Throughout my childhood into adulthood, I always had a passion for helping others. Many close friends and family members of mine suffer from mental health, but I too experienced mental health disorders with depression and anxiety. My depression and anxiety came from my learning difference which caused to me have behavior and emotional problems in school. I have found that poor mental health affects your relationship with those around you and leads to negative thoughts making it hard to connect with them. However, your beliefs can play a role in how you manage your stress and emotions. I have found that ignoring your mental health problems can affect your career, making it hard to perform your job duties. Mental health is not just a diagnosis, it is tied to our everyday quality of lifestyle. It affects how we feel, think, and act in every stage of life. I decided to take the career path as a school psychologist to help students not only with disabilities but those who are suffering from mental health issues as well. I feel that mental health should be taught in education so that we can identify the challenges students are faced with today. As someone who has experienced this throughout my lifetime, I find it important to help young students be aware of their mental health and develop coping strategies. As a school psychologist, I plan to emphasize their strengths and encourage them to seek support with their mental health concerns. Helping students thrive not only academically but behaviorally, emotionally, and socially. It is a goal of mine to improve the lives of young people and change their negative thought patterns to positive ones. I want to make a positive impact on students by helping them manage their mental health through movement, mindfulness activities, meditation, self-regulation, and calming routines which will help reduce some of the stress they may be having. Offering students a range of mental health literacy will give them the knowledge and beliefs they need to help them be successful. I plan to help them establish healthy behavioral and thought patterns to improve their moods. Students with positive mental health are more likely to connect with others, have a positive attitude, function well in school, and feel confident. Making a connection with students is also important to me so they know they have a safe place to go to when they need support. Students may experience some type of mental health problem at least once whether it is stress-related or anxiety, it is important to address it right away so it does not turn long-term. Overall, my goal and passion is to improve student's happiness and well-being. Self-reflection helps with focusing on the positive and understanding ways of improvement and helps develop our sense of self. Warmly, Jillian Meisel

My hope to help people with disabilities within my specific major is to do assessments/testing and provide interventions that will make the student successful. Currently, I am at Capella University in my Master's program to become a school psychologist. The reason I picked this field is so that I can help other students get the help they need and deserve without having to go through the experience I did. No child should be left behind even with a disability all dreams are possible. Helping students with disabilities is my passion because when I was in the 12th grade I was diagnosed with a 4th grade reading level. I was placed on a 504 plan, which made my college experience much more successful than my high school experience. Making sure that no student has to suffer through classes without the support and interventions they need. Helping students is my lifelong goal because students are our future. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

My experience with a learning disability started at a young age however, did not find out until I was in high school. I noticed once I was in a new school in 5th grade that I seemed to be struggling a bit more. It was not until 7th grade when I was struggling so much with schoolwork that I started to act out and become a problem student. I was doing this to cover up what was going on with me, yet I did not know what it was. My mother and I got called into the assistant principal's office and I can remember it as clearly as day, he told both of us that I was just a bad kid, I would never graduate from high school, and I was going to end up in jail one day. My mother begged them to do assessments/testing with me, as she thought there was something wrong, but they denied her request. It wasn't until I was in the 12th grade about to graduate from high school that a teacher noticed that I was struggling in her class and finally said she needed to be tested. I found out that I was at a 4th grade reading level, in the 12th grade. I was finally put on a 504 plan at the end of the 12th grade but it was already too late and I had failed a class and was unable to graduate on time. I then went to summer school and still did not make it, and had to go to another school for one class with just myself in the classroom. I then passed the class and was able to graduate high school in January 2008. I was unable to graduate with a class and received my diploma in my principal's office instead of on stage. I felt like the school had failed me and didn't think college was even an option for me. That same year, I was in the hospital for over a week and ended up with a bill for over $10K due to being out of state. I came home and started to work in a factory peeling eggplants for 4 years. I knew I had to do something because I did not want to do that for the rest of my life. I knew nothing about college because both of my parents never went to college. I made the first step to call and talk to someone and explained that I had a 504 plan and it felt like a whole new experience from there on out. I quit my job and went to college, they had so many resources for me set up to help me get through my associate's degree. I was able to graduate with my associates and move on to get my bachelor's degree in psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. Currently, I am at Capella University in my Master's program to become a school psychologist. The reason I picked this field is so that I can help other students get the help they need and deserve without having to go through the experience I did. No child should be left behind even with a disability all dreams are possible. I feel I am a good candidate for this scholarship because helping students with disabilities is my passion. Making sure that no student has to suffer through classes without support and interventions. Helping students is my lifelong goal because students are our future.

Success for me looks like the ability to grow as an individual as well as helping others. Doing the best I can to accomplish goals and to have an impact on others. As I continue my education in my Master's program to become a school psychologist it will help with continuing my growth in the field. This opportunity will help me achieve my professional achievements so that I can make a positive impact on the world of education. Many of us have faced challenges to get to where we want to be in life, so skills are important for success. Having a positive outlook on the world is important because it shows inspiration and motivation, to be successful. Another success for me is leadership because this helps with communication and passion with others. It is a vision to get there, a goal to make it there, and an action in place to be successful. My mother and father never went to college, so growing up I did not know anything about college nor did I want to go to college. When I was in the 7th grade, my assistant principal told my mother and me, that I was just a bad kid, and would never make it in high school and end up in jail one day. I was also told in the 12th grade right before I was going to graduate high school that I was at a 4th grade reading level. Since then, I was put on a 504 plan, which made me feel unsuccessful as a human. All these factors held me back from being successful in the things I wanted to do in life. However, I turned all these things into something positive and started to pursue my dreams. After working in a factory for many years, I knew that was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was tired of not being successful at anything and continued with my education by getting my associate's degree first. Now that I am a mother of two children, both with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), being a role model for them is a goal of mine. Showing them that you can take so many negative things in life and turn them into success. This opportunity will help with this as well, as I show my family that you can do anything you want if you work hard at it. Finishing my Master's degree and continuing my education with an EdS degree will help me graduate. The success will be beyond what I ever dreamed of or even could imagine. My thought process throughout this journey was always how can I make it through college with a 4th-grade reading level. It took motivation and positive thoughts to make it where I am today. I think about all the possibilities I can do to help others like myself who are struggling with a disability and get them the help they deserve. For me, it's about helping others in the future. Even with a disability do not let it stop you and do not allow others to stop you from pursuing your dreams. Having this opportunity will help me with helping students with IEPs, 504 plans, interventions, counseling, and so much more. It will allow me to know that I am that much closer to making a difference in children's and young adult's lives. Children are our future and are going to be leaders of tomorrow. It is up to us to be a positive role model and send them in the right direction.

