Mental health is crucial to me because as a elementary school-aged student I lost an older cousin to suicide. Having experienced the loss of a loved one made me understand how fragile our minds and feelings can be. I have learned that everyone has good and bad days but some individuals fight challenges we can not see. Smiles and routines are used as a mechanism to hide true emotions that create daily struggles. Through compassion, understanding, and awareness a difference can be made. As a student, I advocate for mental health every day through my actions. I make sure I smile at others, greet them and accept my peers and their differences, because I understand how inclusion can help people feel accepted. In my large school or during in class activities, I make sure to include peers that isolate or struggle socializing, have physical disabilities or on the autism spectrum. If a peer looks withdrawn I simply ask, “Are you okay?” This question is asked in hopes if the individual needs someone to listen without judgement I am that person. I also promote mental health awareness by wearing gear that supports reaching out for help with contact information. This small gesture helps me spread the message that mental health is not taboo and should be talked about and asking for help is a sign of courage not weakness. Through my daily actions, I honor my cousin’s memory and remind myself that it is important to speak up if I notice a peer, whether a friend or just an acquaintance exhibiting signs of depression or seem antisocial. I am confident that a simple greeting or smile can make a difference. If I ever get an uneasy feeling I have courage the to share with a teacher or school staff member to ensure support can be provided. There is a difference between tattling and reporting. Thus, if someone life is in danger I would not hesitate to seek assistance. I rather have an upset alive peer than a deceased one. Moving forward, I want to resume advocating for mental health. At the college level I aspire to pursue a degree in English Education and Communications with the desire to work in a school setting or community organizations such as United Way or Boys and Girls Clubs. I am a true believer that change begins with empathy through kindness and understanding, we can teach others especially the youth that they are not alone and support is available. As a teacher or public relations role I want to spread mental health awareness by building trust and educating others about mental health.

A movie that has made a great impact on my life is the 2001 film Hard Ball. I was introduced to this movie by my father because we both have a love for baseball. Keanu Reeves plays the part of a gambler who is facing financial challenges and agrees to become a baseball coach to Chicago housing project children. The film begins with Keanu Reeves’ character named Conor O’Neill taking on a baseball coaching job to pay his gambling debts but instead transforms both the lives of the adult and the children. The coaching duties makes Conor O’Neill face reality and identifies his irresponsible ways and lack of compassion. The Conor O’Neill character starts as an emotionless, uncaring, and self-centered person. However, the bond created with his baseball players changes him into an empathetic, caring, and responsible person. This character development emphasizes that adults who have made past mistakes when given the opportunity to have a purpose positive transformations can take place. The young children despite being minors demonstrate resilience and tenacity even in dire circumstances they have no control of. Among the challenges experienced by living in an area impacted by violence and poverty the children discover happiness, security and a place where they feel comfortable being kids, a baseball field. The children are a sign of hope even when all that surrounds you is negative and unjust. Yet, the death of one of the children details the reality of poor inner city communities. As a result, baseball becomes a safe haven and turning point for the children and the coach. As an eight year old and many times since then I've viewed the film and reminds me the message shared is that unfair circumstances in life can unite people regardless of race and economic status. Hard Ball is an inspirational movie story line that shows how differences between a struggling adult man and kids looking for ways to survive can unite, heal, and support one another. Through the sport of baseball the characters discover how teamwork, bravery, and understanding of others extend beyond the baseball diamond. The movie reminds me that transformation and hope is possible no matter where we are from and what hardships we face. Thus, why I aspire to obtain a college degree in English Education and Communications because I want to help my community members who may need help seeking transformative opportunities. I believe that through supportive schools and city community resources we can foster meaningful support systems and compassionate citizens.

