Climate Change as a Global Health Crisis by Keri Au-France Climate change is the greatest global health threat of the 21st century, a conclusion supported by the World Health Organization, which warns that its impacts will severely undermine clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food, and secure shelter (World Health Organization, 2021). What is most frustrating is that despite its urgency, many governments continue to prioritize war, profit, and political gain over the survival of our planet, and, its people. The scientific consensus is clear: climate change is real and accelerating. The WHO estimates that climate change will cause ~250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress (World Health Organization, 2021). Yet here in the U.S., one of the most powerful and influential nations on earth, our leadership continues to deny the gravity of the crisis. Specifically, our current administration, which is denying its existence altogether. For example, President Donald Trump referred to climate change as "a hoax" during his first term, stating that the Chinese created it to weaken American manufacturing (Trump, 2012). Denying this issue is embarrassing, and deadly. Climate change is already destabilizing weather patterns, increasing wildfires, and contributing to mass displacement (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2023). Meanwhile, the U.S. is failing not only to lead but even to follow. In 2022, only 3% of Congress voted in favor of a bill to protect old, growth and mature forests on federal public lands (Center for Biological Diversity, 2022). Forest preservation is one of the most effective ways to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and one of the most dangerous issues to ignore, and yet U.S. lawmakers consistantly decline any possible route to change. What’s worse, the public is being kept in the dark, distracted by culture wars and economic anxieties while fossil fuel lobbyists quietly fund campaigns and shape policy (OpenSecrets, 2023). This is not a problem of ignorance, it is a problem of deliberate misinformation and greed. It is terrifying to know that despite record heat, hurricanes, and wildfires, some of our leaders are more concerned with donor checks than children’s futures. I believe that the U.S. is obligated to lead the world into action to combat this. The U.S. is usually a first responder in times of crisis, even when our country is not directly involved. This issue directly affects all life, land, and sea. We also have the resources, the science, and the influence to shift this route. However, we need moral leadership, policy, transparency, and above all, courage. We need government willing to take a leadership role and a stance in the global effort towards reducing emissions, and protecting biodiversity. I am pursuing a career in community health and education because I stand for health equity and truth. I want to be part of the generation that stops accepting "normal" as good enough when that normal is harming us. Climate change impacts all life on Earth and every aspect of healthcare; we must treat it with the same urgency as any other health pandemic. This is not about politics anymore. It is about survival. Sources: - World Health Organization. (2021). Climate change and health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health -Trump, D. [@realDonaldTrump]. (2012, November 6). “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.” X, Formerly Twitter. https://www.x.com - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). AR6 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2023. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/ - Center for Biological Diversity. (2022). Just 3% of Congress supported old-growth forest protection. https://biologicaldiversity.org - OpenSecrets. (2023). Oil & gas lobbying. https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/industries/summary?id=E01

I am a first-generation college student pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Health and Education Services (CHES) at Seattle Central College. Growing up in a suburban neighborhood where healthcare was a 15-minute drive away, I witnessed how limited resources and systemic barriers impacted families like mine. Now, as a low-income housing resident and mother to a gifted child, I work hard to create a stable environment for my child while navigating the challenges of socioeconomic adversity. These experiences have shaped my commitment to addressing disparities in healthcare access and advocating for health equity. Socioeconomic adversity has profoundly influenced my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations. My upbringing taught me the value of resilience and the importance of creating opportunities for others. It also inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare where I can directly address the inequities I have experienced. My decision to major in CHES reflects this mission, as the program not only provides prerequisites for the University of Washington’s MEDEX Physician Assistant Program but also focuses on health education and primary care for underserved populations. Throughout my academic career, I have sought to create a positive impact by combining my lived experiences with my education. I’ve taken leadership roles in group projects, such as a nutrition education initiative, where I helped ensure that the language and materials were accessible to diverse audiences. Additionally, as a mentor in the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program, I support other low-income students by sharing strategies for overcoming barriers to higher education. These opportunities have allowed me to foster empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to service, which I aim to carry into my future career. My goal is to become a physician assistant who specializes in adolescent and young adult health, focusing on addressing mental health challenges and reducing stigma. For my capstone project, I chose the topic of suicide prevention in adolescent males, a critical issue shaped by cultural pressures to hide emotions. By understanding the cultural, social, and psychological factors that contribute to this crisis, I hope to develop interventions that can save lives and provide a voice for those who feel silenced. Experiencing socioeconomic adversity has not only driven my passion for healthcare but also solidified my belief in the importance of addressing social determinants of health. My personal and professional experiences have shown me that overcoming barriers requires both systemic change and grassroots advocacy. I plan to use my education to bridge healthcare gaps for marginalized communities, focusing on providing compassionate, culturally competent care. This scholarship would allow me to continue my studies while preparing to make a lasting impact in my community. By addressing health disparities and advocating for systemic improvements, I hope to inspire others to believe that their circumstances do not define their future. Socioeconomic adversity has shaped who I am, and it will continue to fuel my dedication to improving lives through healthcare and education.

