Growing up, college was often overlooked because of my parents’ issues. They struggled with addiction, unstable relationships, and abuse, which made everything about my childhood feel complicated and rushed. Most of the time, my focus was just getting through the day and isolating myself from my parents. No one asked about school, helped with homework, or talked about college. I realized early on that if I wanted a different future, I’d have to create it myself—even if my parents couldn’t guide or support me. That’s why education means everything to me. It’s my way out, and a chance to break the cycle by building the life I’ve always dreamed of. I plan to study criminal justice and become a lawyer. I want to help people who feel unheard or unseen—people who’ve been through hard things, like I have. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, and I want to be the person who stands up and says, “I see you, and you matter.” Right before my senior year, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life—I moved out. My home environment had become too unstable to the point where I was losing myself, and I knew if I wanted to succeed in life and take care of myself mentally and emotionally, I had to make a change. Living on my own while finishing high school hasn’t been easy, but it’s given me the space to focus on my goals. I’ve learned how to be independent, responsible, and resourceful—lessons I carry with me every day. Reading about Brittany McGlone’s story was devastating. I didn’t know her, but I felt a connection. Like me, she had big dreams and was working hard for something better. She was doing everything right—working two jobs to pay for nursing school—but her life was taken before she ever got the chance to begin that journey. That’s not just heartbreaking—it’s extremely unfair. Her story is part of why I’m drawn to criminal justice. I want to fight for justice in a world where people like Brittany are too often forgotten. Music has always helped me cope. When my parents were physically fighting, I’d put on my headphones and let the lyrics calm me down. Music made me feel less alone. It gave me comfort when nothing else did. Even now, I turn to music when life gets heavy. It reminds me that healing is possible. I used to struggle to talk about my emotions because anytime I tried, my parents would turn on me and lash out. Music helped me express what I couldn’t say out loud. I’m a first-generation college student, and I’m independent. I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own, and that’s not always easy. But I’ve never let it stop me. I stay focused, I work hard, and I keep going even when things get tough. I want to show that your past doesn’t define your future. This scholarship would mean more than just financial support. It would be belief. Encouragement. One less weight on my shoulders. I may be the first in my family to walk this path, but I promise—I won’t be the last.

I come from a family where getting by always came before dreaming big. My parents struggled with addiction, unstable relationships, and financial hardship. Because of that, I learned early on that if I wanted a different life, I’d have to build it myself. My home didn’t come with college talks or homework help. I had to learn how to block out the chaos—both around me and inside me—to stay focused on where I wanted to go. I'm a future first-generation college student and an underrepresented minority with limited financial support. But those labels don’t define me—they drive me. I’ve seen what it looks like when people feel stuck in their circumstances, and I’ve also seen the power of education to open doors. That’s why I’ve made it my goal not just to attend college, but to thrive and create change through it. I plan to study law and become a criminal lawyer so I can stand up for people who feel like no one’s listening. So many grow up believing their voice doesn’t matter—I want to prove that it does. I want to be the person who sees others, even when the world overlooks them. Education is more than just a degree to me. It means stability, opportunity, and the chance to rewrite the story I was born into. I want to be a role model for my younger sister, and for other kids like me—kids who’ve been through hard things but still dream big. I may be the first in my family to do this, but I’m doing it with purpose. I'm not just going to college—I’m changing the direction of my entire family’s future.

Growing up, education wasn’t something that was pushed in my home—it was something I had to reach for on my own. My parents struggled with addiction and unhealthy relationships, which meant that a lot of the time, survival came first. I didn’t have the kind of support system many students do. I didn’t have parents helping with homework or planning college tours. What I had was the constant feeling that if I wanted something different, I’d have to be the one to make it happen. I’m a future first-generation college student, which means I’m figuring things out with no guide, no parent who’s walked this road before. There were many nights I felt overwhelmed and unsure—especially when I was dealing with a home life that made it hard to focus. Some days, just getting out of bed and going to school felt like an accomplishment. But even through all the chaos, I knew one thing for sure: I wanted more. Not just for myself, but for the future I’ll help create. Education matters to me because it represents stability, opportunity, and a way out of the cycle I grew up in. It’s a way to finally feel in control of my life, and to build something that looks nothing like the environment I came from. I want to use my education to help others—especially young people who feel stuck, alone, or unheard. That’s why I plan to study law and become a criminal lawyer. I want to fight for people who’ve been through hard things and remind them that their voice matters and that they’re not alone. Everyone deserves someone in their corner, and I hope to be that person. The legacy I want to leave is simple: I want to be proof that your past doesn’t define your future. That no matter how hard things get, you can still chase something better. I want my story to inspire my younger sisters, and maybe one day, my own kids, to believe in themselves even when it feels like no one else does. I want to show them that it’s possible to turn pain into purpose, and strength into something that uplifts others. This journey hasn’t been easy, and I’ve had to grow up fast. But every challenge I’ve faced has made me stronger—and more determined to succeed. I may be the first in my family to walk this path, but I won’t be the last.