My name is Jordan Hernandez, an 18-year-old student from Massachusetts. I am the youngest of four siblings, and my household is one where love and care is displayed, but we have met some challenges within the past eight years. My father has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and treatments have had him hospitalized on and off throughout the years but his latest hospitalization has been ongoing since July 2025. Since then, our lives have changed drastically. My mother has been doing all she can to keep things afloat, and I took on a part-time job to help with car insurance costs so I can contribute as best I can. My father’s illness and current three month stay with no discharge date has brought me moments of feeling denial, anger, and hope, but it has also built my responsibility and appreciation. My hobbies that bring joy during this challenging time have been baseball, photography and videography. Baseball gives me a chance to escape for a while from the scary changes in my life. Capturing my family’s smiles and joyful times during the middle of uncertainty gives me faith and appreciation as I document all I can that includes my father. An opportunity to receive a scholarship would be a blessing for me and my relatives. My older sister is already in college, and with my father’s ongoing medical expenses and family income decreasing, adding my college expenses to attend feels uncertain. My family falls into the “middle-class” category that unfortunately families like mine are placed in challenging positions as we do not qualify for educational and medical financial assistance, still our current income is spread thin with the rising costs of bills and medical co-pays. I am hopeful and put my faith that despite these challenges my dream to attend college can become a reality. I desire to obtain a degree in English and Communications. My goal is to pursue a career in either Secondary Public School Education or Public Relations. I believe that communication combined with compassion informs people but also builds community. This is especially important in areas with high poverty rates, like my hometown. Many of our youth in my city love sports but financial and transportation limitations do not allow them to participate. Learning to understand how young people learn would help me design age-appropriate drills, provide effective feedback and encourage a positive mindset. Obtaining skills in communications would help me build positive team culture, involve families, sponsors and community members. A college degree will not only be a personal goal, it will strengthen my skills to give back to my city. I want to inspire others, especially teens in my area who are facing challenges by showing them that goals, hard work, and knowledge can lead to better opportunities. A scholarship would ease college fees and allow me to continue to grow so I can serve others with compassion.

My name is Jordan Hernandez, an 18-year-old student from Massachusetts. I am the youngest of four siblings, and my household is one where love and care is displayed, but we have met some challenges within the past eight years. My father has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and treatments have had him hospitalized on and off throughout the years but his latest hospitalization has been ongoing since July 2025. Since then, our lives have changed drastically. My mother has been doing all she can to keep things afloat, and I took on a part-time job to help with car insurance costs so I can contribute as best I can. My father’s illness and current three month stay with no discharge date has brought me moments of feeling denial, anger, and hope, but it has also built my responsibility and appreciation. My hobbies that bring joy during this challenging time have been baseball, photography and videography. Baseball gives me a chance to escape for a while from the scary changes in my life. Capturing my family’s smiles and joyful times during the middle of uncertainty gives me faith and appreciation as I document all I can that includes my father. An opportunity to receive a scholarship would be a blessing for me and my relatives. My older sister is already in college, and with my father’s ongoing medical expenses and family income decreasing, adding my college expenses to attend feels uncertain. My family falls into the “middle-class” category that unfortunately families like mine are placed in challenging positions as we do not qualify for educational and medical financial assistance, still our current income is spread thin with the rising costs of bills and medical co-pays. I am hopeful and put my faith that despite these challenges my dream to attend college can become a reality. I desire to obtain a degree in English and Communications. My goal is to pursue a career in either Secondary Public School Education or Public Relations. I believe that communication combined with compassion informs people but also builds community. This is especially important in areas with high poverty rates, like my hometown. I want to use my skills to empower others through education and contribute to my community in a positive way. A college degree will not only be a personal goal, it will strengthen my skills to give back to my city. I want to inspire others, especially teens in my area who are facing challenges, by showing them that goals, hard work, and knowledge can lead to better opportunities. A scholarship would ease college fees and allow me to continue to grow so I can serve others with compassion.