Growing up I was struggling in my classes and I never understood why instead I was acting out to ignore the fact that something was wrong. It was when I was in the 7th grade my parents try to talk to my assistant principal to try to get me some help however, his exact words were "Your daughter is just a bad student, will never make it past high school, and will end up in jail". Throughout high school I was bearly getting by with my grades with D's in most classes. It was not until my senior year of high school when a teacher noticed that there is something more going on than me being a "bad teenager". She called for a meeting and everyone agreed for me to have an assessment/testing done. Just a few months before graduation I was tested and the outcome came back that I had a fourth-grade reading level in the twelfth grade. The school set me up with a 504 plan, for a learning disability of reading difficulties/comprehensive deficiency. Along with this I also had ADHD, ODD, depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, it was too late when they finally gave me the help I needed and I failed a class and was unable to graduate on time. I then had to take the class during summer school and failed then as well and had to take it at an elementary school for a few months until I passed a test. It was an experience that no student/person should have had to experience. I was then able to get my diploma the following January, which was 6 months after graduation, missing the experience to walk across the stage with the rest of my friends. As time went on, I had very low self-esteem because of my experience and never thought that I could make it through college with a fourth-grade reading level. Instead of learning about the help that may be out there for me, I just found myself peeling eggplants in a factory for over four years thinking this is the only thing I could do because I was not smart enough. One day, I was tired of working in a factory and looked into college and what help might be available for me. After that, my life changed when I found out I could get help now and that there is hope for my future. I stopped working in the factory and enrolled in college full-time. It took me longer than most students would for an associate's degree but I finally finished. Right around the time I finished, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. I moved from New York to Minnesota, thinking I would never get my bachelor's degree having to work full time and take care of her. When my daughter turned three years old we found out she has Autism Spectrum Disorder. Being a first-time part it was very hard to hear this and to have to face the challenge ahead for her made it even more impossible for me to try to finish school. She was in feeding, OT, speech, and behavioral therapy as well as, seeing a psychologist. Things were rough but going through all this made me want to better myself for her and her future so I pushed myself to start school again and get my bachelor's in psychology. I had my son during all this as well and my motivation to finish my Master's degree in School Psychology is because of my experience and to better my children's lives. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

The best back-to-school tip for anyone is getting enough rest the night before and staying a head of your assignments. These are the best tips because tiredness leads to lack of mental energy and unable to stay alert or awake during school. It also makes it difficult to concentrate on your school work or memorize things. Being able to focus and pay attention can be difficult when your tired this is why it is very important to get enough sleep at night. When you do get enough sleep, you have more energy to be able to pay attention and have more energy to get your work done for the day. Staying a head of your assignments is important because it gives you the opportunity to better prepare yourself for the class and relieves stress. It gives you more time to work on other assignments as well and have time to go over all the assignments that need to be edited. It also always you to have sometime for yourself to take a break and not have to rush through an assignment. This gives you a positive attitude when staying a head. My social handle for Instagram is jm_mommyof2

My mental health is important because I have been through a lot of depression, anxiety, stress, hurt, pain, and most of all unhealthy choices. My mental health from childhood to adulthood had it struggles and I really never understood why until senior year of high school, when I found out I had a learning disability. It effected my who childhood and I never even knew it, or understood it even. It impacted my thoughts, behaviors, and my emotions causing deep depression. Times where I would think about suicide, and not even having a purpose in life. I never thought I would be able to do the things I wanted to do in life, such as go to college because of my learning disability. I am married now with children and just starting to realized that I needed to improve my mental health not just for them but for myself. My anxiety started after my daughter at the age of three was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I knew that I could not manage all these mental health problems I was having on my own, because if I did it might have lead to something more serious such suicide. Some ways that I maintain my mental wellness is talking with my counselor ever other week. Its good to be able to talk to a professional on ways to handle my mental health, and feeling like someone understands. It helps me cope with my emotions when I have depression or anxiety and not feel like I am alone. Another great thing that has help me, is exercising every morning. Getting my workout in first thing in the morning has help me throughout my day, and has given me more energy. Having a child with special needs is very much a challenge every single day, so I have to make sure that my mind is ready mentally to help stay focused and not let my anxiety interfere. Another great way for me to maintain my mental wellness is connecting with my family who all live in different states then me. Staying connected with positive people has helped me grow as a person and want to do positive things in my life. People who support me and listen to my mental health problems gives me hope that I am doing the right things to improve my mental health. Lastly, I always try to get a good night sleep. Having children can interrupt your sleeping, like many nights they have. However, getting a full eight hours of sleep every night, I noticed I have more energy and that I don't struggle with my depression as much during the day.

At a young age I struggled with depression and anxiety. I was always recognized at the "bad kid" or the "trouble maker" but never was given a chance by anyone to really understand what was going on with me until my senior year of high school. Senior year I was diagnosed with ADHD, depression, ODD, and most off a learning disability. I was about to graduate from high school when one teacher really noticed that I wasn't a bad kid, something more was going on with me. I was diagnosed with a forth grade reading level, in twelve grade. For a few years I let it destroy me, and thought I was never good nor smart enough for college. Once I started to figure out that there was much more help in college then there was in high school, I enrolled myself into college. Once I did that I, I was also able to help others that went to my high school who where also struggling understand that we as people, are still able to overcome anything we want to achieve. Just because people with a disability may have some weaknesses, we also have strengths to show others who we are. I always wanted to become a school psychologist, as I step into my master's degree I have volunteered some time at my church to work with students of all age groups, showing them that there dedication to something they thought they could not do, they can do. The ability to just inspire not only children but young adults with a disability means the world to me. I have a daughter who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and showing her what it means to be a leader to others in the community and giving back to help others, really inspires her to do the same for her friends. Working together with people, listening to their problems, and being a team really strengthens our community. I have also volunteered at my daughter school, it is great to show young children as well as the ones with a disability that they can make a difference in the world by working together. It really is all about supporting, motivating, and setting goals. Investing my time by being my daughters Patient Care Assistance, really has taught me a lot about Autism and how it affects others. Gaining respect from other parents who children are on the Spectrum has helped us understand what it has been like to have children with a disability. We learn to develop a connection with one another and speak out to others about what it is like to have a child on the Spectrum. Motivating others to understand that everyone is different and comes from different backgrounds. Being an active leader in my community we support each other as well help each other achieve goals. Whether it is volunteering at my church or my daughters school or just talking with other parents. Bring out the best to help others achieve goals and learn to inspire others is really what I love about being an active leader. Listening and learning new things everyday from others around us, will make this world a better place.

