Hello, my name is Jillian Childs. I am a Freshman at LeTourneau University and a Setter for the University volleyball team, like the many millions of people in the world, I struggle with mental health issues that have not only influenced my belief system but also shaped the framework for relationships in my life and my career aspirations to help others. From the early age of three, I received a diagnosis of severe ADHD and SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). These disorders coupled together made my academic life a challenge, to say the least. Being labeled as "different", “the weird kid” by students, and “a special needs student” or “The fidgety one” caused not only social isolation from my peers but also from teachers believing because I have ADHD I was less than others, or an underperforming student or even a "problem child they can't deal with". Throughout my grade school years hearing this from students and teachers led to not only the inability to make lasting friendships but to the illusory truth effect for me (which is that the phenomenon occurs when people are exposed to information repeatedly, which can lead them to perceive it as more truthful than new information). I have also endured countless bullying online through the misuse of social media and in class as well as on the volleyball court from players and coaches which led to even more isolation and the belief that I was an overweight underperforming student which was not the case as I was a straight A student and good athlete which started my NCAA career in August. The slings and arrows I endured in my early years influenced my belief system. A “normal” belief system is that things are great, everyone loves one another, and all things are equal. I am here as living proof that that is not the case. My experiences and the effects that they have had on my mental health have altered and quite possibly skewed my belief system to the point of having to guard my mental health and self because as we all know, not all people are good, and the world can be a cruel place. That being said, I have been working to recognize others with similar issues and anxieties and offer what support and resources I can to help them better understand that they are not the problem, it’s okay not quite to be okay all the time and that there is help available to them, so they don’t have to feel alone. My university has resources for its students, but the people I meet just traveling around need to know that there are ample resources that can help anyone suffering from mental health issues. I see occasionally when I am talking about mental health to someone that others are listening from a distance. So, to get the information out there I’ll speak overly loud and either reference a Google search as a great resource to find free help or that every state has a way to provide free confidential mental health care so that your privacy can be respected and is a great launch point to finding care for oneself. While there is still a long way to go in removing the stigma of mental health issues, the more awareness and social norming we can generate will only benefit us in the future and the people we are trying to help. Thank you for this opportunity. ________________ Hassan, A., Barber, S.J. The effects of repetition frequency on the illusory truth effect. Cogn. Research 6, 38 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-021-00301-5

When I was 7 years old, I found myself choking on a piece of steak to the point of gasping and wheezing. I can’t talk, cry, or make noise. I’m turning blue and grabbing my throat. As I gasp for my last breath, I suddenly see myself lying lifeless on the cold tile. The sounds of sirens coming closer. Standing in a vast darkness that somehow feels comforting. I was accepting death in this out-of-body experience. Darkness is the last thing, and then my eyes come into focus. Awaken from this sleepless dream only to see my mother in the back of an ambulance with tear-stained cheeks. I cannot speak as I cough up blood from the scratches in my throat. It feels like sharp blades when I swallow. And then it hits me… I’m not supposed to be alive. “How am I alive?” Had it not been for the quick thinking of the Paramedics who worked on me, I would have died in seconds. After that day, years later I decided that it was time to give back. I did so by joining the local Volunteer Fire Department's Explorer program. Through their mentorship, I was able to become CPR Certified and help extinguish multiple brush fires saving livestock, structures, and countless acres of farmland. I was able to help extract vehicle accident victims and assist the Firefighters with whatever they would need. At 17 years old I found myself doing CPR on someone’s mother who was experiencing exactly what I had several years ago. I press my interlocked hands on this woman’s chest as her daughter wails in the distance pleading. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” runs through my head as I do chest compressions. “Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive"….. Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive. 6-7-8-9-10, check for breathing. 25 minutes later, I heard a faint beep on the portable EKG machine that told me she’s alive. I left that call with a new purpose. To help others in their greatest time of need. With my experience so far, I believe the greatest direct impact I can make on human life is to become a trauma surgeon. Knowing firsthand that there are seconds between life and death and that the wrong decision can lead to either outcome, it takes a different kind of person to successfully pursue this specialized field. I am this person. I have faith in myself to make the initial assessment, conduct appropriate testing, and have the dexterity and drive to learn the appropriate procedures and protocols to save lives when it counts. Playing competitive Volleyball for years has taught me to operate under pressure and succeed while staying calm and keeping my bearing during tense situations. I have the analytical and leadership skills needed to make tough decisions when needed. And possibly my greatest asset, in my opinion, is being able to work with diverse individuals as an effective team to produce a positive outcome. Trauma is undoubtedly a team effort. One could even see a symphony of chaos that crescendos into either an OR, or at best, a positive resolution for the patient. Medicine is a calling that few hear and fewer can thrive in. I know I can make a positive difference not only for my career but for humanity as a whole.

