1. I have never broken a bone in my life. I think Dora the Explorer is annoying. 2. I would like to start a food business. Just starting out like hotdog carts. But absolutely everything on the menu is wrapped in cotton candy. Hotdogs; in cotton candy. Nachos; in cotton candy. Soda; in cotton candy -- who needs a cup? Or a bun? Or chips? 3. I was supposed to take out the trash, but I was on the couch watching a show. It was on commercial, but if I left, my show would come back on before I came back. And then I would see spoilers of my show to have to rewind. Though if I paused it on commercial, I would still have to watch commercials since there's no skip on this network. And I didn't have shoes on. And my precious little dog was laying on top of me. It was a hopeless situation. It took a long time for me to come to a place to where I could take out that trash.

I have always been known as a "nerd". Books were my friends in elementary. And my love for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Dystopian books only grew in middle school. I didn't grow up watching Cartoon Network or even Disney, I watched Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Food Network, and SciGo. And to this day my Google recommended articles and stories are politics, economics, business, recipes, and new scientific discoveries. So I always have little fun facts to share. Not to mention, I am a GT kid. I love to find loopholes, challenge things, look at something with a new perspective or new strategy. And as a GT kid my curiosity is never-ending. I have always been a straight A student, minus highschool geometry and algebra - but there's always room to grow. I take all advanced classes that I can; because I love seeing the big picture and small details since I get more information out of higher level classes. These classes generally are also more interactive, so more projects where I can do research of my own, class discussions, and encourages individual thought with essays and presentations. I am thankful for my AP and advanced class teachers who welcomed questions or threw in extra fun facts and stories that provided more knowledge to students beyond curriculum. Paying attention in class, challenging myself, and pursuing my own advancement of knowledge through studying, research, and reading, I am able to help others learn or do better in school. I tutored for advanced Chemistry my sophomore year, I have helped fellow students with homework assignments or studying for tests. The last year, I have volunteered with the Kidz Club tutoring kids in math, science, and english. I think it is important to be aware of the world around you and to gain knowledge and skills for a successful future. And education is essential to reach the aforementioned goals. Advancing to university would be the next step for me, to learn specialized instruction to be prepared for a career in the mental health field and to pick up some life experience before full independence. I am going to East Texas Baptist University, to double major in Psychology and Sociology, with a minor in Counseling. I will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Behavioral Science. My plan is to become a licensed Family and Child Therapist. And to also bring more awareness to what can cause mental health disorders from parent choices, social media, and environment, to nutrition. Most people are unaware of the unhealthy patterns in their interactions or what they eat that can be detrimental to their mental and physical health. For example; I learned in my AP Psychology class, coffee is actually a stimulant drug that can be addictive, have withdrawal symptoms, and affect neurotransmitters worsening anxiety, depression and ADHD. Most people are unaware this popular drink could be dangerous. Through attaining higher education, I can learn more about the science of the brain and body and relationships to help others. I have witnessed in myself, as well as, friends and family around me struggling with mental health disorders. It is a growing concern that has only expanded due to the pandemic and modern "advancements" in the world like technology and food dyes that are actually harmful. Without further education, I am not equipped or qualified to help people in a growing area of need in the world. I hope to give the gift of a healthier, happier lifestyle through my career.

I have General Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and PTSD. It is quite difficult for me to relax. Let alone reason with my brain that it is okay to take a break. But it is a healing process and a walk in my life of personal growth. Sometimes in my panic I stop breathing - and I have to specifically go through breathing exercises of in for 4 seconds, hold for 2, and then out for 6. Also, stretching in the morning and before bed while breathing deeply releases tension from my muscles and calms me. Sleep is also a form of self-care. I have learned to give myself enough sleep. Exhaustion takes a toll physically, mentally and emotionally. In addition, I use essential oils that include lavender, vanilla, sandal wood, and mint, as a pillow spray and a mist for when I am overwhelmed. These scents, and scientifically some of the properties in these ingredients, promote relaxation. It has taken therapy, prayer, and time for me to realize that I should not feel guilty to spend time "not being productive". I now can sit down and read for an hour or watch a show with my family and understand that is healthy. Over the last year or so, it has been a journey learning to love myself. And some of these methods have given me more energy and confidence.

My favorite scientist is Abraham Maslow. He is the Father of Humanistic Psychology. He also created the Hierarchy of Needs. His research and analysis has led to massive leaps for modern day mental health approaches.