My experience with my cousin's struggle with meth addiction has had a profound impact on my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. It has opened my eyes to the harsh reality of addiction and mental health issues, inspiring me to advocate for and support underserved individuals who face similar challenges. Amid my cousin's ongoing battle with meth addiction, I have witnessed the powerlessness that addiction can exert over a person's life. Her journey has been marked by cycles of seeking help and then falling back into the clutches of drugs. I have watched her try in earnest to quit drugs for the sake of her children, but ultimately lose custody of both as she failed to stay clean. I used to believe her failure was her fault, but I now see the depth of addiction and the inadequacies of our society to truly help. These recurring patterns have made me acutely aware of the complexities and challenges that individuals with addiction and mental health issues face. I have come to believe that addiction is not simply a matter of choice but rather a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and personal struggles. This realization has deepened my empathy and compassion for those grappling with similar issues. My relationship with my cousin has been a rollercoaster of emotions. While her addiction has strained our bond, it has also taught me the importance of patience, understanding, and unconditional love. I have learned to separate the person from the addiction, understanding that her struggles do not define her character. While I long for the Sydney I knew as a child, I know she is forever changed but my love for her won't waver. This perspective shift has made me more open-minded and accepting, not only in my interactions with her but also in my relationships with others. I have developed a greater capacity for empathy and support, recognizing that everyone has their battles, and judgment is rarely helpful. The impact of my cousin's addiction on my career aspirations has been substantial. Witnessing her continuous struggle with meth addiction has fueled my desire to make a difference in the lives of underserved individuals facing addiction and mental health crises. I want to contribute to the development of comprehensive, compassionate, and accessible treatment and support systems. My goal is to work with organizations and communities to provide resources and assistance to those who often feel marginalized and abandoned. Moreover, I have become an advocate for raising awareness about addiction and mental health issues. I firmly believe that education and understanding are key to combating the stigma surrounding these struggles. Through my personal experiences, I have found a sense of purpose in spreading awareness and providing a platform for individuals to share their stories. I want to be a part of the movement to remove the barriers that hinder access to quality care and support for those affected by addiction and mental health disorders. In conclusion, my cousin's struggle with meth addiction has left an indelible mark on my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. It has taught me empathy, patience, and a commitment to helping underserved individuals battling addiction and mental health issues. I am determined to make a positive impact on their lives and to be an advocate for a more compassionate and understanding society when it comes to these complex issues.

The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care Practices In today's fast-paced world, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated. It's the foundation of our overall well-being and influences every aspect of our lives. Maintaining good mental health is essential for leading a fulfilling and productive life. This essay explores the significance of mental health and the role of three specific self-care practices in maintaining it: spending time with friends, engaging in creative arts and crafts, and taking moments of solitude with no responsibilities scheduled. Mental health is an integral component of our overall health. It affects our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with the world. A healthy mind is vital for our ability to cope with stress, make rational decisions, build and maintain relationships, and pursue our goals. Neglecting mental health can lead to various issues, including anxiety, depression, and more severe conditions. One of the fundamental ways to support mental health is by spending time with friends. Social connections provide a sense of belonging and emotional support, which are crucial for well-being. Engaging with friends allows us to share our thoughts and feelings, gain perspective on our problems, and feel a sense of connection that reduces feelings of isolation. It fosters a sense of joy, relaxation, and stress relief, ultimately improving our mental health. Being creative through arts and crafts is another avenue to nurture mental wellness. Creative activities enable us to express ourselves and engage in a flow state where we lose track of time and worries. This not only helps to reduce stress but also promotes a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. The act of creating something tangible, be it a painting, a piece of pottery, or a craft project, can be immensely satisfying, boosting our mental well-being. In our hyperconnected world, taking time for solitude with no responsibilities scheduled is often overlooked. Solitude allows us to recharge and reflect on our thoughts and emotions. It provides the space to detach from external pressures, be present with ourselves, and discover a sense of inner peace. Unplugging from the constant demands of life, even for a short time, can be refreshing and restorative. Maintaining good mental health is essential for living a meaningful and satisfying life. It impacts every aspect of our existence, from our relationships to our productivity and overall happiness. Engaging in self-care practices such as spending time with friends, being creative through arts and crafts, and taking moments of solitude can significantly contribute to our mental wellness. By recognizing the importance of mental health and investing in these self-care practices, we can enhance our quality of life and build resilience to face life's challenges. Ultimately, taking care of our mental health is a responsibility we owe to ourselves, and it paves the way to a brighter and more fulfilling future.

