One healthy habit I would adopt to manage my mental and emotional health in school is practicing mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment and can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase feelings of well-being. I aim to incorporate mindfulness meditation into my daily routine by practicing before starting my schoolwork or during a break in my schedule. While meditating, I will write my feelings towards the end and reflect on my current state of mind and situation. Writing is powerful because it allows me to share my thoughts. After all, they are my own without anyone telling me how I should feel. Along with meditating daily and setting intentions for myself, I hope that I will be able to progress to the level of success that I have always dreamed of. This new practice will also allow me to see if my mental health as a whole is progressing or if I feel drained and in need of a break. I would be a good listener and give a non-judgmental, supportive environment for my friends and other students to express themselves to create a secure space for them to manage their mental and emotional health. I would also educate myself on mental health and mental illness to identify when someone is struggling and provide appropriate help or services. In addition, I may start or participate in mental health awareness events or clubs at school to encourage understanding of mental health concerns. Mental health advocacy is important to me because I see how people my age can’t get the help they deserve due to a lack of resources. In New Orleans, the youth face many hardships in violence, loss of family members, and even hurricanes that take away everything they’ve ever known. Since we are the next generation of leaders, we have to find a solution to make sure that the next generation can get the help they need before it is too late. Being able to listen to my friends who go through these problems or other mental health challenges, will allow me to advocate more for more mental health resources in schools and communities across the country. As an African American male, mental health is not talked about in our communities. It makes it all the more imperative that I be a listening ear to those that need it. In communities where it is sometimes seen as a bad thing to talk about mental health, I feel as if is time to change the narrative. We all need somebody to lean on, and I am that shoulder that will remain free for all friends and students in my school community.

Success is often defined in terms of wealth, accolades, or social status, but for me, it is about growth, impact, and opportunity. Success is not just reaching a final destination but continuously striving to become a better version of myself while uplifting those around me. It is about using my talents, knowledge, and experiences to make a meaningful difference in the world. Growing up in New Orleans, I witnessed both the challenges and the resilience of my community. I saw how businesses played a crucial role in shaping opportunities for people, and that realization fueled my passion for marketing and communication. I knew that if I could master the art of connecting businesses with communities, I could help create positive change. Success for me is not just about personal achievement; it is about being a leader who helps bridge the gap between brands and people, crafting messages that inspire, educate, and empower. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in marketing with a concentration in digital marketing at Louisiana State University. My journey in business and marketing began when I served as a social media and marketing intern for Enroll Baton Rouge, where I worked on creating content that helped families navigate their school choices. That experience reinforced my belief that marketing is more than just selling a product. It is about telling a story and providing value to the audience. Success, in my eyes, is being able to use my knowledge to create strategic campaigns that not only drive business growth but also serve a larger purpose. After graduation, I plan to enter the advertising and digital marketing industry, working for companies that align with my values of innovation, authenticity, and community engagement. Eventually, I want to start my own marketing firm that specializes in helping small businesses and nonprofit organizations grow their presence through digital strategies. My goal is to help businesses succeed while ensuring they remain socially responsible and connected to the communities they serve. This opportunity would be a critical step in helping me achieve my vision of success. Financially, it would allow me to continue focusing on my education without the burden of financial stress. Academically and professionally, it would give me access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that will help me sharpen my skills, expand my knowledge, and connect with industry leaders. Every great professional journey starts with opportunities like this, opportunities that open doors, provide guidance, and set the foundation for success. Beyond my career aspirations, success for me also means giving back. Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to leadership and service, from being drum major for the St. Augustine High School Marching 100 to serving as corresponding secretary for the Nu Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. These experiences have taught me that true success is not just about personal accomplishments but about helping others reach their potential. I want to continue that mission by mentoring young professionals, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, and using my platform to promote education and career advancement. This opportunity is not just about helping me succeed. It is about helping me become the person who can make a lasting impact. It would give me the foundation I need to build a future where I can inspire others, support businesses, and create change through marketing and leadership. With the right tools, education, and support, I know that I can achieve my definition of success, one that goes beyond personal gain and extends into the success of my community and the next generation of leaders.