Looking back at my childhood, growing up I was very stressed out about school because of my learning disability as well as being overweight. I was eating unhealthy, not exercising or getting enough physical activity, like playing sports. It was not until I was out of high school when I realized I was living a very unhealthy lifestyle. Not eating healthy, not working out, being overweight, and had no idea how to manage any of my stress. At the same time this was going on I was having issues with my kidneys. I knew I had to make some life changing experience in order to live a healthy life. It's important to live a healthy life because you want a healthier mental and physical life in order to live longer and reduce health issues. I started to watch what I was eating and being more active. Once that happened, I started to lose weight and it help reduce some of my stress as well. It also made me much happier then I was during my childhood. Improving ways to increase my happiness and reduce my stress was helping with my moods as well as my health conditions. I felt though I was not all the way living a healthy life due to some of the stress I was still facing. I was trying to find ways to reduce it and one of them was getting a good night sleep at night. Making sure I was getting at least eight hours of sleep at night to be able to function with all the things I needed to do in one day, definitely made a difference in my life. Staying healthy will help us live longer and enjoy life more. Another thing to live a healthy life is being kind to yourself, selfcare is important because it also improves energy as well as reducing stress. Being a wife and mother is stressful at times and adding in work, school, and other daily activities is even more stressful. Maintaining a healthy life style, I have learned that my anxiety and depression has decreased when I workout because my body feels good. Feeling good not just in my body but my mind as well helps me deal with my daily activities, solve problems, think positive, and improve my mental and physical health all around. Another great way I found to maintain a healthy lifestyle is connecting with others. Connecting with others who are positive can help improve your stress and gain a healthy lifestyle. Well-being in your everyday situations can help lean new coping skills as well as good emotional-health. Taking time away from all the stressful things in your life and focusing on things that matter the most also help me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Taking a break or a vacation away from work or my kids sports/therapy helps me realize that we are living a healthy lifestyle when with others and staying connected together. Positive attitude also is a great way to help improve your healthy lifestyle.

My future goal is to work with veterans and specialize in PTSD. I also would like to work with children with disabilities. I just graduated with my BA in psychology and plan to go on and get my Master's in the fall. As a wife of a military veteran and a mother to a daughter with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is hard to choose a direction to go with. I am definitely interested in both of these careers. My goal is to keep learning more about both so that if I ever get the opportunity to counsel veterans or children with disabilities, I know that I am capable of doing it. If I don't get my master's in clinic mental health counseling, my goal is to get it in School Psychology. Children are our future and veterans served to protect our country. The most important thing for them is to feel like they have someone to help when they need it. The world we live in now is changing every day but it takes a special someone to make a difference in a person's life. In order to make a change in someone's life, i need to continue my education and continue to reach my goals.

My best skills are teamwork, listening and problem solving. By working together and listening to others opinions has helped me learn and increase the best choice of any solution that may come up. Gathering information and helping others to problem solve, it is best to understand each situation in other individuals view point. Strategizing main ideas and details are some of the ways to help me improve my problem solving. Different steps of active listening can also help me such as, using eye contact and retain information so the other person can feel me paying attention to what they are saying as well. Building trust with others is also one of my best skills, because this allows me to have good communication with others. I can improve building trust with individuals by being honest, respectful, and showing that I care about them. Respecting their opinions, makes individuals feel more respected and happier in their life. Personal relationship will keep a long-term approach and help me make better communication with others whether it is at school, work, or even in my household. Trust is a good motivation for me to help improve any of my skills because I can learn from others who support me.

Being a daughter of an Marine Veteran, has shaped my career aspirations because I now am in my senior year of undergrade school for psychology and want to get my MA in Clinic and mental health counseling. My father has not only but a different aspect look on my life but my siblings as well. Looking at my family, if it wasn't for my father joining the military and telling stories about his experience I do not think my siblings would have joined. Now that I have 2 brothers who served in the Iraq/Afghanistan war, and a sister who has been in the Army for 17 years, this makes me push even further for my education. My father came from a very poor family, and was given up for adoption when he was young. He was in and out of foster homes his whole life until he joined the Marines. When he joined the Vietnam War just ended the year before, but he was still sent over to Vietnam. He has experience PTSD, but has always been a shame to admit it. His life was on the line at that time, and he still has letters from when he would write to my grandmother and my a picture from when he was over there by his bedside. My father wears his dog tags still around his neck everyday in remembrance of his time he served. I will never forget his stories he talked about while over in Vietnam, still conflict even after the war ended. I am a wife now to a Army veteran and as I hear my husband talk to my children about his time at war, knowing he's suffering from PTSD as well as my father, and siblings I want to help with PTSD and other mental health problems to other families who are also experiencing this. My father is now in his 60's and still sometimes has a hard time sleeping due to his time in service. He had a hard time knowing what he was going to do next after he got out of the service, and his PTSD has affected this. He struggled to be able to go to college but instead was able to get a truck driving career. He struggled with finding a place to live and where he was going with his life next but he was able to manage even though his PTSD and mental health issues after service got in the way of that. I am very proud of my father for everything he has done, and for this I want to give back to the veteran community by helping other Veterans like my dad and their families. To over come PTSD, and other mental health issues, will make a healthier and better life style for them.

My daily sources of motivation would be my children, especially my 6 year old daughter who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Everything I do is for my family, and I keep pushing myself to get through college and every day because of them. However, my daughter is my number one motivation because I have watched her struggle every day, and get back up and succeed. She has come a long way since being diagnosed and I want to keep giving her, and my family the best life that they deserve. On her bad days it can be very difficult, and so it motivates me to continue my education so that I can provide her with the best care. If she can make it through some of her hard days, I believe I can as well. She motivates me just as much as I motivate her to do well in school and to keep moving forward. Everyone looks at motivation differently, I feel like I am stronger then ever because of her and watching all that she has gone through in just a few short years.