My career goals in healthcare and community health services align closely with fostering both the social-emotional well-being and intellectual needs of gifted children, and these goals are deeply influenced by my personal journey and academic pursuits. As a low-income housing resident and the parent of a gifted child, I am committed to creating a stable environment where my child can thrive despite financial challenges. This personal experience, combined with my academic path in healthcare, provides me with a unique perspective on the needs of gifted children and their families. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Health and Education Services (CHES) at Seattle Central College, which provides a solid foundation and the prerequisites for entry into the University of Washington’s MEDEX Physician Assistant program. Through this educational journey, I am gaining the knowledge and skills needed to advocate effectively for families facing similar challenges and to promote programs that nurture gifted children’s holistic development, even in economically challenging circumstances. As a parent, I understand that raising a gifted child involves balancing their need for intellectual stimulation with support for their social-emotional well-being. Gifted children often experience unique challenges, such as feeling isolated due to their advanced thinking or grappling with heightened anxiety and perfectionism. These challenges can be intensified when resources are limited or when families face socioeconomic barriers. I am committed to bridging these gaps by focusing on health equity and advocating for tailored support systems that recognize the diverse backgrounds of gifted children and their families. My goal is to create an inclusive healthcare environment where gifted children from all backgrounds feel valued, understood, and supported in every aspect of their lives. My work in mental health advocacy will be central to these efforts. I believe that, as a healthcare professional, I can make a significant difference by ensuring that gifted children have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive socially and emotionally. Many gifted children experience what is known as “asynchronous development,” where their intellectual abilities outpace their emotional maturity. This disparity can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, and anxiety, particularly if they lack support from peers and educators who understand their unique needs. As I advance in my career, I plan to work closely with families, educators, and mental health professionals to create awareness around these issues and develop programs that provide safe, supportive spaces where gifted children can express themselves without fear of judgment. In addition to my drive for equal mental health access and support, I am passionate about dismantling stigma and bias of all kinds within my communities to ensure an equal opportunity to thrive for all children, regardless of socioeconomic background. Through my education and future role as a Physician Assistant, I hope to influence policies and practices that address systemic inequities and recognize the specific needs of gifted children from low-income families. Giftedness often presents in diverse forms and crosses all demographic boundaries, yet many gifted programs remain inaccessible to children from underrepresented groups. By promoting health equity, I aim to expand opportunities for gifted children who may otherwise be overlooked, ensuring they receive the intellectual and emotional support they need to reach their full potential. Intellectual stimulation is crucial for gifted children, and fostering environments that encourage curiosity and critical thinking is essential to their growth and development. I envision supporting or developing programs that provide enriching opportunities tailored to their intellectual needs, helping them stay engaged and motivated. As I pursue my education in the CHES program and, ultimately, the MEDEX Physician Assistant program, I hope to integrate this commitment to intellectual and social-emotional support into my professional practice. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers, I can help design programs and interventions that recognize the whole child—acknowledging their intellectual gifts while supporting their emotional health. In summary, my career goals are grounded in a commitment to fostering the holistic development of gifted children, especially those from low-income backgrounds. My journey as a parent, student, and future healthcare professional equips me with both personal insight and academic expertise, which I intend to use to create supportive, equitable environments for gifted children. Through my work, I aim to provide the resources, understanding, and advocacy needed to help them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

As a dedicated mother to a five-year-old and a stepmother to a sixteen-year-old, I have navigated a complex journey of self-discovery and transformation. My path was not always clear, and for a significant period, I wandered through a dark phase, struggling to find direction and purpose. However, the moment I became pregnant at 28, everything changed. The pending responsibility of bringing a new life into the world opened my eyes to the necessity of education and personal growth. Before he was out of the womb my son started guiding me toward a more positive and meaningful path. Currently, I am pursuing a CHES BAS degree at Seattle Central College, with the aspiration to transfer to the University of Washington in 2025. There, I aim to enroll in the MEDEX PA master's program. This decision is deeply rooted in my commitment to not only improving my own life but also making a significant impact on the health and well-being of others. The journey through higher education