My name is Jillian Childs and I am a freshman at LeTourneau University in Texas, majoring in Biology of Science. My current GPA is 4.0. For my post-graduate, medical school to study trauma and trauma surgery. Why? Because I should be dead. When I was 7 years old, I found myself choking on a piece of steak to the point of gasping and wheezing. I cannot talk, cry, or make noise. I am turning blue and grabbing my throat. As I gasp for my last breath, I suddenly see myself lying lifeless on the cold tile. The sounds of sirens coming closer. Standing in a vast darkness that somehow feels comforting. I was accepting death in this out-of-body experience. Darkness is the last thing, and then my eyes come into focus. From this sleepless dream, I awoke to see my mother in the back of an ambulance with tear-stained cheeks. I cannot speak as I cough up blood from the scratches in my throat. It feels like sharp blades when I swallow. And then it hits me… I am not supposed to be alive. “How am I alive?” Had it not been for the quick thinking of the Paramedics who worked on me, I would have died in seconds. After that day, years later I decided that it was time to give back. I did so by joining the local Volunteer Fire Department's Explorer program. Through their mentorship, I was able to become CPR Certified and help extinguish multiple brush fires saving livestock, structures, and countless acres of farmland. I was able to help extract vehicle accident victims and assist the Firefighters with whatever they would need. At 17 years old I found myself doing CPR on someone’s mother who was experiencing exactly what I had years ago. I press my interlocked hands on this woman’s chest as her daughter wails in the distance pleading. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” runs through my head as I do chest compressions. “Staying alive, staying alive"…. Ah, ha, ha, ha, staying alive, staying alive. 6-7-8-9-10, check for breathing. 25 minutes later, I heard a faint beep on the portable EKG machine that told me she was alive. I left that call with a new purpose. To help others in their greatest time of need. I began with the fire department initially because a friend talked me into it. But as time went on it was the adrenaline rush of the situation and satisfaction of helping my community in their time of need. My father, (a reserve police officer) told me not to get lost in the fog, but to remember that it is the life and community that mean the most. After processing this for weeks it finally hit me to take my passion further. To become a trauma surgeon. Often on medical calls, there is only so much an EMT can do to preserve a life. Knowing firsthand that there are seconds between life and death and that the wrong decision can lead to either outcome by becoming a trauma surgeon, I can continue the work these EMTs started in the field to save lives and serve my community best. It takes a different kind of person to pursue this specialized field. Being a first responder has taught me to operate under pressure and stay calm during tense situations, which is a valuable trait when seconds count. Medicine is a calling that few hear and fewer can thrive in. I know I can make a positive difference in this field, and it all started with an inspired explorer program. Thank you.

