I was working at an in-patient behavioral facility for adolescents when I had a meaningful realization about myself. One of the kids on my unit experienced a traumatic flashback that led to some dangerous behaviors for him and others. Following company policy, I put him into a physical restraint to keep him from hurting himself or others. But I knew the restraint was only a short-term solution to a much bigger problem. While it was something I always knew, this moment truly brought to mind a desire to help those without the ability or resources to help themselves. My life has repeatedly been shaped by a drive to understand others while chasing equity for disempowered people. As a result, I have found that my goals have centered around clinical psychology. My desire to pursue clinical work heightened following the achievement of my bachelor’s degree. At that time, I had the pleasure of working with adolescents both in behavioral facilities and at a juvenile detention center. In doing this work, I was made painfully aware of the lack of resources for marginalized adolescents struggling with mental health disorders. It was then I realized that I truly loved the clinical applications of psychology. I found joy every day in working with different kids, and I also struggled with seeing them not receive higher quality care. Each day that I interacted with the kids on my caseload strengthened my desire to pursue clinical work. This passion to help further grew when I began working as a Mental Health Specialist while enrolled in my master’s program. I improved my time management skills, as I went to school full-time with an assistantship while working 30 hours a week. After my time in the program at UL, I accepted a position as a Psychiatric Case Manager, where I provide resources for those experiencing mental health crisis. I also provide psychological education groups to the patients. Additionally, I work with a clinical team to determine the best treatment plans and actionable steps for the patients within the hospital. Despite these experiences, I still recognize I’m ill equipped to provide what the adult and adolescent clients and patients I’ve seen need. As a result, I have decided to pursue my doctorate in clinical psychology so I can be as competent as possible when I work with these vulnerable populations. In every facet of our lives, our mental health makes an impact on our ability to function, our access to freedom and happiness, and ultimately how others might enjoy the same things. Knowing this, it strengthens my desire to aid others in growing to a point where they can mitigate the effects of their mental disorders and live a fulfilling life. With that, I hope to continue destigmatizing mental health, especially for marginalized populations like Black teens, and ultimately work with these populations to improve outcomes. My world was forever changed when I allowed myself to be open to new perspectives that would benefit those closest to me and even those who I might never even meet. I can only hope to make a positive impact for as many people as I can.