has been challenging yet incredibly rewarding, reinforcing my belief in the power of education as a transformative tool. My academic and professional goals are ambitious, yet they are fueled by a profound passion for the medical field and a desire to contribute meaningfully to society. My ultimate dream is to earn either an MD or a PhD and to serve as a Chief Medical Officer. This ambition is driven by a combination of personal experiences and professional aspirations. Witnessing the healthcare challenges faced by individuals in my community, and understanding the critical role of healthcare professionals, has inspired me to pursue a career where I can influence and improve health outcomes on a larger scale. In addition to my academic pursuits, my role as a mother and stepmother profoundly influences my goals. I am driven by the desire to set a positive example for my children, demonstrating that with determination, resilience, and hard work, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. The responsibility of motherhood has taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and the profound impact of education. These lessons are invaluable as I navigate my academic journey and prepare for a future in the medical field. Furthermore, my commitment to a career in medicine is not solely about personal fulfillment. It is also about giving back to the community and contributing to the collective well-being. I envision a future where I can leverage my skills, knowledge, and experiences to address healthcare disparities, advocate for patient rights, and lead initiatives that improve health outcomes for diverse populations. My background in Community Health Education has given me this type of mindset that I will always relay back to. As a Chief Medical Officer, I would have the platform to implement policies and practices that prioritize patient care, innovation, and equity in healthcare on an even greater scale, touching even more lives. In conclusion, my journey from a challenging past to a promising future is a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering support of my family. Attending college is not just a stepping stone for me; it is a crucial part of a larger mission to effect positive change in the world of healthcare. My career and life goals are intertwined with a deep-seated commitment to making a difference, driven by personal experiences and a profound passion for a brighter future for generations to come. I am determined to continue this journey, fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but equally confident in my ability to overcome them and achieve my dreams.

At 33 years old, I am a mother of two children - a 5-year-old and a 16-year-old stepson. My post-high school years were marked by a lack of interest in college or taking on significant responsibility, which led me down a path of ignorance. However, my youngest child's pregnancy was a turning point for me and helped me mature. As a new parent, I was ill-prepared to handle the challenges that came with raising a child. My boyfriend, now husband, and I had to work full-time to provide for our small family, which included his young son from a previous relationship. Over a decade has passed, and I am approaching my mid-thirties with a 16-year-old stepson and a 5-year-old child of my own. Being a full-time parent was a new challenge for me, and it was through raising a child 24/7 that I learned valuable lessons about responsibility and emerged as a better person. My youngest child's birth opened my eyes to the importance of pursuing a professional career. I realized that entry-level jobs that pay low wages and require competing against a large pool of candidates would not be sufficient for our growing family. With my stepson now a high school student and my youngest child set to begin kindergarten next year, I knew that I needed to find an industry that interested me and improve my resume expeditiously. I began my academic journey at Bellingham Technical College (BTC), where I signed up for their 'Medical Office Support' certificate. It was through this program that I became a certified medical coder/biller for outpatient healthcare facilities within Washington State. I later earned my Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Administration, qualifying me to take the AAPC test to become a nationally certified biller and coder. My passion for learning continued, and I enrolled in the Community Health and Services BAS/Pre-Physician's Assistant Master's degree transfer program at Seattle Central College. After completing my bachelor's degree, I intend to take the CHES exam, qualifying me to work in health program coordination and management, teaching higher education in the healthcare industry, community health services, advocacy, healthcare research, and more. Ultimately, I aspire to become the chief medical officer of a hospital or open my practice. As a parent, one of my biggest aspirations is to motivate my children to work hard and chase their dreams with determination. I am thrilled to be on this journey with them. My ultimate goal is to provide my family with a secure future where they can unleash their full potential. Currently, we reside in low-income housing and are below the poverty line. I do not want my kids growing up worrying about basic needs when they should be focusing on their education. My youngest child, who is just 5 years old, already inquires about my gas tank, which saddens me. However, it also motivates me to work harder towards my goals. Any additional funding that I can acquire for my education will be immensely helpful. I assure you that as a mother, I will make the best use of those funds to provide my children with a stable foundation so that they can flourish and grow. If my children were old enough to comprehend, they would undoubtedly echo my sentiments.