My name is Jillian Childs and I am a freshman at LeTourneau University in Texas, majoring in Biology of Science. My current GPA is 4.0. For my post-graduate, I will attend medical school to study pediatric rheumatology. Why? Because by all accounts I should be dead. When I was 7 years old, I found myself choking on a piece of steak to the point of gasping and wheezing. I can’t talk, cry, or make noise. I’m turning blue and grabbing my throat. As I gasp for my last breath, I suddenly see myself lying lifeless on the cold tile. The sounds of sirens coming closer. Standing in a vast darkness that somehow feels comforting. I was accepting death in this out-of-body experience. Darkness is the last thing, and then my eyes come into focus. Awaken from this sleepless dream only to see my mother in the back of an ambulance with tear-stained cheeks. I cannot speak as I cough up blood from the scratches in my throat. It feels like sharp blades when I swallow. And then it hits me… I’m not supposed to be alive. “How am I alive?” Had it not been for the quick thinking of the Paramedics who worked on me, I would have died in seconds. I often thought of those paramedics and their selfless acts of volunteerism. Years later I decided that it was time for me to be selfless and return the kindness shown to me. I did so by joining the local Volunteer Fire Department's Explorer program. Through their mentorship, I was able to become CPR Certified, and I helped extinguish multiple brush fires saving livestock, structures, and countless acres of farmland. I was able to help extract vehicle accident victims and donate time to our local elementary and intermediate schools, educating students on fire safety and E911 procedures. At 17 years old I found myself doing CPR on someone’s mother who was experiencing exactly what I had several years ago. I press my interlocked hands on this woman’s chest as her daughter wails in the distance pleading. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” runs through my head as I do chest compressions. “Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive"….. Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive. 6-7-8-9-10, check for breathing. Keep breathing through I tell myself as I continue the dance in my mind. Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive… 11-12-13-14-15. Twenty-five grueling minutes later, I hear a faint beep on the portable EKG machine that tells me she’s alive. And I leave that call with a new purpose. To help others in their greatest time of need. Helping others in their time of need has inspired me in ways I could have never imagined. Emboldened with this new focus, during my senior year of high school, I completed our school's PCT program, passing the AMCA exam and obtaining a Patient Care Technician Certification. Volunteering countless clinical hours at Mother Trinity Hospital in Tyler, Texas. Each day after that fateful day I wake up and try to be just a little bit better than I was yesterday. I often think of Kobe Bryant and his quote “Everything negative—pressure, challenges—is all an opportunity for me to rise.” So, now I rise every day to be the best version of myself That I can be as I continue to give back and live a selfless life of service to my fellow man. Thank you and God Bless.

My name is Jillian Childs and I am a freshman at LeTourneau University in Texas majoring in Biology of Science. My current GPA is 4.0, and for my post-graduate, I will attend medical school to study pediatric rheumatology. Why? Because by all accounts I should be dead. When I was 7 years old, I choked on a piece of steak to the point of not breathing. The last thing I remembered was the world turning black as I heard sirens in the distance. Had it not been for the quick thinking of the Paramedics who worked on me, I would have died in seconds. Years later I decided that it was time to give back. I did so by joining the local Volunteer Fire Department's Explorer program. Through their mentorship, I learned basic firefighting skills where I assisted in extinguishing multiple brush fires and saving livestock, structures, and countless acres of farmland. I was able to help extract vehicle accident victims and assist the Firefighters with whatever they would need. I became CPR Certified At 17 years old. Weeks after my certification exam, I found myself doing CPR on someone’s mother who was experiencing exactly what I had several years ago. I press my interlocked hands on this woman’s chest as her daughter wails in the distance pleading. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” runs through my head as I do chest compressions. “Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive"….. Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive. 6-7-8-9-10, check for breathing. 25 minutes later, I heard a faint beep on the EKG machine that told me she was alive. I left that call with a new purpose. To help others in their greatest time of need. If granted this scholarship, it will help me to realize my calling to become a pediatric rheumatology specialist. As a child, I had an autoimmune disease that debilitated me from being a normal kid. I tried playing multiple sports but suddenly gained inexplicable weight and was in pain all the time. After wading through years of wrong diagnoses by dismissive doctors and losing hope, my family finally found a doctor who would listen to me and not try to fit a canned diagnosis. This doctor not only took the time to work with me to find my solution but inspired me to pursue a career in medicine and specialize in pediatric rheumatology so that I can not only continue his brilliant work but create a partnership with my patients to find long term viable solutions back to health and not just treat the symptoms. I feel far too many children are misdiagnosed or dismissed altogether for one reason or another. It’s time to take medicine in a more proactive direction. Rather than staying reactionary to symptoms alone, I believe if we can use our knowledge as physicians and work with our patients, we can start healing again instead of creating medicinal dependencies that may lead to deeper issues. I thank you for your consideration and God bless.