Becoming the first in my family to go to college isn’t just a milestone—it’s my way of rewriting the story I was born into. Growing up, I didn’t have the kind of home where college was ever talked about. Most nights were filled with yelling, tension, or silence. I lived in a house where addiction, mental health struggles, and abuse were normal. I dealt with constant stress, anxiety, and fear to the point where I was put on a 504 Plan at school just to get by. When I moved out, it wasn’t because I was ready to be independent—it was because I had no other choice. I stayed with friends, bounced between houses, and still showed up to class while maintaining good grades, determined not to let my situation define me. My parents didn’t support me financially or emotionally. I’ve had to figure out every part of this journey on my own. But I never stopped believing that I was made for more. College, for me, is the way to change everything and start a better life for myself. I want to study law and become a criminal lawyer—not just for the title or career, but because I want to be the person I never had. I know what it’s like to feel trapped, scared, and silenced. I want to give people a voice when they feel like no one is listening. Being a first-gen student means carrying the weight of generations of struggle while trying to build something new. Even without a guide, I’m figuring it out on my own, because I know where I want to go. This scholarship would mean more than financial help—it would be a reminder that someone believes in my future too. I’ve made it this far on resilience, faith, and the kindness of a few people who didn’t give up on me. With support, I know I can go even further—not just for me, but for every kid like me who’s still waiting for their way out.

Jack Terry’s story is incredibly inspiring. A young boy who survived the Holocaust, lost his entire family, and endured unimaginable hardships in concentration camps—yet somehow, he not only survived but went on to accomplish so much. His journey is a reminder that no matter how tough things get, it's possible to rise above it and keep pushing forward. I can relate to Jack’s story in ways that most people may not fully understand. Growing up, my life was filled with fear and chaos. My dad struggled with addiction and narcissistic behavior, and my mom dealt with alcohol abuse and depression. It was impossible to find any sense of stability or security in my home. Instead of love, I witnessed constant fighting, manipulation, and emotional abuse. I often felt like I was just trying to survive each day, holding everything together while feeling so broken inside. But like Jack, I refused to let this define me. I realized that education was my way out. Even when things felt impossible, school became the one thing I could control and the thing that would ultimately help me escape my circumstances. When the abuse reached a breaking point, I had to leave my home. I moved in with friends and family, trying to finish high school and build a future for myself, all while carrying the weight of everything I’d been through. It wasn’t easy—there were days when I didn’t know how I was going to keep going—but I knew I had to keep pushing, and I did. Jack’s story reminds me that no matter how difficult life gets, we have the power to turn things around. He didn’t have the advantages that others might have had, but he made the most of what he had, and he never gave up. His journey motivates me to keep going, even when things feel impossible. He’s proof that resilience and perseverance can help us overcome any obstacle, no matter how unbeatable it might seem at the time. I want to do the same with my life. I’m planning to study law, specifically criminal law, because I want to fight for people who’ve been hurt, just like I have. My experiences have shown me how important it is for people to have someone who will stand up for them when they can’t stand up for themselves. I want to be that person for others, and I want to make sure that the injustice I’ve faced is never something anyone else has to endure. Just like Jack Terry, I refuse to let my past hold me back. I’ve learned that while I can’t change the past, I can shape my future, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. I want to use my education to help people, to break cycles of abuse, and to make the world a little better for those who have faced similar struggles. This scholarship would give me the chance to keep going, to stay focused on my education, and to continue working toward my goal of becoming a lawyer. With the help of this scholarship, I’ll be able to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about how I’m going to afford it. Just like Jack, I want to take everything I’ve gone through and turn it into something positive—not only for myself, but for others too.