I am a 32-year-old mother of 2, a 4-year-old, and a 15-year-old (stepson). Out of high school, I was certainly not ready to go to college or take on any real responsibility for that matter. Plus, my (now) fiancé already had a young child at the time so we both needed to work full-time to provide for our young selves as well as our young child. I was certainly not mature enough to be a parent either, but it was what it was, and of course, I would not have traded it for the world. Fast forward over a decade and I am now a 32-year-old with a 15-year-old stepson and a 4-year-old of our own. Although parenting was not super new to me, being a full-time parent was. There is no better way to grow up and learn responsibility than to carry a child for 9 months and then take care of it 24/7. I credit my son with opening my eyes to the real world and realizing I needed professional background. Entry-level jobs that require competing against the majority of the population for low pay just wouldn’t cut it for my growing family, nor do I want to live that way either. With a stepson going to high school soon and a young son who will be entering kindergarten in a year; I knew I needed to find an industry I was interested in that could also improve my resume quickly. I originally decided to go into healthcare for a few reasons. One, I had friends who had completed medical assisting and medical coding certificates, once they graduated, they seemed to be more than well off financially. Also, listening and empathy are two of my strongest traits; two important aspects of one's personality to have when going into a career in healthcare. Third, the medical field is something that will always be in demand and will always exist. Now that we are dealing with the coronavirus as well, healthcare workers are in even higher demand, and I would love the chance to make a difference in my community, especially when it comes to making a difference as far as the pandemic is concerned. Even if it is as simple as checking patients into the doctor’s office, at least I know I am helping and giving as much as I can and can at the time. I applied to Bellingham Technical College and signed up for their billing and coding program. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that BTC had incorporated the medical receptionist and medical billing certificates into one certificate they called ‘Medical Office Support’. I was able to learn the front desk/office/basic administration aspect as well as the insurance billing and coding at the same time. I have now completed my first year and officially have my certificate of completion for medical office support. I was inspired enough to decide to complete my 2-year degree in medical administration, which has now qualified and prepared me to take the AAPC national coding exam. I plan on taking the AAPC test ASAP. However, my main focus right now is getting into the BAS Community Health and Education Services/Pre-Physician Assistant program (Pre-PA program is at UW) at Seattle Central College in September 2023. I would love to work my way up to Chief Medical Officer someday, but I am excited about continuing school for my BAS and then my Masters, and let's cross fingers for that Ph.D. when time comes. It feels great to continue to keep possibilities open and I hope to inspire my kids too.

My greatest achievement to date is becoming a mother. As far as education goes, I want to go to medical school, obtain my Ph.D., and become a chief medical officer. However, no matter how high in the medical field I go, I know becoming a mom will always be what I am most proud of. It has put meaning into my life and shown me what life is truly about. First off, becoming a mother has made me become a healthier individual and taught me to take care of myself. Before I was fairly reckless and wild and can honestly say I did not care too much about myself. However, once you love something as much as your child you know that your existence matters too. That is not to say that motherhood is not also the most stressful thing in a mother's life. It took me about a year or two to recognize that there are times I need to step back to relieve the stress of motherhood and let someone else take over for a few hours. This gives both my child and myself a little while to recharge so we are fresh and energized and ready to take on another chapter of life together. Secondly, it showed me what love and life were truly about, and what matters in life. Not to minimize my existence, however, I know many mothers that will tell you they feel like they were just floating through life with no real purpose before having a child. That is not to say one cannot be happy if they never have children, I also know many childless adults that love their life. For me though, once my baby came into my arms it is like this immense core piece to your puzzle you had no clue was missing. There are also all of these silly (what I now feel are silly, I would have told you different pre-baby) things I used to worry about that I now know to hold no true value, like worrying about buying a designer purse or having the coolest car out of all of your friends. I now know that the only thing that really matters in this life is that you spend it around the people you love. Lastly, my son gave me the motivation to go to college in the first place. I do not want to say he is the absolute reason for me going back to school because I hate to put that heavy of a burden on him. That is like saying if I were not to graduate it would be his