The weight of adversity can crush even the strongest person, but it can also forge them into something unbreakable. My journey through financial hardship, depression, and limited mobility has been a turbulent one, but it has also shaped me into the person I am today—a resilient survivor with huge dreams. It started when I was just a child, watching my single mother juggle multiple jobs just to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. My mother's determination was both inspiring and heartbreaking. I could see the exhaustion carved into her face as she worked tirelessly day in and day out. At a young age, I had to take on the responsibility of caring for my younger brother, knowing that every bit of help I offered relieved some of the burden from my mother's shoulders. As I grew older, our financial struggles weighed down on me more. There were days when we couldn't afford necessities, but my mother never faltered. However, the constant stress plagued my mind and led me to go down depression’s dark path, causing illicit substances to become a constant companion as I entered my teenage years. Then came the day that changed everything. A combination of financial strain, familial responsibilities, and the overwhelming weight of depression and addiction drove me to attempt suicide. It was a desperate plea to escape from a life that seemed too heavy, but fate had other plans for me. Surviving that attempt left me with a disability that limited my ability to walk and suddenly, the challenges I faced seemed impossible. Simple tasks became major obstacles, but through the pain and frustration, a flame ignited inside me. I refused to let adversity define me or dictate my future. My experiences with hardship inspired a newfound determination to not only survive but truly live and thrive. I channeled my pain into writing and research, immersing myself in various topics surrounding science. The unanswered questions of the world became my focus and I found joy in learning about the mysteries of the universe. Despite the challenges I faced, I set my mind on the goal of becoming a scientific researcher/physicist. It became a symbol of encouragement and hope that guided me through troubling times. I focused heavily on my education and ultimately proved to myself that resilience knows no bounds, and that I could pursue a profession that I would find an abundance of pleasure in. Today, as I look back on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for getting a second chance at life. I now realize that the adversity I faced was not a punishment, but a chance for growth and transformation. My past no longer defines me and each obstacle I overcame strengthened my resolve and shaped my goals that I will continue to pursue while furthering my education.

I have experienced the struggles and challenges that come with addiction firsthand. However, I have also come to appreciate the power of storytelling in helping individuals understand the complexities of addiction and the impact it has on individuals and their loved ones. An example of this would be the television show that has had one of the biggest impacts on me- "Breaking Bad." "Breaking Bad" is a television series that aired from 2008 to 2013, and it is definitely one that you wish you could see again for the first time. The plot follows Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who becomes a big-time methamphetamine manufacturer following a cancer diagnosis. If that sentence didn't make you go add this show to your watchlist already, I am a tad shocked. In addition, throughout the series, you get to witness Walter's descent into the criminal underworld as he grapples with both his addiction to power and his moral compass. The show includes vital components that are undoubtedly deserving of praise, including complex characters, gripping plotlines, and exploration of themes such as morality, family, and addiction. I believe that "Breaking Bad" is a must-watch for anyone, whether you just need a new show to watch or you are looking to gain insight into the mindset of an addict and the destructive nature of addiction. The show does not glamorize drug use or criminal behavior; instead, it depicts the harsh realities of addiction and the toll it takes on individuals and their relationships. While Walter did not use any drugs, the internal struggles and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to feed his addiction to power is one in the same. Another key figure is Jesse Pinkman, who is Walter's former student and partner in crime. Jesse is portrayed as a troubled young man who is caught in a cycle of addiction and self-destructive behavior. Over the course of the show you watch Jesse's struggles with guilt, shame, and the desire to break free from his past, struggles that you could very well be battling as well. Nevertheless, his character changes so much from the start to the end of the show and serves as a beacon of hope for redemption and recovery. While I am not the biggest fan of Skyler White, Walter's wife, her character does undergo a significant transformation as she learns the truth about her husband's double life. I admire how the show does not shy away from depicting the devastation that a life of crime and/or addiction can bring. From broken relationships to criminal activity, the show highlights the far-reaching effects of addiction and the importance of seeking help and support. I believe that the show has the potential to spark important conversations and raise awareness about a variety of topics. I wholeheartedly recommend watching "Breaking Bad" and I think everyone needs to at some point. We all know that Netflix loves to take fan-favorites away, so there's no telling how long it will be available to stream.