In today's fast-paced world, the importance of mental health cannot be overstated. It's the foundation of our overall well-being and influences every aspect of our lives. Maintaining good mental health is essential for leading a fulfilling and productive life. This essay explores the significance of mental health and the role of three specific self-care practices in maintaining it: spending time with friends, engaging in creative arts and crafts, and taking moments of solitude with no scheduled responsiblities bearing down on me. Mental health is an integral component of our overall health. It affects our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with the world. A healthy mind is vital for our ability to cope with stress, make rational decisions, build and maintain relationships, and pursue our goals. Neglecting mental health can lead to various issues, including anxiety, depression, and more severe conditions. In my worst moments of mental distress, I have had anxiety and panic attacks, and extreme, debilitating physical and emotional distress. One of the fundamental ways I support my mental health is by spending time with friends. Social connections provide a sense of belonging and emotional support, which are crucial for well-being. Engaging with friends allows us to share our thoughts and feelings, gain perspective on our problems, and feel a sense of connection that reduces feelings of isolation. Being in the presence of those who matter most to me fosters a sense of joy, relaxation, and stress relief, ultimately improving my mental health. Being creative through arts and crafts is another avenue to nurture my mental wellness. Creative activities enable us to express ourselves and engage in a flow state where we lose track of time and worries. This not only helps to reduce my stress but also promotes a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. The act of creating something tangible, be it a painting, a felt Christmas stocking, or a craft project, can be immensely satisfying, boosting my mental well-being. In our hyperconnected world, taking time for solitude with no responsibilities scheduled is often overlooked. Solitude allows us to recharge and reflect on our thoughts and emotions. It provides the space to detach from external pressures, be present with ourselves, and discover a sense of inner peace. Unplugging from the constant demands of life, even for a short time, can be refreshing and restorative for me. Maintaining good mental health is essential for living a meaningful and satisfying life. It impacts every aspect of our existence, from our relationships to our productivity and overall happiness. Engaging in self-care practices such as spending time with friends, being creative through arts and crafts, and taking moments of solitude can significantly contribute to our mental wellness. By recognizing the importance of mental health and investing in these self-care practices, we can enhance our quality of life and build resilience to face life's challenges. Ultimately, taking care of our mental health is a responsibility we owe to ourselves, and it paves the way to a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Volunteering is a transformative experience that can shape one's values and goals. Over the years, my volunteer experiences at a local food bank and with children with disabilities have significantly influenced my core values of advocacy and doing what is right. These experiences have not only impacted my career aspirations as a future speech-language pathologist but have also instilled a deep commitment to advocating for underserved students in all facets of my life. My journey towards advocacy and doing what is right began at a local food bank, where I volunteered during my high school years. At the food bank, I witnessed the harsh realities of food insecurity and poverty, where families struggled to make ends meet and put food on their tables. This experience was a stark reminder that countless individuals in our community faced daily challenges, and their voices often went unheard. My time at the food bank taught me the importance of compassion and empathy. It reinforced my belief that we must advocate for those in need and take meaningful actions to alleviate their suffering. The experience fueled my desire to ensure that underserved populations, like the clients at the food bank, receive the support they deserve in my future career. Volunteering with children with disabilities further solidified my commitment to advocacy. As I spent time with these remarkable individuals, I came to appreciate their incredible resilience, determination, and unique strengths. It was clear that their voices, too often silenced by societal misconceptions, needed to be amplified. Working with children with disabilities opened my eyes to the importance of inclusivity, equal opportunities, and the right to express oneself. It emphasized the vital role of advocacy in ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the support and opportunities they deserve. Witnessing their progress and the transformation in their lives through speech therapy further inspired me to become a speech-language pathologist. As I pursued a career in speech-language pathology, my volunteer experiences became an integral part of my professional identity. In my journey, I realized that as a speech-language pathologist, I would play a pivotal role in advocating for the communication needs of individuals with disabilities. My role would involve helping these individuals find their voice, express themselves, and access the support they require to thrive. Advocacy, in the context of speech-language pathology, extends beyond therapeutic interventions. It encompasses collaborating with educators, families, and other professionals to ensure that students with communication disorders receive the appropriate services, resources, and accommodations. My volunteer experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges these individuals face, and they have strengthened my determination to advocate relentlessly for their rights. Beyond my career aspirations, my volunteer experiences have shaped my broader life goals. I am committed to advocating for underserved students in all aspects of my life. This commitment extends to educational, social, and community settings, where I will strive to create an inclusive environment that values diversity and empowers all individuals, regardless of their abilities or background. The values of advocacy and doing what is right that I have cultivated through volunteering have become an inseparable part of my identity. They guide my interactions with friends, family, and colleagues, as I work to raise awareness about the needs of underserved students and foster a culture of inclusivity and compassion. Whether it's through volunteering, fundraising, or simply lending an ear, I am determined to be a force for positive change in the lives of those who need it most.