Growing up, I faced challenges that many people could never imagine. My parents’ relationship was filled with pain and abuse. My dad struggled with addiction, and my mom was trapped in her own battles with alcohol and depression. Their constant fighting and instability made it difficult to focus on anything else, but somehow, I managed to stay in school and do my best. Every day felt like a struggle, and I knew I needed to find a way out. When my dad was arrested in February 2023, it was a moment that changed everything for me. That night, my dad lashed out at me, and I had to lock myself in the bathroom while he tried to break down the door. That was the night my life truly began to shift. It wasn’t just the end of my father’s presence in our home—it was the end of a cycle of abuse that had affected our family for years. But even after that, things didn’t get easier. My mom started a relationship with a man who was just as abusive as my dad, and I watched as she chose him over her own children. Their relationship was toxic, filled with drugs, alcohol, and more fighting. It felt like I was trapped again, watching the same patterns play out. After one of the worst incidents, I finally made the decision to leave. I couldn’t stay in that environment any longer. I moved in with friends and my older sisters, but that meant I had to finish high school while trying to figure out how I was going to make my future happen. With no financial or emotional support from either of my parents, I had to rely on my own strength and the help of others to keep going. Being the first in my family to go to college means more to me than just earning a degree. It’s my way of breaking free from the cycle of abuse and giving myself a chance at something better. My goal is to become a criminal lawyer. I want to help victims of abuse like I was. I want to ensure that the justice system works for people who feel like they’ve been forgotten. I’m not just doing this for myself; I’m doing this for my sisters and for anyone who’s ever been silenced by their circumstances. But college is expensive, and right now, I don’t have the resources to make it happen on my own. This scholarship would make a huge difference in my life. It would allow me to focus on my education instead of constantly worrying about how to pay for it. It’s more than just financial support—it’s a chance to move forward, to create a new future for myself, and to prove that I can overcome everything I’ve been through. This scholarship isn’t just about helping me pay for school. It’s about giving me the opportunity to prove that no matter how difficult life has been, I can still create a better future for myself and for others. I’m determined to make a difference, and with the help of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to making that happen.

Since the day I was born, I’ve watched my parents’ love slowly fade and be replaced with dysfunction, abuse, and emotional instability. Growing up in a home where both of my parents were battling their own unresolved trauma was heartbreaking and deeply confusing—especially for a child still trying to understand the world. My dad struggled with narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse, and often took out his pain on my mom, who was also fighting depression, alcoholism, and codependency. Together, they raised five daughters in a home where survival came before peace. Our house never felt safe. Most nights, my little sister would wake me up in a panic because she heard yelling and crashes in the garage. I’d get up and find my parents mid-fight, unsure how to help but knowing I had to be strong—for her, and for myself. I remember my dad stumbling in late at night, his bloodshot eyes avoiding mine because he knew he’d been caught cheating again. He constantly belittled me, lost his temper over the smallest things, and justified it all as “tough love.” It took me years to realize the damage it was doing. That kind of environment doesn’t just hurt in the moment—it lingers. I developed anxiety and depression trying to make sense of it all. Everything shifted on February 6, 2023. My dad was arrested and permanently removed from the house by Child Protective Services. That night, my sister and I came home from dinner to find that he had cooked for us. When he saw the leftovers in my hand, he exploded. He screamed that I was ungrateful and threw the food at me. I locked myself in the bathroom as he tried to break the door down. When my mom got home, the yelling escalated. I ran downstairs to record what was happening as evidence, but he lunged at me. I ran outside, but he dragged me back in by my hair. When he turned on my mom again, I broke free. That was the last night he lived in our home. After the divorce, I hoped things would get better. But they didn’t. That same month, my mom introduced her new boyfriend to my sister and me. It felt too soon—like she was trying to replace one source of pain with another. Before long, I saw the same cycle repeating itself. On vacation, she got heavily drunk while he was high, and she screamed at me to leave the house or she’d “make it horrible” for me. He backed her up every