How Loss Shaped My Outlook When my loving Aunt Myrna was diagnosed with cancer the family’s joyful light was dimmed. The cancer diagnosis was emotionally overwhelming, especially for me as a pre-teen who didn’t understand how it was possible after years in remission. In an instant, the family leader and guiding force had to shift roles and become the patient. Yet, during this time of fear, I learned life lessons that have shaped my beliefs and mindset. My aunt’s diagnosis taught me to appreciate each day, make time for family and my reaction to the unexpected is a choice. Learning about the cancer was already heartbreaking, but when Covid-19 hit, it took away the family time I had hoped to spend cherishing my aunt’s company. My heart was filled with sadness as my father became the spokesperson to share updates from phone calls or if fortunate enough a Face Time meet. Relatives from three different states adjusted to our new way of meeting, but hearing their voices and my aunt’s laugh reminded me painfully of our fun family gatherings surrounded by music, laughs and endless food. Some of the update phone calls and shared videos from my aunt brought me relief and hope while others confused me and angered me. How can a joyful, sweet and loving person be punished in such a harsh way? Despite the fragile state my aunt's videos showed how she chose to remain humorous, focused on her happiness and do what she loved as she moved her fragile body to the beat of her favorite tunes. Her outlook regarding her cancer was heroic and inspiring. I wondered how a terrifying diagnosis could be met with positivity. Instead of discouragement, my aunt chose gratitude for every day she lived. Daily she faced challenges but chose happiness in the simplest moments such as calling my dad, her brother while both sipped on coffee and exchanged the latest or traveled down memory lane. As I listened I learned that an individual's outlook is a choice. An outlook can be positive or negative but your reaction to life’s unexpected blows can help you deal with what you can not control or discourage you. My aunt’s resilience has inspired me to fight for my happiness and desires with courage even when the unknown fills me with anxiety or doubt. Now that I am older and reflect, she chose to put those discouraging medical updates on mute because the positive parts of her life were there for her to appreciate as time slipped away. The most memorable lesson learned through her cancer battle during a pandemic was not to allow what you have no control to take away your joy. Life is full of unpleasant surprises and a positive outlook helps with adversity in a productive way. My aunt’s cancer was a devastating time in my life that I will never forget. However, it has put in perspective that as I enter young adulthood I have goals and plans but it may not be a smooth path. But I will carry my aunt’s positive outlook during challenging times to ensure I face what life brings my way with courage.

How Loss Shaped My Outlook When my loving Aunt Myrna was diagnosed with cancer the family’s joyful light was dimmed. The cancer diagnosis was emotionally overwhelming, especially for me as a pre-teen who didn’t understand how it was possible after years in remission. In an instant, the family leader and guiding force had to shift roles and become the patient. Yet, during this time of fear, I learned life lessons that have shaped my beliefs and mindset. My aunt’s diagnosis taught me to appreciate each day, make time for family and my reaction to the unexpected is a choice. Learning about the cancer was already heartbreaking, but when Covid-19 hit, it took away the family time I had hoped to spend cherishing my aunt’s company. My heart was filled with sadness as my father became the spokesperson to share updates from phone calls or if fortunate enough a Face Time meet. Relatives from three different states adjusted to our new way of meeting, but hearing their voices and my aunt’s laugh reminded me painfully of our fun family gatherings surrounded by music, laughs and endless food. Some of the update phone calls and shared videos from my aunt brought me relief and hope while others confused me and angered me. How can a joyful, sweet and loving person be punished in such a harsh way? Despite the fragile state my aunt's videos showed how she chose to remain humorous, focused on her happiness and do what she loved as she moved her fragile body to the beat of her favorite tunes. Her outlook regarding her cancer was heroic and inspiring. I wondered how a terrifying diagnosis could be met with positivity. Instead of discouragement, my aunt chose gratitude for every day she lived. Daily she faced challenges but chose happiness in the simplest moments such as calling my dad, her brother while both sipped on coffee and exchanged the latest or traveled down memory lane. As I listened I learned that an individual's outlook is a choice. An outlook can be positive or negative but your reaction to life’s unexpected blows can help you deal with what you can not control or discourage you. My aunt’s resilience has inspired me to fight for my happiness and desires with courage even when the unknown fills me with anxiety or doubt. Now that I am older and reflect, she chose to put those discouraging medical updates on mute because the positive parts of her life were there for her to appreciate as time slipped away. The most memorable lesson learned through her cancer battle during a pandemic was not to allow what you have no control to take away your joy. Life is full of unpleasant surprises and a positive outlook helps with adversity in a productive way. My aunt’s cancer was a devastating time in my life that I will never forget. However, it has put in perspective that as I enter young adulthood I have goals and plans but it may not be a smooth path. But I will carry my aunt’s positive outlook during challenging times to ensure I face what life brings my way with courage.

