The dictionary defines a role model as someone whose behavior, example, or success can be emulated by others. In elementary school, my class was asked who we felt our role model was. I remember pondering this question for a while, as I have several positive people in my life who have influenced me to be a good person, but I feel that a role model goes much deeper than that. A role model is not just someone who has achieved great things; it is someone who teaches life lessons to you, even if it is taught through pain, hurt, sadness, or betrayal. From a very young age, my uncle Andrew has been in and out of prison for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Andrew has taught me life lessons that no one else, not even an all-around positive person, could have taught me. We hear in school, "don't do drugs," "don't drink alcohol," and we know the risks and side effects, but when you see the effect alcohol and drugs have on someone you love, firsthand, you truly learn and understand the power within these substances. On Christmas Eve, Andrew was arrested for hitting a man who was walking in a crosswalk on August 12th. Of course, he was drunk and high, and he fled the scene, leaving the man to die in the street. After being released from prison, it was no surprise he was back in the bars again after promising he could change and that he would never drink again. I learned very quickly from Andrew that you can not change a person who does not want to be changed. However, I continued to believe Andrew could get better and recover. I had so much belief in him, it was enough for my entire family. He hurt me, let me down, and left me with empty promises over and over again, but I knew that at some point, he would realize the life he was living. In December of 2024, my aunt and mother had officially pushed him out of the family because he was drinking all the time and started using and selling cocaine. He was distraught at the fact that he was no longer invited to Christmas and that his family no longer wanted anything to do with him. He spiraled, and he realized for the first time in his life how much his actions affected our family. He then drank an entire bottle of Fireball and Jackson Morgan, along with 15 beers, and used cocaine. At 2 am, he called me, and for the first time, he said, “Janyssa, I do have a problem. I need to go to rehab,” and for the first time, he wanted help; he wanted to get better. That same minute, I was on my way to get him and get him the help he needed. He is now 8 months clean, very involved in sober living, and sharing his story to inspire others to get sober. Being by Andrew's side through every step of addiction made me realize that this was something I wanted to do forever, this is my calling. I want to be a Mental Health Addictions Counselor and help people through sobriety. I want to give people their quality of life back, because we all know alcohol and drugs strip people away from so much of their lives. Everyone deserves to enjoy their life, which is why I will fight and care for every patient the way I fought for Andrew.