I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder a couple of years ago and I honestly feel like I still don't have a grip on my mental health. However, when I move away from here for college, I believe that will help a lot because I am immensely surrounded by toxicity. Something I have realized that helps a lot is acknowledging I have mental health problems and talking about them. Today there is a stigma held on mental health, for what reason I don't know. But there shouldn't be, everyone struggles, whether you see it or not. So a "practical" or effective in real circumstances solution to help with people like me, who struggle with mental health may be to just talk. Just talk about it, talk about anything. I know when I'm having a bad day, talking helps a lot. There are days when I do not want to open up, but you have to. You cannot hold everything and let it build up. Talking is a form of expression, if you can express yourself, you're doing great. Like I said, it doesn't even have to be a conversation about your "mental health." Talk about your dogs, your favorite fishing hole or your favorite family vacation from six years ago. ANYTHING you can talk about helps alleviate stress you've built up over time. Trust me, it's easy to go days and this happen but know, you're not alone. You will never be alone when it comes to mental health. It's time we end the stigma on mental health and if we all start talking, I believe we can do it. So let's talk. I talk, you talk and we all talk!

When someone asks you what your goals are, do you answer with the next three, five, or ten years? I'll be honest ... for me to reach my BIGGEST goal, it will take at least eight to nine years. But let me break it down for you, from all in between. It is a lot, I'm nervous but who wouldn't be? I am doing life changing things. I'm so here for it, all. I currently work as a unlicensed veterinary technician in Hopkinsville, Ky. The clinic I work out was privately owned, but we just got bought out by a cooperation. I started my externship here back in November of 2020, finally started working as an employee almost a year later. I was so blessed to receive this opportunity. But, I know I have potential. I was in quarentine with Covid-19, for 12 days. in those 12 days, I applied and was ACCEPTED into Tuskegee University, the College of Agriculture, Enviroment and Nutrition Sciences with a major in Animal and Veterinary Sciences and minor in Agribusiness. So, I will be leaving Kentucky by the end of July and head to Alabama to begin my journey! How exciting! I will be on campus, per my choice. Souly to FOCUS on my education. My first FOUR years will be to achieve my Bachelors degree. This is so important to me which is why I've decided to solely stay on campus so I can stay as focused as possible. After my four years and Bachelors, I will apply to Tuskegee's Vet Med school and to say that doesn't put knots in my stomach is a understatement. I have super high hopes for myself, but I believe in myself. Even if no one else does! Let's go!!

My dreams will become a reality. How about yours? I always ask little kids what they want to be when they grow up, it's always the cutest thing. I wish I remembered what I told someone when they asked me at a young age. I am sure it has something to do with what I'm doing now because since I was young, this has been my passion. A passion you may ask? Why yes, a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement about doing something. That's me, with animals. Must you guess, my dreams are to become a veterinarian. All my life I've had animals. From hamsters and hedgehogs to cats and dogs. They make me happy. But mostly, I love being a voice for them. They need someone to advocate for them because obviously, they cannot do it for themselves. I started out, clueless. I had no idea where to start. So I spent a lot of time on the computer. Researching what I needed to do, the steps I needed to take. When I took my pets to the Vet, I took notes, I asked questions. I tried to be involved as much as possible. I started out doing a Veterinary Assistant program. It was all online, except my externship which I did at a local clinic. I finished and graduated. However, they were not hiring. It took me three months to finally get a job in the Vet Med field. However, I never gave up. Recently I've been accepted in to University of Tuskegee, the College of Agriculture, Enviroment and Nutrition Sciences with a major in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Next will be Vet School which will be there, too! (Hopefully!!)

Creativity: the use of imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of artistic work. When it comes to creativity, I will admit, I will not be the first with an idea, but it's coming and it will be good. I've been leader of groups and I've also just been a team player with ideas. However, one idea can stem A LOT of great ideas. Creativity is endless in the world. I currently work at a veterinarian clinic and the creativity we see on a daily ... is phenomenal. From long haired dogs with pig tails to cats in sweaters. (Yes, we see that.) My mind wonders with the the things I could do, when I go the places I will go. Fall of this year, my adventures will take me to Alabama. Creativity will be the top of my list, for sure. College dorm life is going to be a whole new ball game for me. First timer here, so let the games begin. From making food in the dorms to ways of studying, my creativity skills are on the rise. Everyone makes jokes about being the broke college student who eats Ramen Noodles and it takes me back to the days when I was growing up. Me and a girl I lived in the neighborhood with used to eat these noodles for lunch, almost everyday. Well one day, we decided to get a little crazy. So we added some cheese and barbarque sauce ... let me tell you, those noodles were GROSS. 10/10 do not recommend that. However, we did not stop there. We tried different combinations for weeks. So when I hear people say "I hope you like Ramen." I just laugh, because I'm prepared for my ramen days in college. Let the creativity begin, again!

Does losing someone shape you or shatter you, or both? August 11, 2011, is the day I lost my dad. I was an eighth-grader at North Drive Middle School in Hopkinsville, Ky. You might as well say that the whole year was a blur because my world had just shattered right in front of me. It is so funny (not literally) how and when things happen. That night I was with my step-grandparents at a family friend's church revival, and the sermon was about a father in jail and his relationship with his child. It hit home, hard. I cried all the way home, told myself I was going to call my dad after school the next day to see about getting together for lunch. However, I was rushed to him at Caldwell County Hospital that very night to say my goodbyes. Lunch didn't happen. For years, even today, I still beat myself up about not maintaining a healthy relationship with him. However, at 13-years-old, it shouldn't be a child's responsibility. I've realized since then, to never hold back. Always say what you feel and mostly, follow your dreams. You know when they say, don't hold grudges ... Don't. It hurts and you need to heal. You need to be able to move on, yesterday. From that day on, I told myself I would never give up and I would continue to push for what I wanted because I had someone to make happy who didn't get to make me happy. I'll make them, myself happy and continue to live out a life of trying my best to live up to my dreams. I know in today's day and time, being a people pleaser is NOT ideal, but making yourself happy .. that's where it starts. This is where I start. Here's to you dad!

When I was just a little kid, it all started with a kitten. Then we had a dog, or two. Later on, we even had a couple of hamsters. My passion started young. You may wonder how this is a "hobby?" However, everything I do is for them. I live, breathe and WORK HARD for my animals. When you have so many, it does become your hobby. Some say it's a funny farm at my house. 5 dogs, 3 cats, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 hedgehog. Your "free time" is consumed by them. Sick days aren't "sick days." They are days home with them. From walks down the road to car rides through the country, they are my HOBBIES. They keep me entertained more than any movie ever could, more than any conversationalist ever will and it is always something I will cherish. This "hobby" is what will drive my education and career into a full blast. I will make this into my career. I will take and defeat any challenges I am faced with, because of them, my hobbies.