time. Their relationship revolved around drugs, alcohol, and late-night arguments in the garage—just like before. Then came May 31, 2024. I walked into the garage and saw her boyfriend beating my mom. I pulled out my phone and recorded it. When she saw me, she didn’t ask for help—she lashed out. She chased me out of the house. When the police arrived, she was the one arrested, and he faced no consequences. I moved out that night and haven’t returned since. My mom chose to stay with him, despite everything. I’ve been living with friends during the week and staying with my sisters on weekends so I can finish high school. Divorce didn’t end the dysfunction—it revealed how deep it really ran. It didn’t offer peace or healing, just more instability in a different form. Both of my parents replaced accountability with distraction. For most of my life, I felt silenced and powerless, trapped in a home that never gave me the safety or love I needed. But despite it all, I’ve found my own voice—and I’ve decided to use it. This fall, I’ll begin college as a first-generation student. I plan to attend law school and become a criminal lawyer. I want to advocate for families like mine—for kids who feel invisible, and for people who have been failed by a system that’s supposed to protect them. I know what it’s like to feel trapped and unheard. I know how hard it is to keep going when your home life is full of pain and instability. But I’ve made it through, and I’m not turning back. My parents’ divorce didn’t just change my family—it changed me. It forced me to grow up, to protect my sisters, and to redefine what family means. It showed me how cycles of trauma and abuse can repeat unless someone decides to break them. I’m that someone. And I’m going to make sure the pain I’ve experienced becomes the reason someone else finds hope.

Adversity has been a constant in my life, and while it has often felt like an overwhelming force, it has shaped me into the resilient, determined person I am today. Growing up in a home filled with abuse, addiction, and instability, I faced many challenges that could have kept me from pursuing my dreams. My father struggled with substance abuse and narcissistic personality disorder, and my mother, battling depression and alcohol addiction, was often unable to protect my siblings and me. The home I grew up in was chaotic, filled with constant tension, violence, and emotional manipulation. Despite these circumstances, I found strength in my education, which became my escape and motivation to overcome the difficulties I faced. One defining moment of adversity came when I was 16. My father’s behavior had become increasingly violent, and I knew I needed to take action. After years of being manipulated and gaslit, I made the difficult decision to call Child Protective Services. This led to my father being removed from the home, but it also opened up new challenges. My mother’s struggles with addiction continued, and the toxic relationship she entered caused further chaos. At one point, I even recorded my mother’s boyfriend physically abusing her, which led to my mother’s arrest. That night, I made the choice to leave home and move in with a family friend, seeking the stability and safety I needed. This period of my life was a turning point for me. It was difficult to leave everything I had known and face the uncertainty of a new life. But the adversity I faced taught me several important lessons. I learned that I had the strength to stand up for myself, even when it meant making tough decisions that went against the people I loved. I also learned that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness, but a necessary step in taking control of my future. Through all of this, I found the motivation to stay focused on my education, knowing it was the key to creating a better future for myself and my siblings. This experience has shaped the way I view adversity. Rather than seeing it as something that will defeat me, I now see it as an opportunity for growth. Setbacks are a part of life, but how you respond to them defines your future. Through my struggles, I’ve learned that resilience is about facing adversity head-on, learning from it, and using it to fuel your ambitions. My advice to someone facing similar circumstances would be to never give up on yourself, no matter how hard it gets. Understand that you are not defined by your circumstances, and your past does not dictate your future. Reach out for support when you need it, and remember that education is a powerful tool that can help you create the future you want. It may feel overwhelming at times, but the strength to push through adversity lies within you. Take it one step at a time, and never lose sight of your dreams. I am now a first-generation college student, determined to become a criminal lawyer and advocate for those who are victims of abuse and injustice. This scholarship would help me pursue my dreams, and I am committed to using my education to help others who are struggling, just as I once did. Through adversity, I have found my purpose: to break the cycle of abuse and give others the support they need to rise above their challenges.