Some ways that I make my friends, family, and others in my life feel loved is that I always have a listening ear. Anytime anyone needs someone to talk to or just listen I am always there for them. Making time out of my busy day, to just listen to their problems and making them feel like someone cares and loves them. I would do anything to help a friend, family or people in my life that needed me during a difficult time. They have always been their for me during difficult times when I never thought I had anyone. To be able to do the same for them by thanking them or just telling them how much I appreciate them. Another great way that I love to make others feel loved is sending them unexpected gifts. For example, my friend was having a really hard time finding a home for her family and had to move back in with her parents. She was struggling with being a single mom, working, going to school and looking for a new home. I know that must have been very hard for her, so one day when she was not expecting it I sent her gifts hoping that it would bring joy to her and her children. Sometimes we can't do it all, but small things is really what counts. Feeling like someone cares about you especially during the hard times in your life can really make a big difference.

What joy means to me is cherishing every moment and every day with my love ones. Surrounding myself with positive people who motivate me and make me a better person. Taking all the negative that has happened in my past, and focus on my future. Spending time with those who make you smile and laugh is what joy is all about. It helps keep me positive and reflect on what matters in the world the most. Taking the time to watch my family be happy and enjoy life brings me so much joy. Celebrating life, birthdays, holidays, and events in order to have memories that will last a life time. Being kind to one another and enjoy life together to live a healthy and happy life brings joy to me every day. I love seeing the faces of others around me surrounded by joy and happiness, this makes me feel like I am doing what I was meant to do on earth, which is make others happy. Adding happiness to your life with bring joy to your soul and mind. I appreciate everything I have and will continue to show joy to others as I always have.

I think that it is important for people to be involved in their communities because it allows you to have a better understanding of everyone around you, which could lead to making new friends. Making connections with those in your communities will help create stronger bonds. It can also allow you to give back to those who needed it the most in the communities. Doing things for others can help lead to happiness in others and within yourself knowing you did a good deed. It can also make you feel safe and secure knowing, knowing the people within your community and reaching goals together to help keep it safe. Donating is one way that I help my community so far. It is something that I am happy to do to help those who need it the most. Donating items as well as my time to help others who just need someone to listen to their problems. I have also helped clean up parks in my community, to show proper disposable waste and to reduce pollution. I have also donated money to charities, making a difference in one persons life, means the world to me. It also, helps motivate others in your community to give for a good cause. I plan to help my community through my future career by volunteering more of my time to better myself and those around me. Setting small goals in order to help others in the community will give me a fulfilling feeling of giving back. Helping others feels good and not only does it make me happy, but it makes others as well. Volunteering my time gives me a since of purpose and creates a sense of belonging. Whether its volunteering at a school, or even a non-profit organization it will help me to develop skills and grow my learning process for my future career. As I learn more about people struggling in the mental health field, valuing my time to spend with each person will show that I am listening. Providing feedback to each of individual will also help with the communication we will share. Having a connection with my community will help with my future career because it will show that I am interested in helping others in many different ways.

A time in my life I had to persevere through a difficult situation is when I found out I had a learning disability knowing I went through 5-12 grade struggling. Having a 4th grade reading level in 12th grade, was such a shocker to me, and made me feel so hopeless. I was so angry that I didn't get the help I deserved and that I didn't find out until 12th grade. Now it was too late to try to make up time, and I had failed a class and was unable to graduate high school on time and walk across stage. I was able to graduate high school and receive my diploma in the principles office the following January. This situation made it hard for me to continue my education because I was put down by many people. They would make fun of me for not knowing how to read, and tell me I would live with my parents forever. A few years later, I didn't want to peel eggplants for 8 hours a day anymore so I looked into college myself, thinking that I would never make it through the first day. Here I am today 1 class away from graduating with my bachelor's degree and plan to get my master's. I was tired of hearing all the negative comments and was ready to show family and friends that I can do it, even with a learning disability. Never let something stop you from pursuing your dreams, even in a difficult situation.

My favorite way to help others is to donate items that I no longer need and to donate my time to those who need it. I love giving things away to people who need it the most, knowing that they can use the items more then I could. Making some ones day just knowing someone is out there willing to help, is one of my favorite ways to help others. That I can be there for someone whether its just to listen to their problems or if I can help in anyway possible, makes me so happy. I also like donating my time to be able to help watch children, while parents are able to have a break. I know how hard it is to be a parent, some just helping other parents makes me happy to know that I can. It is important that we all have good health and if I can make some ones day, I know that my job on earth has been done. Sharing and giving, is what is really important because in the end seeing others happy is what makes me happy.

Something I learned about myself that I have found valuable is that thing we want don't always come easy. I always wanted to go to college and have a great career for my family, but I allowed a lot of time to slip away due to my learning disability. It has stopped me from doing a lot of things in life that I have missed out on, and now that I have a family getting my degree has been my biggest struggle. I have a daughter who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and there have been days were I never thought I would make it through. I am learning that nothing comes easy, but if you keep working hard at it, it will eventually come. It has been four years now that I had started working on my bachelor's degree and already had an associates degree. I never thought that I would make it here because it was not easy for me, but I am a class away from graduating and plan to get my master's. I know it will not be easy and that I have to be patient, and it may take me longer then what I anticipate. However, hard work pays off and I will be where I want, as long as I continue to never give up.

What I want my legacy to be is to make an impact on peoples lives, so that they can live healthier and happier. As I continue my education in the psychology/counseling field because I love helping people, I want to leave behind that I was able to make a difference in lives and that peoples mental health are so much better now. The reason why I want to do this is because, I have suffered from anxiety and depression my whole life. It is something that is hard to over come and as I watch others suffer from it, I want to make a difference. I am a military wife, I have watched my husband suffer from PTSD due to his time at war. Veterans have helped us and sacrificed their lives for us, it is our time to respectively help them when they come home from war. I just want to put a special place in peoples hearts knowing that they are worthy and important just like everyone else. Mental health as well as physical health are important because it helps prevent serious health conditions, allowing you to live a happy life style.

One sentence I would share with the world is, " the decisions you make today, can and will affect the way you live tomorrow". If you make a great decision today by signing up for school, you are doing a great thing for what tomorrow has in store for you. If you make a bad decision today, you may just regret it tomorrow. Any decision you make today, will only help or not help what your actions and feelings will look like tomorrow. I have always loved this sentence, it was one from high school and has stuck with me throughout my life time. No matter what life throws at you, if you make a good decision you will be happy with it tomorrow and later on. Be smart about the decisions you make today, if you don't like something change it. Where we are today is a result of what we made yesterday. Decisions can help you strengthen your values and be proud of them. Looking back on your decisions, will help you will help your realize that they actually have a big effect on your life. You have to work hard at what you want, but what you will get in the end is so rewarding. So think before making a decision so you know it is the right one for you, and you won't need to look back and think I made the wrong decision.

