Prevention is important because it helps teenagers like me who live with a disability. I have Autism. People treat you differently when you have a disability. Some people don't even show you any respect even talk down to you as if you can't comprehend or keep up with the conversation. Mental health not only affects the person but their family as well. More resources should be available and more peers need to speak up. I have had friends who were sad all the time. And they dont even have Autism. When I see them I ask myself " What would I need in this moment? " All it takes is a little bit of kindness and asking "Are you ok? or "I appreciate everything you do" My older brother has autism as well. He experienced depression because after he graduated from high school it took him six years to find a job. The rejection had taken its toll. It weighed on him heavily. He believed that no one wanted to hire him due to his disability. My mom encouraged him & everyone in our family to inspire and love each other everyday. To appreciate family friends even a stranger. A act of kindness can be a pivotal moment in someone's life who is battling any mental health or life issue. I keep to myself. I don't like loud noises, I wake up at the same time every day. I do the same routine. I have learned to adapt to change but it still gives me anxiety. I get through challenging moments by having self love, asking for help and an amazing loving family. I realize some of my peers don't have that. I just give them a high five or I tell a teacher. Peers know more about their peers than any teacher or parent. Self-care and asking for help is key to successfully fighting this battle. We all need to show compassion and kindness. Be aware and care. I try every day to be my best self and inspire kindness and uplift anyone that is having a challenging day. People are so worried about what others may think. It's one of the reasons why students done ask for help. High school is a pressure cooker and even the students who seem to look great on the outside are not do great on the inside. I've seen so much. People always think I don't understand. I understand more than most. I want to work for a company who truly believes that self care is essential to the success of their employees. Where diversity is the norm and nobody feels like an outcast. Mental health challenges happen at many different time and phases in life. Everyone has to always promote that help is always there with no bias. Its main goal is to help you get better and be better each and every day. Thank you and remember to always be thoughtful and kind

My name is Jorell Kalel Bond. Just so you know my parents are the Superman fans I'm more of a Batman fan. I would impact my community like Batman. I have no superpowers but I will bring inspiration and hope. Most people counted me out when I got diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. My mom and dad have been married for 24 years and are my biggest supporters on this journey. I have One brother and 2 sisters and a nephew who are always helping me grow. I have former teacher like Ms Sharon who was with me for my entire elementary school learning and a huge support throughout my high school years. I come from the roughest part of Chicago. Englewood. Where experiencing violence, hearing gunshots is part of the norm. My mom always says its not your zipcode that defines who I am but my love for life,compassion & understanding for others values,integrity and self love. It's difficult having Autism. Most people don't relate or understand me. I have been raised to be aware that the world will make little to no adjustments at all due to my condition. So I have to learn how to adapt and adjust while not losing my true authentic self. Most people already believed that my parents would be taking care of me for the rest of their life. Yes I do require support in certain life skills but who doesn't. The only difference is I'm not afraid of knowing when to ask for help. I have a 4.0 GPA. I take create and make orders for the Coffee Club at my school. This has helped me develop skills in managing finances, currency, developing social interactions and cues. I have impacted my community already. My peers,family and teachers say I'm inspirational. That I always find the joy in everything I do. That I keep my peers focused on projects. My family on routines like making sure we have dinner at the table every week day. My teachers how I accept all challenges with a can do attitude. Most children and young adults like me have difficulties finding careers or even a job after high school. Going to college and being able to live away from home without any assistance?? That's even more difficult. But that has never stopped me. The impact I will have on my community is hope, inspiration and determination. It's already happening. The people who just hang out all day on my block or who have been here for years. Admire and give me praise regarding my can do attitude and my determination to discover the world and make something of myself. Despite all the odds against me. I got accepted to NLU college Pace program in Chicago. After I complete college I want to work in retail or security. I love interacting and meeting new people. Bringing awareness, being kind, inspirational and having hope. That's what I will carry on my utility belt for life. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. Have a great day.