There are few words to describe how coasting above the clouds feels as one looks down at the miniature rolling hills, pastures, and homes below. There is an unmatched adrenaline with a powerfully comforting feeling of insignificance. My family has had a home in Plain since I was six years old. We spent entire summers in the Ponderosa community pool, waiting with bated breath for the fire trucks to throw candy during the Ponderosa 4th of July parade. Now residing on Chiwawa Loop Road, just off Fish Lake, there are many excursions and relaxations to be had in our home. Whether walking to the Midway, feeding the neighbors' horses carrots, or hiking around Lake Wenatchee. But the Wenatchee planes, that was the most awe-inspiring part of any trip over the mountains. As a child, I couldn't fathom how we had a place for planes to take off so close to us. Wasn't that just for airports? And since then, I haven't stopped longing for Wenatchee aviation. To be up in the sky, to marvel at the wonders below I have hiked, wandered, and admired. In all honesty, I am not sure which road I will take when pursuing aviation. But I have spent too long pining for the day when I can pursue my aviation dreams, and I no longer wish to wait for idealistic circumstances. I have listened to those around me who have told me to pursue something else, something easier, something stable. But I have been "stable" since I graduated with my first degree, and it has been nothing short of stagnant. I feel I am missing out, and as such, I will be pursuing something within aviation. Perhaps aeronautical engineering is too out of my reality, but that isn't the only option. I work diligently within the realm of technology in my current position. Though, in an education setting, the scope of technology is far more limited than I am capable of. Therefore, pursuing an avionics technician position is one of my primary goals, as through my research this seems the most fascinating and within the scope of my capabilities. And with time, I know it is within my power to first establish myself with a position I am most comfortable, within my chosen field of aviation, and eventually work to train to be in the sky. I owe it to myself to seek out these opportunities to live my most fulfilling life in my home east of the mountains.

One book will forever stand out in my mind for its brilliant writing, the warm embrace of its story, and its meaningful impact beyond its pages. Though I read this book in my twenties, this YA geared story made my heart swell and joyous tears stream. The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a beautiful, positive representation of LGBTQIA+ romance filled with fantasy and its heartwarming 'found family' trope. This story follows the self-proclaimed boring and by-the-book Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY) caseworker Linus, who is charged with evaluating a mysterious group home--specifically the master of the orphanage, Arthur. Children within this home are characterized in their files as the worst of the worst--including Lucy, the six-year-old son of the devil himself. While his paralyzing task is simple enough on paper, further mystery lies in the caretaker himself. Linus can't help but be captivated by the ease with which each child is nurtured, perfectly attuned to the child's needs, past, and personality. Linus finds it increasingly difficult to remain neutral when his heartbeat steadily thrums to the tune of the children, and Arthur himself. There is a vibrant life and energy to this home that Linus never experienced, and its irresistibility is an indulgence Linus fears to let himself partake. This book is proudly displayed on my bookshelf in my home, and I have purchased copies for the library at my place of work. I am fortunate enough to be able to positively shape young minds as an educator in a public middle school. My middle schoolers must have access to positive representations of all varieties of positive romantic relationships. Too often, if LGBTQIA+ stories are included in media, they are laced with an air of tragedy. Forbidden love, familial rejection, or even a tragic premature death--leaving them behind to live without the warmth of their love beside them. LGBTQIA+ youth deserve to see themselves in a positive light, as Klune so masterfully does. If nothing more, with the tragedies that so often plague the very existence of LGBTQIA+ individuals, a simple yet powerful story such as this reminds us all that not only do they exist, but that their stories are a beautiful thing to witness and be privy to. We should be so lucky to have such warmth and acceptance readily portrayed as in The House on the Cerulean Sea.