My name is Jordan Hernandez, an 18-year-old student from Massachusetts. I am the youngest of four siblings, and my household is one where love and care is displayed, but we have met some challenges within the past eight years. My father has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and treatments have had him hospitalized on and off throughout the years but his latest hospitalization has been ongoing since July 2025. Since then, our lives have changed drastically. My mother has been doing all she can to keep things afloat, and I took on a part-time job to help with car insurance costs so I can contribute as best I can. My father’s illness and current three month stay with no discharge date has brought me moments of feeling denial, anger, and hope, but it has also built my responsibility and appreciation. My hobbies that bring joy during this challenging time have been baseball, photography and videography. Baseball gives me a chance to escape for a while from the scary changes in my life. Capturing my family’s smiles and joyful times during the middle of uncertainty gives me faith and appreciation as I document all I can that includes my father. An opportunity to receive a scholarship would be a blessing for me and my relatives. My older sister is already in college, and with my father’s ongoing medical expenses and family income decreasing, adding my college expenses to attend feels uncertain. My family falls into the “middle-class” category that unfortunately families like mine are placed in challenging positions as we do not qualify for educational and medical financial assistance, still our current income is spread thin with the rising costs of bills and medical co-pays. I am hopeful and put my faith that despite these challenges my dream to attend college can become a reality. I desire to obtain a degree in English and Communications. My goal is to pursue a career in either Secondary Public School Education or Public Relations. I believe that communication combined with compassion informs people but also builds community. This is especially important in areas with high poverty rates, like my hometown. I want to use my skills to empower others through education and contribute to my community in a positive way. A college degree will not only be a personal goal, it will strengthen my skills to give back to my city. I want to inspire others, especially teens in my area who are facing challenges, by showing them that goals, hard work, and knowledge can lead to better opportunities. A scholarship would ease college fees and allow me to continue to grow so I can serve others with compassion.

July 28, 2025 the anticipated phone call was received and within 24-hours my father received a heart. The waiting room became my immediate family’s home. Once my father reached a lower care level everything seemed to be moving along smoothly. However, for two days his glances and conversations seemed a bit awkward and irrelevant. The following morning attending nurses also noted oxygen levels dropping which led to an emergency transfer back to the Intensive Care Unit. Up to that point our family was feeling joyful and grateful for the gift of a second chance at life. A generous donor’s heart was transferred into my dad’s body and all was looking great after years of struggling with Congestive Heart Failure. The recovery phase spiraled out of control due to sepsis. Emotionally we could not comprehend how things drastically changed in such a short time. The uncertainty of his survival was evident but my emotions and thoughts remained bottled up. I felt selfish sharing my fear with my mom and siblings. His ICU room quickly became a space for life-saving devices such as ECMO, respiratory, and dialysis. I could clearly see how worried my mom was but she always spoke about faith and trusting he was receiving the best care in our state. As my father’s condition worsened, so did my hopes to attend college. How can it be a possibility when now mom is the main supporter, medical costs, and time off work has added to the struggles. We are already experiencing challenges meeting my older sister’s tuition. How dare I think I could add more to the overflowing cup my parents are dealing with. I have witnessed my father and mother work hard my whole life, yet do not qualify for medical or education finance support due to income criterias, even though what remains barely keeps us afloat. Yet, patience, perseverance and working hard is not an option. Emotionally and personally growth has been experienced as I notice that my father even under a coma fought daily to remain living. The sepsis was impacting his overall health and fear that it would damage the newly transplanted heart was discussed, but every medical staff member was motivated to pursue medications, procedures and continue ongoing lab work to adjust medications around the clock. My immediate family and medical team has taught me to be resilient, patient and not give up hope even sepsis was impacting dad’s blood pressure. Research was conducted and by taking risks plans constantly changed and has produced some positive outcomes. The aspirations for a college education has led me to research scholarship opportunities, hope for a miracle to help me meet college costs and become a risk-taker by applying despite many doors closing on us when reaching out for medical and education financial aid. I have made it a priority to continue to excel at school, my sports training, and support my family as much as I can by picking up the household duties my dad once held. A college degree is more than a personal desire; it's a necessary step toward obtaining the skills required to serve others through a career in education or communications. Blessed with a scholarship would open the door to attending college and serving my community.

