Being a college student is not easy for any person, especially when trying to balance school, work, physical health, and mental health. Being a nursing student, mental health is a huge part of living a healthy life style. I have lost two people who have struggled with their mental health; one being my grandfather and the other a college-aged friend. As a student, no person should have to struggle with their mental health to the point that they want to end their before it has barely started. I, myself struggle with my mental health which makes it difficult for me to want to continue to strive to do my best. Along with that, multiple of my other family members struggle with their mental health as well. It is important to me as a student to not only help others with their mental health but also learn how to manage my own mental health. A person's mental health affects how you cope with stress, how you relate to others, how you be productive in day to day life, how you contribute to good relationships, how good your physical health is, and so much more. I have watched so many of my fellow students, friends, and family struggle with their mental health and it is so important to share that mental health is health. Advocating for mental health is a part of my everyday life. My mom was the first person to start getting me into advocating for it. It started with posting on social media every May, mental health awareness month, my grandfathers story and resources for those struggling with their mental health. I soon started to discover different online brands that promote ending the stigma and use some of their profits to fund different mental health organizations. I am currently an ambassador for a brand called StayWear. I own multiple clothing items that I wear to promote their brand and their message; the word Stay is a reminder to continue and push through, even on the hard days. Along with that, I am also an ambassador for The Happiness Project, whose message is to elevate happiness and let people know that they are not in this alone, there are people who care about them. Not only do I post these brands and their products, I also try to post on my social media two to three times a week with quotes about mental health, links or resources, and positive messages to advocate for mental health. I reach out to my family and friends as much as I can to check in and to let them know that I am here for them and that they are not alone. Advocating for mental health is one of the best ways I can help end the stigma.

March 2020, an extra-long spring break for a senior in high school. The pandemic has completely changed my life in so many different ways. When the pandemic first started I realized how much of my life I had been wasting not doing things just because. I never realized the great things I could have been doing with my life. School started moving online so I had a lot more time to do things I have always wanted to. I got back into drawing, I have not drawn in over five years. Along with that, I got back into working out. The gyms were not open but I began hiking and made a homemade gym. I have always loved working out but with school, athletics, and working, I lost myself. I also began reading again, I read so many books I had set aside to read when I had time but never had the time. I lost sight of the things that made me happy. Through the pandemic, I found the things that made me happy again. The pandemic changed my entire perspective of my life and the things I thought I would never get back into.

I am interested in joining the Luv Michael Volunteer Program because I want to be able to educate anyone and everyone what issues autistic individuals face in their everyday lives. In high school I spent my off-hour helping in the special education classroom. I helped those in there to learn how to do school related activities, along with how to care for themselves outside of school. I did this by helping them learn how to prepare meals, read nutrition labels, make a resume, all different kinds of things. I want to be able to educate others what obstacles those with autism face and that they can overcome those as long as they are accepted and given the chance to do so. Joining the Luv Michael Volunteer Program would give me that chance to do so.

This is my mom, I am thankful for her every single day. Not only because she is my mom and the person I can always turn to but because she turned me into the person I am today. My mom has gone through many hardships, but no matter what she is always putting my brothers and I first. Even when she went back to school, as a single mom, to get her nursing degree to pursue her dream, she always made sure I finished my homework and was getting good grades so I could pursue my dream in the future. She is by far my biggest role model and the person I am and will always be thankful to have in my life and as a mom. Even now, with two kids still living at home, one on the way and me away at college, she still finds ways to impact my life for the better.