The most important thing in this world that makes me happy is watching my children be happy. I have a daughter who is 6 years old who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and a son who will be 2 years old soon. My hope for both of them is that I can give them the childhood that they deserve and just watching them grow up and learn new things makes me so happy. As I watch my daughter struggle every day with having ASD, just watching her be happy and do the things she loves just makes me so proud to be her mother. Knowing that she is having a good day, and that both my children have a close connection makes me happy. Taking time out of my day, to spend time with my children also makes me happy. It is not every day that I get to go outside and play with them or sit down and watch a movie with them, so I really just appreciate the little things we do that make them happy such as reading a book or making dinner together. Anything to put a smile on my children's face every day, is really what makes me happy.

The song that inspires me the most is "Fight Song" By: Rachel Platten. I have a learning disability that has stopped be from doing a lot of things in life. I was made fun of because of it and was even told I would be living with my parents for the rest of my life. I have struggled with anxiety and depression but music has always been a inspiration to me and has help me moved forward. This song has made me feel like there was hope, and help me make it to where I am today. I would have never been able to make it through college, If I didn't keep on fighting for it. I was able to move out of my parents house, to a new state, got married, bought a home, and have two children. I never thought this was possible with a learning disability, but I fought for it because I was tired of hearing all of the negative comments about me. One of the lyrics in the song states "I don't really care if nobody else believes, cause I still got a lot of fight left in me". I was told by my assistance principle in grammar school that I was just a bad kid, and would end up in jail on day. I am fighting to prove everyone wrong, that I am more then what they think I am and this song brings so much hope. I can listen to it all day to remind myself, that I am fighting to be proud of myself and not whatever one else thought I was.

Giving is so important to me because it brings others happiness, allows you to connected with one another, and builds a stronger society. There are a lot of things I do to give back such as donating items to those in need. As someone who comes from a poor house hold, I know what it was like to have very little things growing up and having to share. This taught me value, and to give when I can to those who need it the most. I also, donate my time to watch children at church so that parents can have a hour or so to give grace. I donate to my daughters school, when ever possible to give children and their families a Christmas, and hope they need. Just knowing that you can be their for families especially during this of the pandemic when they are in need the most, makes me thankful for everything I do to help others. I also donate items to the Vietnam Vets and their families as well, even though I wish I could do more at times. It is so important because, you can really change one persons life knowing that they can count on someone in a time in need. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

One of my absolute favorite simple pleasure is watching my children grown. Watching them play together, do activities, smile, and laugh is how it really makes me happy in life. From babies, they started to crawl and roll over. Those moments I knew would not last forever, so I took it all in to remember those moments. As we know, time never stops so I believe it is important to enjoy the little moments in life because we will never seen some of them again. When my children want to snuggle up on the couch with blankets during a cold winter night, it gives me happiness and hope. Every single day I am just so grateful for my family, but it will be the happy memories that I will hold on to for a life time. Wanting my children to stay little forever, but being excited to watch them grow up is really the simple pleasure in my life that keeps me going every single day. One day I can look back on life and say that I made so many memories with my family, and realize those where the moments that truly mattered. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

The challenges I have overcome as a military spouse was the deployment to Iraq, and the mental health issues my husband suffers from like PTSD. My husband was in the Army and did a 22 month deployment which was only suppose to be a year deployment in Iraq. However, when it was only a few months before he was suppose to come home they decided to expand his time even longer. When he would call me on Skype which was the easiest to chat from, it would be very late my time. So every night I would have to keep my computer by my bedside so I wouldn't miss his call. I remember him having to tell me that he was staying longer, it was like a stab in the heart. Going to work and school kept me busy, however I missed him everyday and that was a challenge when I did not hear from him. Actually, everyday was a challenge to get out of bed and do daily things, not knowing what may or may not happen to my husband was scary. I couldn't function so days, it made it challenging to even want to go out with friends sometimes. Just knowing that I may miss his call or video chats made it so hard on me. The time that we spend apart was the hardest, and I am just very thankful that he has come home safe. However, now he's dealing with mental health issues and it not only is a challenge for him but for me and the kids. PTSD is something that should not go unnoticed or untreated. For months you may not see signs or symptoms which was the case for my husband. As time went on you started to see them, and he was getting into a deep depression. He started on medication, and talking to therapist helped however it has been years since his deployment and still struggles everyday. The challenges are watching him try to get out of bed everyday, feeling depressed, sleep apnea, can't be in big crowds, and issues with his lower back. Its tough as a spouse to watch your husband suffer from a trauma event. Many people do not see behind the scenes especially once your spouse becomes a civilian. All they see was he served, and none of his struggles that he is facing today. Coping with everything has also been a challenge for me. I understand that the PTSD symptoms have to be hard for my husband, however it does affect me as well. The hardest one is watching him drink alcohol on a daily bases, and not being there some times for his children. Every family of military spouses experience is different, for me its a challenge even after he served in Iraq. I have learned to over come all of them by staying positive, keep working hard at getting help for him and myself, and focusing on goals for the future. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

The best way to live a healthy and long life is to stay active and develop a healthy lifestyle. Keeping your mental and physical health healthy by exercising, eating healthy, sleeping well, managing stress, and connecting with positive people. These will help boost your energy and keep you living a longer healthier lifestyle. Having a positive mind and staying active will help you increase your mood and make you feel better. Living a healthy lifestyles means you are at a lower risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and heart attacks. Also, some other ways are avoiding drinking too much alcohol and stay away from smoking. Maintaining a health weight will help you live a long healthy life as well by, choosing healthy food and drinking plenty of water. Relationships help you live longer as well because it helps you stay happy and positive. It also decreases any depression and have less health issues. Doing thing that will make you happier and healthier are all great ways to live a longer life style. I know everyone is different and may have some health issues, but some activities and connecting with others can help increase moods which can help live a longer life. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