My name is Jillian Childs, and I am a Cum Laude graduate of Brownsboro High School and now Freshman at LeTourneau University in Texas, majoring in biology – Biomedical Sciences. As long as I can remember, I have always seen myself as a doctor, or emergency responder. My grandmother was a registered nurse, as was her aunt before her. My father is a former Marine and former Reserve Police Officer, so service is in the genes so to speak. Typically, most children are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between the ages of four and sixteen. I was three years old when my parents and daycare teachers noticed my severe inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors. Shortly after, it became obvious to everyone that I was also struggling with processing information from the senses, like sight, sound, touch, and textures, in addition to an extreme pain tolerance. The stimuli became overwhelming. I felt isolated, somehow removed from the world. Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem followed resulting in unhealthy eating habits which all led to years of treatment, both psychologically and medicinally. The doctor quickly added obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to the list of challenges I was facing, indicating children with ADHD experience more severe OCD symptoms. As I entered my teenage years, I learned to live with ADHD and OCD. But it is still a daily struggle. Therapy and medication became second nature, however, at 15 years of age, my weight had climbed to well over 200 pounds. I researched resolutions and eventually found a solution that would be a helpful tool in improving my overall mental and physical health. This was the beginning of a new chapter of wellness for me. It was also the moment I knew I wanted to help others as my doctors have helped me. In my senior year of high school, I completed our school's PCT program, passing the AMCA exam and obtaining a Patient Care Technician Certification. Volunteering countless clinical hours at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, and four consecutive years volunteering for the Brownsboro Fire Department's Explorer program. This included assisting local first responders during emergencies, donating time to our local intermediate schools, and educating students on fire safety and E911 procedures. I also volunteered time at a local nursing home, sometimes observing the mental health of patients experiencing depression due to their isolation from loved ones. My High School years have been extremely eye-opening to mental health and how it affects not only individuals but a community as a whole. Through watching Police and Firefighters interact with people who have suffered self-treatment through addiction, loss of a loved one, episodes of mania, or suicide attempts. I have learned that everyone is dealing with something, but no one is talking about it because of what society will think of them. Experience, coupled with my issues with mental health has not only further focused me to complete medical school so that I may help others, but armed me with the knowledge and understanding that mental health is at the core of our well-being as humans and that it should no longer be classified as a disease, but added as a part of our core daily health routines via self-care. Too long has society been ignorant of the value of mental health treatments that are readily available to all. Celebrities and professional athletes coming forward to bring this issue to light is a great first step to ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues. If they can admit and get treatment, maybe society will realize they can too. Thank you for your consideration. God bless.

My name is Jillian Childs and I am a freshman at LeTourneau University in Texas, majoring in Biology of Science. My current GPA is 4.0. For my post-graduate, I will attend medical school to study trauma and trauma surgery. Why? Because by all accounts I should be dead. When I was 7 years old, I found myself choking on a piece of steak to the point of gasping and wheezing. I can’t talk, cry, or make noise. I’m turning blue and grabbing my throat. As I gasp for my last breath, I suddenly see myself lying lifeless on the cold tile. The sounds of sirens coming closer. Standing in a vast darkness that somehow feels comforting. I was accepting death in this out-of-body experience. Darkness is the last thing, and then my eyes come into focus. Awaken from this sleepless dream only to see my mother in the back of an ambulance with tear-stained cheeks. I cannot speak as I cough up blood from the scratches in my throat. It feels like sharp blades when I swallow. And then it hits me… I’m not supposed to be alive. “How am I alive?” Had it not been for the quick thinking of the Paramedics who worked on me, I would have died in seconds. After that day, years later I decided that it was time to give back. I did so by joining the local Volunteer Fire Department's Explorer program. Through their mentorship, I was able to become CPR Certified and help extinguish multiple brush fires saving livestock, structures, and countless acres of farmland. I was able to help extract vehicle accident victims and assist the Firefighters with whatever they would need. At 17 years old I found myself doing CPR on someone’s mother who was experiencing exactly what I had several years ago. I press my interlocked hands on this woman’s chest as her daughter wails in the distance pleading. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” runs through my head as I do chest compressions. “Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive"….. Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive. 6-7-8-9-10, check for breathing. 25 minutes later, I heard a faint beep on the portable EKG machine that told me she’s alive. I left that call with a new purpose. To help others in their greatest time of need. With my experience so far, I believe the greatest direct impact I can make on human life is to become a trauma surgeon. Knowing firsthand that there are seconds between life and death and that the wrong decision can lead to either outcome, it takes a different kind of person to successfully pursue this specialized field. I am this person. I have faith in myself to make the initial assessment, conduct appropriate testing, and have the dexterity and drive to learn the appropriate procedures and protocols to save lives when it counts. Playing competitive Volleyball for years has taught me to operate under pressure and succeed while staying calm and keeping my bearing during tense situations. I have the analytical and leadership skills needed to make tough decisions when needed. And possibly my greatest asset, in my opinion, is being able to work with diverse individuals as an effective team to produce a positive outcome. Trauma is undoubtedly a team effort. One could even see a symphony of chaos that crescendos into either an OR, or at best, a positive resolution for the patient. Medicine is a calling that few hear and fewer can thrive in. I know I can make a positive difference not only for my career but for humanity as a whole.

My name is Jillian Childs and I am a freshman at LeTourneau University in Texas, majoring in Biology of Science. My current GPA is 4.0. For my post-graduate, I will attend medical school to study trauma and trauma surgery. Why? Because by all accounts I should be dead. When I was 7 years old, I found myself choking on a piece of steak to the point of gasping and wheezing. I can’t talk, cry, or make noise. I’m turning blue and grabbing my throat. As I gasp for my last breath, I suddenly see myself lying lifeless on the cold tile. The sounds of sirens coming closer. Standing in a vast darkness that somehow feels comforting. I was accepting death in this out-of-body experience. Darkness is the last thing, and then my eyes come into focus. Awaken from this sleepless dream only to see my mother in the back of an ambulance with tear-stained cheeks. I cannot speak as I cough up blood from the scratches in my throat. It feels like sharp blades when I swallow. And then it hits me… I’m not supposed to be alive. “How am I alive?” Had it not been for the quick thinking of the Paramedics who worked on me, I would have died in seconds. After that day, years later I decided that it was time to give back. I did so by joining the local Volunteer Fire Department's Explorer program. Through their mentorship, I was able to become CPR Certified and help extinguish multiple brush fires saving livestock, structures, and countless acres of farmland. I was able to help extract vehicle accident victims and assist the Firefighters with whatever they would need. At 17 years old I found myself doing CPR on someone’s mother who was experiencing exactly what I had several years ago. I press my interlocked hands on this woman’s chest as her daughter wails in the distance pleading. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” runs through my head as I do chest compressions. “Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive"….. Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive. 6-7-8-9-10, check for breathing. 25 minutes later, I heard a faint beep on the portable EKG machine that told me she’s alive. I left that call with a new purpose. To help others in their greatest time of need. With my experience so far, I believe the greatest direct impact I can make on human life is to become a trauma surgeon. Knowing firsthand that there are seconds between life and death and that the wrong decision can lead to either outcome, it takes a different kind of person to successfully pursue this specialized field. I am this person. I have faith in myself to make the initial assessment, conduct appropriate testing, and have the dexterity and drive to learn the appropriate procedures and protocols to save lives when it counts. Playing competitive Volleyball for years has taught me to operate under pressure and succeed while staying calm and keeping my bearing during tense situations. I have the analytical and leadership skills needed to make tough decisions when needed. And possibly my greatest asset, in my opinion, is being able to work with diverse individuals as an effective team to produce a positive outcome. Trauma is undoubtedly a team effort. One could even see a symphony of chaos that crescendos into either an OR, or at best, a positive resolution for the patient. Medicine is a calling that few hear and fewer can thrive in. I know I can make a positive difference not only for my career but for humanity as a whole.