When envisioning my senior year of high school I dreamt of fun-filled activities with my peers as we prepare for our last year of high school. Never did I think that balancing my studies and future plans entailed supporting my family through an emotional and financial struggle. My dear dad has been dealing with the symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure since I was in fifth-grade. The symptoms debilitated the strength and physical abilities of a once agile, responsible, and family leader. His illness led to him leaving a humble, yet decent job. This decision had to be made for his health yet it reduced our family income drastically. As a consequence, my hard-working mother has taken the role to supplement those financial gaps while taking on the main role as caretaker for my dad’s health needs. Despite the challenges higher education is non-negotiable as she struggled to rise and meet her higher education dreams as a first generation college student. Thus, while bills pile up she encouraged my older sister to continue her path to college which she has done so. I witness how emotionally and financially the balancing act has taken a toll on my parents. My hardworking parents according to education institutions meet the requirements to take on the financial responsibility for two young adults. Unfortunately, the stretched income has to cover household expenses for a family of four, rising medical costs and educational expenses that have no cap. I quickly had to switch my senior year vision to step up and face the reality my family is experiencing. Managing my time wisely to keep up with my school work, sports, and helping at home where I can. I’ve learned to offer small but powerful gestures of kindness such as having a meal prepared after mom has traveled approximately two hours each way to visit my dad at the hospital, assist with laundry and take on my father’s household chores. Rather than spending time with friends traveling to visit and support my hospitalized father since July 2025. The proud smiles and praise I receive in return validates that I am contributing support during this challenging time of our lives. Yet, I have struggled with the possibility that college is not for me due to the high costs and current home situation. That mindset has changed and my parents' high expectations have not wavered. I am facing emotional grappling daily and maintaining my efforts to earn good grades and contribute to my school events. These challenges have taught me to be resilient even when doubts and anxiety of the unknown surround me. My academic efforts are recognized yet the ability to earn a college degree is threatened due to a criteria that labels us as “middle class” and disqualifies me from grants and college financial aid when in reality we are the “working poor”. A scholarship of any amount is welcomed and would ease the impact of a second child pursuing a college education. I view a college education as a critical step I must take to earn the credentials required to pursue a career in education or communications which I intend to use to positively impact others. Receiving a scholarship would be a life-changing gift.