I actively listen to those around me by taking the time to listen to others thoughts, beliefs, needs and values. Looking them in the eyes so they know that I am paying attention to them, and listen with out judgement. My listening to them they know you are paying attention and when it's time to respond they know that I acknowledge their message. Responding appropriately and asking for clarification makes the person know that I listened but need a better understanding. Listening means to me that your giving an individual your undivided attention. This means you understand what they are trying to tell you, you have good body language, and eye contact. In order to have better communication with individuals it's important to send the person good messages through contact so they know you are listening to them. Listening not only shows respect for someone, but it also shows that your reliable to talk to when needed. Listening closely and honestly builds trust in people. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

At the age of 24, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter who is now 6 years old. At the time, I was living with my parents, working, and in school finishing up my associates degree. My boyfriend (now husband) was living in Minnesota and I was in New York. Moving to Minnesota once I finished up my associates degree to be with my husband, I had my daughter and stop going to school. As time went on I was working and my daughter at the time was 2 years old started to have some difficulties with her mental health. When she turned 3 years old, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Something no parent wants to hear, and understanding the struggles she had to face throughout the years. By the age 4 years old my daughter was in feeding classes, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, and seeing a psychologist for her medication. Working full time, and trying to balance all her appointments left it impossible for me to try to do school. When she was 5 years old, we welcomed a new addition to the family her baby brother. Little did I know that this would make it even harder for her and she started to have behavioral issues. Along with all her other therapy, we added on behavioral therapy now as well. I tried to do school but I had to take long breaks in between, thinking it was absolutely impossible to be able to go to school, work full time, and manage a child with special needs. Creating a more stability and more opportunities for my family to live a healthy lifestyle. Thank you, Jillian Meisel As time went on, I ended up quieting my job because she was being kicked out of daycares and many people could not handle her like I could. My FMLA at work was running low from all the time I needed to take for my daughter. Once I was able to get assistance for her, I was able to become her PCA, and start school again. My daughter started school making a little easier for me to be able to do school work. I will use my higher education to support my family my giving my daughter with ASD, and my son the best life possible. For my daughter, I want to be able to give her all the help she needs, in order to help her overcome and be successful in life.

Community means to me is coming together as a whole to help one another in a time of need. Feeling like you have a safe place to turn to whether it is your neighbors, friends, or family. Creating a sense of belonging even if you come from different backgrounds or cultures. Sharing your experience with one another and not feel like your being judged by anyone, your values and beliefs can make an impact on people. It is important to have a community that is connected because relationships are build, and no one is felt left out. Working together in a community will help people stay connected and understand more of why it is important to intergrade. How I give back to my community is donating things that I no longer need and always staying connecting with others. Having that connection makes me know that I have someone to turn to in a time of need. Donating things also is a great way to feel connected, because I know someone else can use the items that I know longer need. Also, I donate some of my time to the church my volunteering to help in the kids rooms. Another thing me and my family love to do in the summer time is picking up litter in the parks near our home. It is a great way to keep the parks clean for the children, but also shows my children how to keep the environment clean and why not to litter. A little about myself, I am originally from Buffalo, NY but now live in Minnesota. I come from a very big military background family, as well as my husband. I have a learning disability that has allowed me to think I was not smart enough to go to college. My senior year of high school I was told I was at a 4th grade reading level. It made it very difficult for me to be able to more forward with my education. As I got older I wanted to go to college so I started looking into it and found out that there was more help for me then there was in high school. It was then I started to pursue my dreams, and finished my associates degree. I am now almost done with my bachelors degree in psychology and plan to get my master's in clinical mental health counseling. My goal would me to work with veterans but I also would like to teach mental health counseling as well. Helping others is my passion, to be able to make my dreams come true would be amazing. Not everyone with a disability is able to move forward with their dreams and goals. However, here I am trying to make it happen and to show others that it is possible. Working with veterans whether it is helping them continue their education, mental health issues, or career goals would be what my future holds. Thank you, Jillian

The most important thing in my life that makes me happy is making others happy. Whether it's family, friends, coworkers, or even someone I don't know in my community. Just putting a smile on someone's face, not knowing if they are having a good day or bad day makes me feel good and happy. My daughter who is 6 years old is Autistic and I also have a son who is 1 years old. It makes it challenging to take care of my daughter but just knowing that she has a smile everyday on her face, she's well taken care of and that shes happy makes me feel so good. Not everyone has the same challenges like my daughter but we all have different challenges in life. Making someone's day whether paying for someone's meal in the drive thru, or just asking how they are doing today at the store? Can change someone's day and make them feel better. That's what life is all about and that's what makes me feel so happy knowing others are happy as well. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

My name is Jillian Meisel and I am originally from Buffalo, NY but now live in Minnesota. I am married with a 6-year-old daughter and a 19-month-old son. From a young age, I have been surrounded by family who has joined or have served in the Military. Starting with my grandfather, father, and 3 out of 5 of my siblings who have joined. As they each served during different times, I got to learn more about their experience while they were in and more about their mental health after they left the service. I am a wife to an Army Veteran who served a 22-month tour in Iraq and his life has never been the same afterward. After coming home from Iraq in 2007, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After being on medication for PSTD it seemed to help, but other mental health issues started to develop such as depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea. My husband's mental health issues as well as my family, helped me decide on my career path. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my mental health career by specializing in PTSD and helping Veterans and their families. By continuing my education in mental health counseling I want to connect with others and develop coping skills to help them through their problems. Every Veteran has a different experience from their time at service, so I need to understand their situation and come up with goals on how they can live a happier and healthier lifestyle. For example, writing down all the goals that they plan on accomplishing, and telling other positive people about them but also making sure to set a time frame to achieve those goals. Helping them turn their trauma into a memory, so they can focus on the positive instead of the negative thoughts. By dealing with their feelings from the past, it will help manage their stress level and help them live a healthier life. Having a healthy relationship with the client to come up with goals that they would like to achieve will make a positive impact, not just on them but on my mental health career as well. Listening to them, keeping eye contact, understanding what they may have gone through, setting realistic goals, and creating a support group are all great ways to help our Veterans over come their mental health issues. As I continue my career, I hope to volunteer my time at a near by VA Center, to get to now more about PTSD and other mental health issues are Veterans suffer from. My husband was deployed during his time of service however, my sister who has been in the Army for 17 years has not been deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan war. This does not meant that she has not traveled around the world and experienced many issues throughout her Military career. We have to help our veterans because we have a lot to be thankful for because of there sacrifice and commitment. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

