins of mental health diseases in patients were. A psychiatrist told me “Psychology precedes neurology.”, adding, “many of them were not born this way, they became to be this way.” That statement fascinated me and still rings loudly in my head today. My professional career began working as a registered nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Shortly after, I was hired as a firefighter/paramedic for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Working as a firefighter has given me a unique perspective as I’m often invited into peoples 'homes. This allows me to see the ecosystems that surround and contribute to their mental health. It’s opened my eyes to how interconnected mental health is with the environment, physical and spiritual health. Many times, I’ve been first on the scene after a mental health-related tragedy. Once in their home, you absorb the scene in its entirety. It’s an all too visceral experience that places you right in the shoes of the patient. You can’t help but think “What could’ve been done to prevent it?”. This notion further fueled me to pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) specializing in psychiatry that I will be starting fall of 2022. My older brother served in the Iraq war. Although he returned physically unharmed, his mind was not. I witnessed the struggles he had with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Any mental health tragedy involving a veteran has always hit me personally. Recently, I have been reading about Dr. Mark L. Gordon’s work with veterans and first responders who suffer traumatic brain injuries (T.B.I.). I became intrigued to know the science emerging that links T.B.I. to a plethora of mental health disorders. I can see how his work will become the standard of care in the future and it is something I want to be a part of. Working in the fire department, I have witnessed many graphic and tragic moments in the lives of those I've served. However, it has always been the suicides and homicides with mental health at the root that have impacted me the most. This has been one of the motivating factors that have realigned me with what I feel I was always meant to do. Mental Health in my opinion, is underdiagnosed and complex. It can be as contagious as any other disease. For example, I responded to a suicide attempt of an older man after the untimely passing of his brother. Unfortunately, the patient succeeded in his attempts on one of the days that would follow. Several months after we responded to his daughter, who had recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia, try to burn her house down. The pathophysiology of mental health is extremely complex. This is why I am confident that as we continue to push forward with genetic and neurologic research the mental health community can develop innovative treatment that will lead to better patient outcomes. I believe that mental health affects everyone at some point in their lives, I believe that we can do a better job in the medical community to advocate for those affected and to strive to prevent the tragedies associated with it. Thank you for taking the time to read this entry, Jahaziel Marrero

To whom it may concern, Ever since I could remember, I’ve always been interested in people’s behavior. I love the complexities involving personality yet marvel at the traits that make us alike. My curiosity reached a new peak when I volunteered at the Miami Rescue Mission Clinic. In the clinic, I would assist with the social and general histories of the new homeless patients. I learned, how unique yet similar the origins of mental health diseases in patients were. A psychiatrist told me “Psychology precedes neurology.”, adding, “many of them were not born this way, they became to be this way.” That statement fascinated me and still rings loudly in my head today. I knew then I would ultimately pursue a career in psychiatry. My professional career began working as a registered nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Shortly after, I was hired as a firefighter/paramedic for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Working as a firefighter has given me a unique perspective as I’m often invited into peoples 'homes. This allows me to see the ecosystems that surround and contribute to their mental health. It’s opened my eyes to how interconnected mental health is with the environment, physical and spiritual health. Many times, I’ve been first on the scene after a mental health-related tragedy. Once in their home, you absorb the scene in its entirety. It’s an all too visceral experience that places you right in the shoes of the patient. You can’t help but think “What could’ve been done to prevent it?”. This notion further fueled me to pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) specializing in psychiatry that I will be starting fall of 2022. My older brother served in the Iraq war. Although he returned physically unharmed, his mind was not. I witnessed the struggles he had with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Any mental health tragedy involving a veteran has always hit me personally. Recently, I have been reading about Dr. Mark L. Gordon’s work with veterans and first responders who suffer traumatic brain injuries (T.B.I.). I became intrigued to know the science emerging that links T.B.I. to a plethora of mental health disorders. I can see how his work will become the standard of care in the future and it is something I want to be a part of. My view of the world and people has drastically changed since I became interested in mental health. I treat everyone I meet as though they could be suffering from something psychologically. I've seen how empathy and proper communication can make a difference in someone’s life who is dealing with a crisis. It's thought me to be more human and it's opened my eyes to how similar and connected we all are. Working in the fire department, I have witnessed many graphic and tragic moments in the lives of those I've served. However, it has always been the suicides and homicides with mental health at the root that have impacted me the most. This has been one of the motivating factors that have realigned me with what I feel I was always meant to do. Mental Health in my opinion, is underdiagnosed and complex. It can be as contagious as any other disease. For example, I responded to a suicide attempt of an older man after the untimely passing of his brother. Unfortunately, the patient succeeded in his attempts on one of the days that would follow. Several months after we responded to his daughter, who had recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia, try to burn her house down. The pathophysiology of mental health is extremely complex. This is why I am confident that as we continue to push forward with genetic and neurologic research the mental health community can develop innovative treatment that will lead to better patient outcomes. I believe that mental health affects everyone at some point in their lives, I believe that we can do a better job in the medical community to advocate for those affected and to strive to prevent the tragedies associated with it. Thank you for taking the time to read this entry, Jahaziel Marrero