Life has a way of throwing challenges at us when we least expect them. Growing up in New Orleans, I learned early on that adversity is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to define you. I have faced my share of struggles, but through perseverance and support, I have learned to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning to a majority white school in the fifth grade. Up until that point, I had always been surrounded by people who talked like me, looked like me, and shared the same cultural background. But suddenly, I found myself in an environment where I felt like an outsider. My New Orleans accent became something people noticed, and I was often asked, “Why do you talk like that?” At first, it made me feel self-conscious. I started questioning whether I needed to change the way I spoke just to fit in. For a while, I struggled with balancing my identity and trying to adapt to my new environment. But over time, I realized that I didn’t need to change who I was. I just needed to learn how to navigate different spaces while still being true to myself. I worked on improving my communication skills, making sure I could express myself clearly without losing the essence of who I am. Instead of letting the situation break me down, I used it as an opportunity to grow. I became more confident in who I was, and I developed the ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. That experience shaped me into someone who is adaptable, open-minded, and able to thrive in any environment. Looking back, I see that challenge as one of the best things that ever happened to me. It prepared me for life beyond school and taught me how to handle situations where I might feel out of place. Today, as a marketing major at Louisiana State University, I apply those same lessons in my academic and professional life. Marketing is all about understanding different perspectives and finding ways to communicate effectively, and my past experiences have given me an edge in doing just that. If I could give advice to someone facing the same challenge, I would tell them this: never let your circumstances make you feel like you’re not good enough. Your uniqueness is your strength. Embrace who you are, and use every challenge as an opportunity to grow. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable at times, but growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Stay true to yourself, be confident in your abilities, and remember that adversity isn’t meant to stop you. It’s meant to prepare you for something greater.

My name is Joshua Mirabin, and I am currently studying Marketing at Louisiana State University. Growing up in New Orleans, I was surrounded by a city full of culture, resilience, and challenges. From an early age, I saw how businesses played a major role in shaping communities. Whether it was a local restaurant bringing people together or a big company launching an ad campaign that everyone talked about, I was fascinated by how businesses connected with people. I realized that success in business isn’t just about making money; it’s about making an impact. That belief is what led me to major in business, specifically marketing, because I want to use my skills to create meaningful connections and help businesses grow in a way that benefits communities. My interest in marketing really started to take shape when I worked as a Social Media/Marketing Intern for Enroll Baton Rouge. During that time, I helped create content to inform families about school options and resources. It was my first real experience seeing how marketing could influence people’s decisions in a positive way. I learned that good marketing isn’t just about selling something, it’s about telling a story that people can relate to. That experience confirmed for me that I was on the right path, and it made me excited about the possibilities of a career in marketing. After I graduate, I plan to work in advertising and digital marketing, helping businesses connect with their audiences in creative and authentic ways. I want to develop marketing strategies that don’t just generate profits but also inspire change and empower people. Whether it’s working for a major brand, a nonprofit, or even starting my own business one day, I want my work to make a difference. Beyond my career goals, I also have a strong desire to give back. While I wasn’t personally in the foster care system, I understand how much having the right guidance and support can change a person’s life. I’ve worked with Click Four Help Mentoring, where I helped mentor children from underserved communities, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for young people to have positive role models. The right mentorship and encouragement can be life-changing, and I want to continue being part of that change. Looking ahead, I see my future as more than just a career path. I want to be a leader who uses business as a tool for something bigger, helping others, building communities, and making an impact in ways that go beyond numbers and sales. My journey, from growing up in New Orleans to finding my passion for marketing, has shaped me into someone who is driven, creative, and committed to making a difference. I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to take on the challenge.

One healthy habit I would adopt to manage my mental and emotional health in school is practicing mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment and can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase feelings of well-being. I aim to incorporate mindfulness meditation into my daily routine by practicing before starting my schoolwork or during a break in my schedule. While meditating, I will write my feelings towards the end and reflect on my current state of mind and situation. Writing is powerful because it allows me to share my thoughts. After all, they are my own without anyone telling me how I should feel. Along with meditating daily and setting intentions for myself, I hope that I will be able to progress to the level of success that I have always dreamed of. This new practice will also allow me to see if my mental health as a whole is progressing or if I feel drained and in need of a break. I would be a good listener and give a non-judgmental, supportive environment for my friends and other students to express themselves to create a secure space for them to manage their mental and emotional health. I would also educate myself on mental health and mental illness to identify when someone is struggling and provide appropriate help or services. In addition, I may start or participate in mental health awareness events or clubs at school to encourage understanding of mental health concerns. Mental health advocacy is important to me because I see how people my age can’t get the help they deserve due to a lack of resources. In New Orleans, the youth face many hardships in violence, loss of family members, and even hurricanes that take away everything they’ve ever known. Since we are the next generation of leaders, we have to find a solution to make sure that the next generation can get the help they need before it is too late. Being able to listen to my friends who go through these problems or other mental health challenges, will allow me to advocate more for more mental health resources in schools and communities across the country. As an African American male, mental health is not talked about in our communities. It makes it all the more imperative that I be a listening ear to those that need it. In communities where it is sometimes seen as a bad thing to talk about mental health, I feel as if is time to change the narrative. We all need somebody to lean on, and I am that shoulder that will remain free for all friends and students in my school community.