As a person with mental health problems and a learning disability, my goal is to help others with there mental health. What I think should be done to help people who struggle with mental health is giving them a place to feel like they can be open about their problems and having support for them. Having someone you can turn to in order to help through your struggles can be challenging. However, if you find others who are going through the same thing, that can help change your negative thoughts into positive ones. I think having a support system is always helpful because they can provide you with emotion support. Not everyone has the same mental health issues, so those who are struggling with mental health so showing them patients, that you are their to listen, and not to judge them will help with support. By educating myself on symptoms and possible treatment plans for those who need it, will improve individuals with mental health life-style. Mental health can be anything from depression, anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, or even panic disorder. Learning how to deal with these mental health issues, its best to set life-long goals. In order to reach these goals, individuals should write them down in a journal, share them with others, and set a deadline. New strategies and coping skills to turn your negative problems or issues into a positive one in order to have a healthier life. More positive motivation can help with reducing stress, and give you more energy to do the thing you want to do in life. Mental health issues are life changing to individuals who have them in order to help individuals we need to come together and create positive people to reduce symptoms. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

I believe I should be awarded this scholarship because it will help me achieve my life long-goal to help others. As a person with a learning disability I struggled to achieve a lot of goals, but as I further my education I am working towards my career now. My goal is to help others with their mental health and developmental disabilities so that individuals can have a healthier life style. This scholarship would help me make a difference in others life's by allowing me to move forward with my education. Most important thing that I am aiming for to achieve is making a difference in the community and those around us to achieve their goals. Positive behavior support will help improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disability by using strategies to reinforce life-long goals. Everyone has different dreams and goals, but sometimes in life our mental health or disabilities hold us back from getting to where we want to be in life. Individuals with developmental disabilities need support and be able to increase their quality of life. When working with them through my experience I plan on showing them ways that will help with increasing their quality of life and also, make better choices. Such as showing empathy towards an individual but working together on a goal to help improve their problems they maybe facing. I am a mother of a 6 year old daughter who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the high functioning side. I am also, her Personal Care Assistant (PCA) which I can help with her everyday task. Helping her with self-care, motivation, increase social relationship, and day-to-day functioning's also gives me experience on how to help others who need it as well. Making a difference in individuals with developmental disabilities lives will give them the ability and opportunity to have the support they need. By developing the skills and plans for those with developmental disabilities will help them to improve their health and overall happiness. Challenges happen for many different reasons, so in order to help the individual they must express their feelings and what they need. By working together and coming up with goals such as strategy monitoring for any situation they maybe facing. Setting goals is such an important part of helping individuals with developmental disabilities whether its just being able to socialize with others, or working on behavior issues. Having structure is also good because it helps you stay focus and motivated on reaching your long-time goals and dreams. Also, creating a sense of balance in your everyday life will help reduce stress and any other mental health issues you maybe facing. Developmental disabilities differ from individuals who may have the same diagnosis, but finding what works best is the key idea to making their life-style better. Positive daily habits and self-care can also help with individuals with developmental disabilities, its important to keep their mental health as well as their physical healthy. As I continue my education with psychology and work toward my goals, I will learn more along the way by helping others. Finding ways in my community such as volunteering my time to provide support to who ever needs it. Taking care of others and listening to to their concerns is my dream job. Working together to serve others to develop their strengths and happiness will make this world an even better place. This scholarship will help me, help others who are dealing with difficulties in their life and turn them into a healthier and better life-style. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

I knew at a young age that I always had depression, but at the age of 16 years old I attempted to commit suicide. As a young child growing up with 5 siblings, and very poor house hold it was not easy being able to talk to anyone about it because the rest of my siblings seem fine. I struggled with a learning disability making my life very difficult to meet friends, be a honor student like the rest of my siblings, but most of all read. As a senior in high school I was tested for my reading level which came back 4th grade reading, which was too late for me to graduate on time. After high school I tried to talk to counselors about my depression and even tried medication because I felt like I was different then others, but nothing worked. Seeing my siblings succeed in life was evening making my mental health decrease. I never thought I could go to college because of my learning disability, or basically do anything with my career because I felt hopeless. Things got worse at the age of 18 years old for me when I was hospitalized for a week and received a bill for over $10,000 due to being out of state and my insurance did not cover it. My mental health went way down, along with my self esteem. Here I was 18 years old, with no job, only one left living at home with my parents and had this huge bill to pay. My mom was able to get me a job at her work, and it was not a bad job but I did not want to peal eggplants for the rest of my life. My depression was so bad that I had gained so much weight, I did not even know who I was anymore. Finally at the age of 21, I decided to look into college and to see what help was out there for someone with a learning disability. Little did I know, there was more help with college then there was with high school. I decided to quite my job, and go to school which I was super excited about and help with my depression. My depression with mental health has impact my beliefs by allowing me to stop doing what I wanted to do, which was go to college. My hopes and dreams where long gone and I was always put down by others saying "you will live with your parents forever". Having depression has stopped me from doing many things in my life. I struggled making relationships with friends due to my lack of confidence, thinking people would call me "stupid" or "retarded" for having a learning disability. Once I got a part-time job to help me get through community college, I made a few friends. I was shocked at how many people did not notice, and how good I was at hiding my learning disability from others. Once I release that it is okay to be myself, and that others may have a learning disability or depression like I did, I was much happier. I started to lose weight and feel more confident about myself. I was able to meet my husband who was in the Army and did a 22 mouth tour in Iraq that he too suffered from depression because of his PTSD. Together we are able to help each other, and talk through the things so that we understand when we have depression at times. It is one of the hardest things to overcome but having support is definitely helpful. I learned that talking to others is important and taking the time to understand that your never alone in whatever you maybe going through. With my experience with depression as well as my husbands, I am finishing up my BA in psychology and plan to get my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I want to help others just like us who suffer from depression. My main goal is to work with Veterans who are suffering from PTSD, but PTSD also causes depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, and other mental health issues. Helping others to over come their mental health just like many others, will make them have a better and healthier life style. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