Mindfulness- guided meditations that help relieve anxiety. Using an app like insight timer or headspace. Take a walk in nature or simply through the neighborhood. I read that simply moving your mass forward can suppress the feeling of anxiety or fear. I use insight timer to help me sleep when my mind is racing and to "cultivate an attitude for gratitude" when I feel anxious about something. Exercise- taking up a new workout routine or engaging in a group class that helps foster community and new friendships. For example, I use jiu-jitsu as a way to challenge myself and displace the daily stress into a positive outlet. Attending classes has helped create new positive friendships within the jiu-jitsu community. Writing- Sometimes, it's challenging to unravel the knots in your thoughts. Writing them down in a "freewriting" format without rules can help. I use Jordan Peterson's "Future Authoring" program. Some of my anxiety used to come from having an uncertain future. This program helped me set realistic goals that I could keep a steady aim on. Creativity- Finding an outlet to tap into your creativity, for example, painting, writing, playing an instrument, decorating, etc. I use writing poetry to help me understand some of my feelings better. Sometimes it is hard to put into words the thought plaguing your head, but I've come to learn the power of a good metaphor. Some of the best poetry uses and experiments with profound metaphors that, as the reader, we connect to. That connection also works as the writer; it helps me connect the parts of my thinking that are at odds and ends. Reading- Wethers it is fiction or non-fiction. Reading makes you focus on one thing and keeps your thoughts from rambling on. It is pretty meditative and keeps me present. It also introduces new exciting ideas that I spend the rest of the day trying to digest. I like to read non-fiction, particularly on subjects related to ancient history, theology, and psychology. Community- Finding and engaging with like-minded individuals that have your best interest at heart. Working on strengthening those relationships can be very rewarding. Taking the time to strengthen the positive relationships in your life will go a long way in strengthening your mental resolve. Life is made up of memories, right?! They will always be positive and negative ones. The trick is to make more positive ones with people you love. "The holy trinity"- mind, body, and soul. Working towards the growth of the "sacred triangle" will help keep you balanced. Putting effort into keeping homeostasis between the three helps me feel centered and grounded. By reading, writing, and learning, I constantly stimulate and grow my mind. I am expanding boundaries in my body's potential through exercise and martial arts. I am strengthening my soul by meditating and cultivating gratitude for people and life around me while learning about various religions and spiritual practices. Spirituality is subjective to everyone. Finding my connection to something larger has helped me stay grounded and feel as though I am never alone. Limit social media Time- It is not natural as humans to have access to so many people and have so many people peek into our lives. Sometimes we cannot help but make comparisons and take comments or lack thereof personally. Instead of peeping into my social media friends' lives, I've chosen to spend the time and energy on the "real" positive relationships around me. This practice alone has helped me tremendously to remove feelings of poor self-image and anxiety.

To whom it may concern, Ever since I could remember, I’ve always been interested in people’s behavior. I love the complexities involving personality yet marvel at the traits that make us alike. My curiosity reached a new peak when I volunteered at the Miami Rescue Mission Clinic. In the clinic, I would assist with the social and general histories of the new homeless patients. I learned, how unique yet similar the origins of mental health diseases in patients were. A psychiatrist told me “Psychology precedes neurology.”, adding, “many of them were not born this way, they became to be this way.” That statement fascinated me and still rings loudly in my head today. I knew then I would ultimately pursue a career in psychiatry. My professional career began working as a registered nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Shortly after, I was hired as a firefighter/paramedic for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Working as a firefighter has given me a unique perspective as I’m often invited into peoples 'homes. This allows me to see the ecosystems that surround and contribute to their mental health. It’s opened my eyes to how interconnected mental health is with the environment, physical and spiritual health. Many times, I’ve been first on the scene after a mental health-related tragedy. Once in their home, you absorb the scene in its entirety. It’s an all too visceral experience that places you right in the shoes of the patient. You can’t help but think “What could’ve been done to prevent it?”. This notion further fueled me to pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) specializing in psychiatry that I will be starting fall of 2022. My older brother served in the Iraq war. Although he returned physically unharmed, his mind was not. I witnessed the struggles he had with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Any mental health tragedy involving a veteran has always hit me personally. Recently, I have been reading about Dr. Mark L. Gordon's work with veterans and first responders who suffer traumatic brain injuries (T.B.I.). I became intrigued to know the science emerging that links T.B.I. to a plethora of mental health disorders. I can see how his work will become the standard of care in the future and it is something I want to be a part of. My view of the world and people has drastically changed since I became interested in mental health. I treat everyone I meet as though they could be suffering from something psychologically. I've seen how empathy and proper communication can make a difference in someone's life who is dealing with a crisis. It's thought me to be more human and it's opened my eyes to how similar and connected we all are. Working in the fire department, I have witnessed many graphic and tragic moments in the lives of those I've served. However, it has always been the suicides and homicides with mental health at the root that have impacted me the most. This has been one of the motivating factors that have realigned me with what I feel I was always meant to do. Mental Health, in my opinion, is underdiagnosed and complex. It can be as contagious as any other disease. For example, I responded to a suicide attempt of an older man after the untimely passing of his brother. Unfortunately, the patient succeeded in his attempts on one of the days that would follow. Several months after we responded to his daughter, who had recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia, try to burn her house down. The pathophysiology of mental health is extremely complex. This is why I am confident that as we continue to push forward with genetic and neurologic research, the mental health community can develop a treatment that will lead to better patient outcomes. I believe that mental health affects everyone at some point in their lives, I believe that we can do a better job in the medical community to advocate for those affected and to strive to prevent the tragedies associated with it. Thank you for taking the time to read this entry, Jahaziel Marrero