With a degree in social work, I plan to dedicate my career to helping individuals who are in desperate need of support, care, and advocacy, particularly those who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect. My journey and experiences have shaped my desire to pursue this field, and I’m committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, especially those who face the same struggles I once did. Growing up in a home where abuse, addiction, and emotional neglect were a daily reality, I saw firsthand how difficult it is for people to escape cycles of trauma. My father’s narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse created an environment of fear and uncertainty, and my mother’s struggles with alcohol and depression made it even harder to get the protection and support we needed as children. In a chaotic and unsafe home, it became clear that there was a serious need for people who could advocate for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. This understanding drove me to pursue a career in social work, where I could be the voice for individuals who feel powerless, like I once did. My ultimate goal is to become a social worker specializing in advocating for children and families affected by abuse and addiction. I want to work with organizations that help children in foster care, those who are at risk, and those who have been victims of neglect and violence. Growing up in a dysfunctional environment, I understand how trauma can leave lasting emotional scars that impact the course of one’s life. It’s crucial for individuals in these situations to have someone who listens, supports them, and helps guide them through the steps to heal and rebuild their lives. I also plan to focus on helping parents who are struggling with addiction or mental health issues to find the resources and support they need to break the cycles that often continue from one generation to the next. It’s not enough to provide a temporary fix; long-term, sustainable support is crucial. Whether through counseling, connecting them to rehabilitation programs, or simply offering emotional support during difficult times, my goal is to help parents reclaim their role in their children’s lives while giving them the tools to make lasting changes. My journey has taught me that overcoming adversity is possible, but it requires dedication, hard work, and access to resources that may not always be available. I know that in order to make a lasting impact on individuals and families, I need the right education and training to be an effective social worker. This scholarship will provide the financial support I need to pursue a degree in social work, giving me the opportunity to focus on my studies without the heavy burden of financial stress. I am determined to use my degree to help individuals and families who are caught in the cycle of abuse, neglect, and addiction. I want to be part of the solution by providing the support and resources that will help others build a better future, just as I am working toward my own brighter future today. With this scholarship, I can continue on my path to becoming a social worker who not only helps others but also works to change the systems that have failed so many in our society. In memory of Tyler Schaeffer, who dedicated his life to making the world a better place, I hope to honor his legacy by dedicating my own life to serving others, especially those in my community who need it most.

I believe the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship aligns perfectly with my own journey of overcoming adversity, valuing education, and striving to make a difference in my community. My life has been shaped by challenges, but through perseverance, I’ve learned that education is the key to breaking cycles and creating positive change. Like Mark Green, I’ve faced significant hardships and seen firsthand the impact that resilience, determination, and a commitment to learning can have on one’s life and the lives of those around them. Growing up in an environment filled with abuse, addiction, and instability, I faced daily obstacles that many people my age will never experience. My father’s struggle with narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse created an environment of constant chaos and fear in our home. My mother, also battling her own issues with alcohol addiction and depression, was unable to protect me and my siblings from the emotional and physical harm we faced. It was a heartbreaking reality, and it often felt like there was no escape. However, even in the midst of this dysfunction, I found my strength in education. It became my escape and my motivation for change. I learned early on that the one thing no one could take from me was my mind and my potential to succeed. I took my studies seriously, not just because I loved learning, but because I saw it as the way out— the way to build a better future for myself. I kept pushing forward, determined to break free from the toxic cycle that had defined my upbringing. In February 2023, Child Protective Services removed my father from our home, and while it was a turning point, it did not immediately bring peace. My mother’s toxic relationship with a man involved in drugs and alcohol only deepened the pain, but I knew I had to take control of my life. I made the choice to leave that environment, move in with a family friend, and focus on my education. The resilience I developed in surviving such a difficult childhood has shaped my goals for the future. I am now a first-generation college student, determined to pursue a career in law. My goal is to become a criminal lawyer, advocating for those who have faced abuse, neglect, and systemic injustice— just as I did. Through my education and career, I hope to make a lasting impact by helping others who are in situations similar to my own. I am passionate about breaking the cycles of abuse and addiction that hold people back and creating a better, fairer system that supports those who are most vulnerable. This scholarship will provide me with the financial support I need to attend college and law school, allowing me to focus on my studies and my mission of making a difference. It will help me continue my journey of resilience and empowerment, just as Mark Green’s story of perseverance and education inspired his family. Through education, I am determined to honor his legacy by lifting up others in my community and ensuring that no one has to face their challenges alone. By investing in my education, you are investing in the future of a young woman who is committed to making a positive impact. I will continue to serve my community, fight for justice, and create opportunities for those who are often overlooked and underserved, just as Mark Green did through his own life’s work.