As a young child with a learning disability and not even knowing it I struggled tremendously as I the years went on. When I was in the 4th grade my teacher Ms. Sperrazza, would keep me after school to help with my reading. I was making a lot of progress in her class, until I headed into 5th grade at a new school. This school had no intentions on working with me and as the years went on I kept on struggling with my reading to the point I was just acting out so no one would notice. Until one day I was in the 8th grade and my mom got a call from the assistant principle Mr. Rodriguez that he would like to have a conference with the three of us. I remember it like yesterday, he told my mom in his office "I was a bad child, I was not going to make it through high school and I would end up in jail". After 8th grade, I went on to High School where things did not change much. I was still avoiding homework, skipping classes, struggling every possibly way just to make it through the next year. As I failed multiple test that I ended up failing the classes and had to take them the following year. I felt so hopeless that I was never going to get through high school. I had a hard time making friends at times, and just wanted to act like the tough student so no one would notice my learning disability so I wouldn't be called "stupid" or "retarded". It was not until 12th grade, at the end of the school year when one teacher noticed that something was not right with me, and felt I should be tested for my reading. I still remember when they took me into the library and tested me at the table, with flash cards of words that I couldn't read. They would ask me to read the next one or say skip, I can remember just putting my head down and tears came out and I said "I don't know these words". Once the test was over and my results came in, I was at a 4th grade reading level trying to do 12th grade work. By then I had failed a class and ended up graduating the January of the following year and missing out on graduation. After my whole school experience, I had no intentions on going to college at all because I never thought there was help. My motivation for pursuing a higher education is to prove to others that no matter what disability or who tells you differently you can do it. I would love to show others that there is help out there and to never give up on pursuing your dreams and goals. I let too much time go by because of my learning disability, but I am focused on proving everyone I can and will do it. I feel I am a good a candidate for this scholarship because I am making my dreams come true by going to college and not allowing my disability hold me back. It took me many years to get to where I am today, but because of all the negative that I had with my disability I am now able to turn it into a positive one. Everyday things are changing and more help is available now for individuals with a learning disability. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

My goal is for the future is to become a Military Veterans Counselor. I plan on graduating with my BA in psychology in April 2022 and going for my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I would like to do an internship with the VA Center near my home to gain experience. I also want to specialize in PTSD, so that I can reach my goal to work at Walter Reed Medical/Hospital for Veterans located in Washington, D.C. Giving back to the Veterans, and helping them and their families is so special to my heart. I come from a very big military family starting with grandparents, father, siblings, husband, aunts, uncles, and cousins. By achieving these goals, strongly understanding the worlds view and setting small goals for myself to be the best counselor for Veterans. PTSD is the number mental health issue in Veterans, which can lead to suicide. If I can save lives by my knowledge of PTSD and what I have learned throughout the years then I have achieved my goals. PTSD causes other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and nightmares. My goal is to help them decrease the negative emotions, feelings, and behaviors and turn them into positive ones. I plan on doing this by learning more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which will help Veterans life a better lifestyle. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

Throughout my life I have learned many things about PTSD which is leading me to my goals and dreams today. I grow up with a father who served in Marines, right after the Vietnam War and was sent to the Philippines. After coming home he suffered with PTSD, he would tell us stories about being over there but would keep somethings to himself making it hard for him to sleep at night. Even years later he still wears his dog tags around his neck, and keeps a picture of him when he was over in the Philippines by his bedside. Not only did my father serve, I have two brothers who served in the Iraq/Afghanistan war, my sister who has been in the Army for 17 years, brother-in-law who was in the Airforce, my husband who also served a 22 month tour in Iraq, grandparents and many aunts and uncles who served. Throughout their time of service I have watch them suffer from PTSD, making it difficult for them to do most things in life that most of us can do. Being able to go to large events such as concerts, theme parks, parties ext. PTSD is not just flashbacks of things you have experience, it also causes other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, nightmares (sleep apnea), drug/alcohol use, and even self-esteem issues. As a daughter, wife, sister, niece, and granddaughter of military veterans and active duty members for years I have seen many of these mental health issues happened to most of them. I have learned that in order to help them, they must want the help first. Its never easy to talk about your time in service to others you may not know. Individuals with PTSD, it just does not go away it can last for years even after they have served. They may feel sad at times, anger or have a hard time being around others. I have learned that it can be hard for them to get a job, maintain physically healthy or trust others. I hope to use this experience to help others currently suffering from PTSD by graduating with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. By being a counselor at either Walter Reed which is one of the biggest Medical/Hospitals for Veterans located in Washington, D.C. or to work with Veterans at a VA Center, it will help me give back to what I have learned throughout my life. My goals would be to give them a healthier and happier life style not just for themselves but for their family and friends as well. The best way to do this would be to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because it aims to take the negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and turns them into positive ones. Leaning more about PTSD, is going to help me show Veterans positive ways to cope with it by joining support groups, spending time with positive people, taking time to relax for themselves, and writing down their feelings and emotions. I can not wait to pursue my dreams by helping Veterans who are in need as well as their families. Thank you, Jillian Meisel

Being a daughter of an Marine Veteran, has shaped my career aspirations because I now am in my senior year of undergrade school for psychology and want to get my MA in Clinic and mental health counseling. My father has not only but a different aspect look on my life but my siblings as well. Looking at my family, if it wasn't for my father joining the military and telling stories about his experience I do not think my siblings would have joined. Now that I have 2 brothers who served in the Iraq/Afghanistan war, and a sister who has been in the Army for 17 years, this makes me push even further for my education. My father came from a very poor family, and was given up for adoption when he was young. He was in and out of foster homes his whole life until he joined the Marines. When he joined the Vietnam War just ended the year before, but he was still sent over to Vietnam. He has experience PTSD, but has always been a shame to admit it. His life was on the line at that time, and he still has letters from when he would write to my grandmother and my a picture from when he was over there by his bedside. My father wears his dog tags still around his neck everyday in remembrance of his time he served. I will never forget his stories he talked about while over in Vietnam, still conflict even after the war ended. I am a wife now to a Army veteran and as I hear my husband talk to my children about his time at war, knowing he's suffering from PTSD as well as my father, and siblings I want to help with PTSD and other mental health problems to other families who are also experiencing this. My father is now in his 60's and still sometimes has a hard time sleeping due to his time in service. He had a hard time knowing what he was going to do next after he got out of the service, and his PTSD has affected this. He struggled to be able to go to college but instead was able to get a truck driving career. He struggled with finding a place to live and where he was going with his life next but he was able to manage even though his PTSD and mental health issues after service got in the way of that. I am very proud of my father for everything he has done, and for this I want to give back to the veteran community by helping other Veterans like my dad and their families. To over come PTSD, and other mental health issues, will make a healthier and better life style for them. Thank you, Jillian Meisel