How Loss Shaped My Outlook When my loving Aunt Myrna was diagnosed with cancer the family’s joyful light was dimmed. The cancer diagnosis was emotionally overwhelming, especially for me as a pre-teen who didn’t understand how it was possible after years in remission. In an instant, the family leader and guiding force had to shift roles and become the patient. Yet, during this time of fear, I learned life lessons that have shaped my beliefs and mindset. My aunt’s diagnosis taught me to appreciate each day, make time for family and my reaction to the unexpected is a choice. Learning about the cancer was already heartbreaking, but when Covid-19 hit, it took away the family time I had hoped to spend cherishing my aunt’s company. My heart was filled with sadness as my father became the spokesperson to share updates from phone calls or if fortunate enough a Face Time meet. Relatives from three different states adjusted to our new way of meeting, but hearing their voices and my aunt’s laugh reminded me painfully of our fun family gatherings surrounded by music, laughs and endless food. Some of the update phone calls and shared videos from my aunt brought me relief and hope while others confused me and angered me. How can a joyful, sweet and loving person be punished in such a harsh way? Despite the fragile state my aunt's videos showed how she chose to remain humorous, focused on her happiness and do what she loved as she moved her fragile body to the beat of her favorite tunes. Her outlook regarding her cancer was heroic and inspiring. I wondered how a terrifying diagnosis could be met with positivity. Instead of discouragement, my aunt chose gratitude for every day she lived. Daily she faced challenges but chose happiness in the simplest moments such as calling my dad, her brother while both sipped on coffee and exchanged the latest or traveled down memory lane. As I listened I learned that an individual's outlook is a choice. An outlook can be positive or negative but your reaction to life’s unexpected blows can help you deal with what you cannot control or discourage you. My aunt’s resilience has inspired me to fight for my happiness and desires with courage even when the unknown fills me with anxiety or doubt. Now that I am older and reflect, she chose to put those discouraging medical updates on mute because the positive parts of her life were there for her to appreciate as time slipped away. The most memorable lesson learned throughout my Aunt Myrna's cancer battle during a pandemic was not to allow what you have no control to take away your joy. Life is full of unpleasant surprises and a positive outlook helps with adversity in a productive way. Thus, I will carry my aunt's positive outlook during challenging times to ensure I face what life brings my way with courage.

Lessons from My Father’s Diagnosis When my father lovingly called Papi was diagnosed with a condition that required palliative care my world flipped upside down. The words palliative care carried a heavy finality that I could barely comprehend as a young middle schooler. Overnight, the man who had always seemed invincible, strong, and agile became weak, and our family’s norms changed completely. Yet, during the times of fear and uncertainty, I learned life lessons that have shaped how I see life, people, and my own purpose. Papi’s diagnosis taught me the value of living life to the fullest, following my dreams without second guessing, and displaying kindness and respect toward everyone I meet. After the shocking news our household was filled with an awkward silence never experienced before. Our home’s atmosphere was filled with tension as my mother had to become a caretaker and learn how to assist my father with life-saving devices, medications and critical dressing changes. The entire family had to adjust and adapt to the alarms and vital medical information in order to be ready at a moment's notice if an emergency occurred and mom was not present. This was an extremely scary experience for a 12-year old. Gradually, I began to notice small blessings. Instead of discouragement, my father chose gratitude for the present. Daily he rose from bed thankful for another day, another opportunity to have sports talk with me, another small chance to laugh at our family's shenanigans during game nights. He chose not to cancel joy or waited for “tomorrow” to do what he desired. Witnessing him rediscover happiness in the simplest moments such as a morning coffee while having a Sunday family breakfast, a trip to the local baseball diamond to watch and cheer me on, a phone call with relatives who live states away taught me that living life to the fullest is not about the amount of days we have but the way we decide to experience them. Papi’s resilience influenced me to persist and follow my own dreams with the same bravery. Young Jordan, in the past, hesitated to take risks or step outside his comfort zone. I was afraid of failure and disappointing others. But my father’s diagnosis reminded me how fragile life can be. Seeing him face his illness with courage made me grasp that the greatest regret isn’t falling, it's never trying at all. Since then, I’ve changed my mindset and pushed myself to chase goals, applied to leadership roles and explored creative interests. Every risk I take is an honor to him and a vow to live without fear. The most lasting lesson learned, through this journey, has been about kindness and understanding. When my father’s illness limited his energy, I saw how compassion, a simple chat or a helping gesture supported him when his body became a hardship. It made me more aware that others may be struggling quietly. I learned to welcome and appreciate differences in people. Acceptance without judgement because everyone fights battles we cannot see. I’ve learned true respect is empathy. My father’s diagnosis was a difficult turning point, but it became the window through which I now view life. It reminds me that time is precious, goals are worth pursuing, and kindness is never wasted. Though my father’s condition weakened him, his determination strengthened me. I will forever remember his lessons, live life fearlessly, appreciate family and be kind to all I meet.