Empowerment means finding strength in my struggles and using that strength to change my future. It’s about owning my story, making my own choices, and not letting my past define me. Growing up in a home filled with abuse and addiction, I learned that even in the hardest situations, I could take control of my life and push forward. Empowerment helped me not only survive my past but also motivated me to pursue higher education and law school so that I can fight for others who’ve been through what I’ve experienced. My childhood was marked by dysfunction. My dad, dealing with narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse, caused constant chaos in our home. My mom, struggling with alcohol abuse and depression, wasn’t able to protect my sisters and me from the damage. Every day, there was a new argument or violent outburst. I witnessed my dad sneak in with bloodshot eyes, knowing he had been unfaithful. I remember trying to keep it together while my dad belittled me, making me believe it was tough love. It led to depression and a deep sense of confusion. In February 2023, things took a major turn when Child Protective Services removed my dad from our home. I thought it would finally bring peace, but soon after, my mom started a relationship with a man who was also involved in drugs and alcohol. I watched as she fell deeper into addiction, abandoning my sister and me for a man who mentally abused us. On May 31, 2024, I recorded him beating my mom in the garage. That moment made me realize I had to make a change. I moved out that night and started staying with a family friend. Although my mom chose to stay with him, I knew that I couldn’t live in that environment anymore. Empowerment, for me, is about not letting the pain of the past hold me back. It’s about realizing that I have the power to choose a different path. I refused to let my parents’ mistakes define my future. Instead of staying trapped in the cycles of abuse and addiction, I decided to take my experiences and use them to help others. As I get ready for college and law school, I want to become a criminal lawyer to fight for those who’ve been victims of abuse, like I was. The system failed me, but I won’t let that happen to others. I am determined to break the cycle and help families who are suffering the way mine did. This scholarship would help me take the next step in my journey, making it possible to focus on my education without the worry of financial burdens. Empowerment means pushing through the hardest moments and turning them into a source of strength. I am ready to do that, not only for myself but for others who need someone to fight for them.

Growing up in a home filled with abuse and addiction, I faced challenges most people can't imagine. My father, who struggled with narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse, made our home a place of constant fear and chaos. My mother, dealing with alcohol abuse and depression, couldn’t protect me and my sisters from his violence and manipulation. Every day felt like surviving in a storm, and it was hard to even feel safe in my own home. For years, I witnessed physical and emotional abuse, and I often had to step in and protect my younger sister. One night, after a particularly violent argument, my dad was arrested by Child Protective Services and I didn't see him for years. I thought things would improve, but my mother got into a relationship with another abusive man. She started drinking and using drugs again, and once more, my sister and I were caught in the middle of her toxic relationship. After one last incident where I recorded him beating my mom, I finally left home. A family friend took me in, and that’s when I realized I needed to do more than just survive—I needed to help others who were going through the same struggles. Through everything I’ve experienced, I’ve seen how broken the systems meant to protect people can be. This is what has pushed me to pursue a career in law. I want to become a criminal lawyer who specializes in helping victims of abuse. I want to give people the voice they don’t have, especially those who are stuck in dangerous situations and don’t know how to get out. I’ve seen how important it is to have someone who will fight for you, and I want to be that person for others. I’m a first-generation college student, and I know how much the cost of college can stand in the way of someone’s dreams. It’s not just the cost of tuition—it’s books, living expenses, everything. This scholarship would make a huge difference in my ability to attend college and then law school. With this support, I could focus on my studies and eventually become the kind of lawyer who can make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m committed to public service because I know how much it can change lives. The abuse and neglect I lived through showed me how broken systems can hurt people, but it also showed me how the right person can make a difference. I want to be that person—someone who works to break the cycle of abuse and make sure people are treated with the respect and protection they deserve. This scholarship would help me continue my education and get one step closer to becoming a lawyer who can help those who need it most. I am determined to take everything I’ve learned from my experiences and use it to serve others, break the cycle of abuse, and fight for justice for those who can’t fight for themselves.