"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I've finished two bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already." -Dave Barry One thing I remember from my trips to the Golden State, is trying to surf. On TV, they make surfing look so easy. Step 1: Get a big shiny surfboard Step 2: Walk into the water with your surfboard and lay on it Step 3: Paddle with your hands toward the waves Step 4: Once a wave that is big enough comes, stand up on the board, balance, and ride the wave until you fall Guess what step I reached when trying to surf? Only halfway into step two. What they don't tell you is that, the board is very heavy and a lot bigger in person. Once you get closer to the water and see the huge waves, you realize how big of a board you have to maintain control of and it's intimidating. This and choosing the right ice cream flavor were my biggest concerns as a young child. I feel that the glow of childhood is just not talked about enough! There is something so beautiful about being oblivious to the iniquity of the world. Many think that high school is the best four years of your life, but I think the years of early childhood beat those by a long-shot. Nothing could have prepared me for the tribulations of high school. In late 2023, I was faced with a huge obstacle that ended with me in the hospital for weeks. I lost my late boyfriend to an overdose. Grief is an overwhelming feeling that I was not yet prepared for. I did not have much of a support system from my parents, so I looked for it in substances. It felt like I was drowning, an anchor attached to my leg with no way of reaching the surface. All of the huge dreams I had for the future seemed to dwindle. This was not my first battle with depression, but it was definitely the most grueling. I thought that this was the end, with no chance of life ever getting better. So, I attempted to take my own life. I was just minutes away from death. I was completely unresponsive and my breathing was almost at a stop. Luckily, my father found me in time and I was helped by paramedics. However, this was the beginning of another fight. After I awoke from my coma, I realized I could not walk. My legs felt very heavy and any attempt to move them failed. I felt absolutely defeated. Not only did I lose my partner, but I lost my mobility too. However, I was surrounded by many family members, some travelling from out of state, and I was given so much love and support. I came to realize that I was trying to find a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I had big plans and hopes for my future and I could not throw them away. I was given a second chance at life that many do not get, so I knew I had to keep fighting to reach those goals. This meant I had to endure hours of occupational and physical therapy to relearn the simple motion of walking, all while suffering agonizing pain all day and night. I also had to participate in counseling to learn how to cope healthily with overwhelming emotions and events. Although, receiving a plethora of support from family and friends really helped me to keep going, even when I felt weak or the pain was truly unbearable. I've realized that it takes a ton of strength, both mental and physical, to not give up, because life has to keep going. I have to persevere because even though this was not in the plan, I still want to see a better life. This is something that has provided me with a higher level of character and resistance. I am a fighter, and I want to succeed at the highest level that I can. I know that life will continuously throw curve balls whether it be physical, emotional, or in academics. All that matters is that I continue to strive and choose to look for the good in situations. I could have lost my legs or my life completely, but I'm still here and I still get the chance to carry out the future that I planned. Maybe I'll learn how to successfully surf one day.

"I'll only try it once." You can only say those words so many times before they become meaningless. When you are at war with depression, it seems like drugs are the valuable reinforcements. What I failed to realize was they were never fighting on my side. Slowly, the substances chipped away parts of me, replacing them with uglier versions. I watched the remnants of light in my eyes falter. Then, my new ashen skin began to accentuate the sharp bones beneath it. Lies started to suppress the truth and the new disease that was plaguing my mind disregarded the pleas of my loved ones. I was losing sight of the dreams I once had for the future, not wanting to leave the toxic embrace of my addiction. Then, I met Caleb. Caleb faced many of the same struggles that I was facing. He always wanted to lend a helping hand, no matter what he was going through. Being in a relationship with him showed me the other side of addiction, a side my loved ones expressed their concerns from. Our new desire to help each other gave us the push to want to help ourselves too. So together, we walked through the arduous path of recovery, balancing rehabilitation visits, therapy, healthy coping styles, and narcotics anonymous meetings. I would be lying if I said there were not times that we relapsed. Although, the momentary relapses did not deter me, or Caleb, from continuing the journey and reaching sobriety. And we did. We reached the point of long-term sobriety, and continued to put our new, healthy habits to use. I felt genuine joy for the first time in years and I was eagerly working towards my dreams. I realized that I wanted to find a way to prevent others like Caleb and I, from finding themselves in the grasp of addiction. I planned to get a doctoral degree and do research involving the composition of drugs, and the effects they have on the mind and body. I had the hopes of using medicinal chemistry to provide better drug alternatives, instead of the ones with high risks of addiction. These dreams dwindled when Caleb died of an overdose several months ago. He relapsed after a year of sobriety, becoming another victim to the deadly contamination of fentanyl. Once again I was choked by the hands of depression, only this time I didn't want to fight. It felt like everything that I accomplished and worked towards no longer mattered. I became distant from those around me and I attempted to end my life. I was minutes away from death and had little oxygen flowing in my body, but my father found me. As a result, I suffered muscular atrophy and other debilitating conditions that left me with limited mobility, unable to return to school. The traumatic experience caused a huge shift in my friends and family. The devastation they expressed, along with the immense support in my recovery, gave me hope and another reason to fight. I've had to learn that it takes a lot of strength to not give up, because life HAS to keep going. These tribulations provided me with a higher level of resilience and fortitude. Over 90,000 people die from drug overdoses each year. I could have been one, but I'm still here and I still get the chance to carry out the future that I once wanted. I resumed my schooling, received acceptances from colleges, and I am taking back control of my life. I tell this story as inspiration for anyone else battling addiction and/or depression.