Although I’m just 16 years old, I’ve experienced the effects of how much mental health can change a person. Struggling with depression and anxiety has changed my view on the importance of life and the people around me. Taking control of my mental health was a battle I'd never thought I'd overcome. Every day I learn more about myself and how to take care of my mental health which feels like a reward. My experience with depression and anxiety has influenced my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations in many ways. Many children who are victims of abuse or exposed to domestic violence are at serious risk for long-term physical or mental health problems. Witnessing my parents' abusive relationship for years has affected me mentally, causing me to suffer from depression and anxiety. Growing up in a dysfunctional household with parents who suffered from their issues was a heartbreaking experience for me to grasp, especially from a developing mindset. My dad, who was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder and substance abuse inflicted psychological trauma on my mom who dealt with alcohol abuse and depression herself while struggling with codependency. My mom of five struggled with being a single parent and it was hard for her to walk away from a second marriage. My parents’ main arguments were mainly caused by my dad getting caught with narcotics or having an affair. This would lead to objects around the house being thrown and shattered leaving my mom in pieces. My anxiety got more extreme over time because of my parents' abuse towards each other. Anytime I heard my dad’s voice rise, my stomach would drop and my chest would get heavy. This was an everyday occurrence until my dad physically hurt me during an argument with my mom. This wasn’t the first time he physically hurt me, but it was the last. He got arrested and my parents divorced after 20 years of being together. Child Protective Services got involved and my little sister and I were required to go to therapy. I never had the best relationship with my parents, mainly because I didn't respect my dad’s actions nor did I respect my mom’s bad habits of putting up with my dad. Our household felt chaotic and we rarely felt like a family. To this day, I wish I could've experienced that picture-perfect family. Having to figure out how to cope with my mental health troubles on top of the struggles my family was having was a tough experience. I felt alone and unable to live a regular high school life. Domestic violence at home can also affect a child’s school performance. My anxiety made school difficult and sometimes unbearable. I dreaded going to school during freshman year and had to be pulled from class because it was too much to handle at times. Leaving my room was awful because it was my comfort place during the time. My parent’s relationship had a significant effect on me, eventually shifting my beliefs on many things. My parent’s turmoil caused by substance abuse and alcoholism made me feel unlovable and unwanted. Substance abuse and alcoholism took my parents away from me. I was constantly blamed or involved in my parents' toxic relationship which weakened me. My parents repeatedly used me to pick sides on who was right and wrong. During my depression, I grew angry at the world, and my personality took a bad turn. Going from such a happy, outgoing kid to rotting in my room for months was very difficult to accept and affected me on an emotional level. I shut out many loved ones because I didn’t want to be heartbroken. My anger towards my parents constantly got me in trouble, but I didn’t know how to control such strong feelings. My depression started in the 8th grade, but during the end of freshman year, I was at my lowest. I was constantly picked on by my dad, which I thought at first was just tough love, but I was being mentally abused for years. Going through depression made me not love myself anymore, leading to body dysmorphia. This hit me hard, and I had no idea who I was anymore. I hated what I saw in the mirror and had a tough time going out in public. I would sob on my floor, crying out to God for help. I believed I was never going to be better again. To help myself, I had to change my habits which was difficult, but I had to start somewhere. I tried my best to be patient with myself. God and I were always on and off while growing up. During my sophomore year, my friend introduced me to her church. Talking about God and understanding the worth of living changed my overall perspective of everything I was going through. I also started journaling, which helped make expressing my emotions a lot easier. After years of suffering, turning to a support group helped guide me into recovery. Church helped me find myself again. With church being my outlet, I grew a strong desire to achieve in life. My main aspiration is to do my best in school and go on to college. My sisters and I all had rough childhoods with our parents, but my sister Izzy had it the worst. She will be the first generation college graduate majoring in psychology, and she’s very open about mental health. She is my role model and motivates me so that I can also be successful, despite my mental health. After school, I plan to attend law school and become a criminal justice lawyer. Creating a future for myself is very important to me, especially coming from a struggling household. Mental health has influenced my relationships, beliefs and aspirations for the better. Mental health is a serious issue that starts within you, and it takes time. It took me years to recover and finally feel happiness again, but it was worth it in the long run.