fault, as if he was not enough motivation or something. This may sound silly, however, since becoming a mother it has completely changed the way I look at everything in life, especially family. However, it also changed how I see myself as an individual. As I stated in earlier paragraphs, I now see how much importance I hold as an individual. Yes, my son may have been my initial motivation for school, for becoming healthier, and for seeing life in a new light, but it is my sole responsibility to keep these things going. I do not put any of the weight of life's responsibilities on his shoulders by saying he is my one and only reason. It is hard to explain, but I think most parents would get where I am coming from. If you are not a parent yet, I bet you will look back at this essay if you do become one at some point. Overall, I plan to do big things as far as my career goes and I hope I can meet those goals. However, as stated previously, family is what is truly important and where I personally measure my level of success. It does not matter how much money I make or how big of a home I have, if I have a roof over my head, and am with my husband and children, I will consider myself successful and happy. The career and money will be a bonus for myself, and stability and a foundation for my son to grow from; so that he can focus on school and not have the low-income worries that naturally come to a growing child when they come from a low-income home and lifestyle.

I am a first-generation sophomore in college. I am 33-years-old, and a mother of 2. However, before I go further into the now, let us rewind a little over 10 years. Out of high school, I was certainly not ready to go to college or take on any real responsibility for that matter. Plus, my boyfriend (at the time, now husband) already had a 1-year-old so we both needed to work full-time to provide for our young selves as well as a young child. I was certainly not mature enough to be a parent either, but it was what it was, and of course, I would not have traded it for the world. Fast forward back to the present and I am now in my 30's with a 15-year-old stepson and a 3-year-old of our own. Although parenting was not super new to me, being a full-time parent was. There is no better way to grow up and learn responsibility than to go through pregnancy and become a 24/7 parent. I credit my son with opening my eyes to the real world and realizing I needed professional background. Entry-level jobs that require competing against the majority of the population for low pay wouldn’t cut it for my growing family, nor do I want to live that way. With a stepson going to high school soon and a young son entering kindergarten in a year or two; I knew I needed to find an industry I was interested in, that was in high demand, and a way I could improve my resume quickly. I decided to go into healthcare for a few reasons. One, I had friends who had completed medical assisting and/or coding certificates, once they graduated, they seemed to be quite well off financially. Also, I am a great listener and empathy is one of my strongest traits; two important personality traits to have when going into healthcare. Third, the medical field is something that will always be in demand and will always exist. Now that we are dealing with the coronavirus as well, healthcare workers are in even higher demand. I applied to Bellingham Technical College and signed up for their billing and coding program. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that BTC had incorporated the medical receptionist and medical billing certificates into one certificate they called ‘Medical Office Support’. I was able to learn the front desk/office/basic administration aspect as well as the insurance billing and coding at the same time. I originally was only going to college to obtain a quick certificate and get back to work making a few more thousand a year. However, after completing my first year (I am officially a college graduate (a certified medical coder in WA state) yay!) when it feels like I just started, I decided I would finish the requirements for the AA degree in medical administration. I decided to go with the transferrable AA degree in case I want to further my education beyond my AA and because I only want to open doors for myself; I do not want to do anything to possibly limit my opportunities. Thanks to the awesome teachers and students, and the push my son gave me to be a better version of myself, I now know what the saying "the sky is the limit" truly means. I finally learned that if you seriously put your mind to it and put in the necessary work, you can do whatever you want to. I hope my son learns this before I did, and witnessing my going back to school inspires him.

Helping people, especially as far as health goes, has always been a passion of mine. Substance abuse has been a huge part of most of my close friends' lives, and sadly even some family members. In fact, my father recently battled lung cancer and by grace, they caught it early and he glows as I have never seen before. He even quit smoking which I believe he started at around 12 years old, he is now 74. I am blessed to have such a strong father with an amazing will to live, but I know that most people are not that lucky. I want to do whatever I can to improve the lives of those who are not as lucky, or help in whatever way I can to improve disease prevention and increase the number of patients who are considered "one of the lucky ones." Not only do I want to help people with health issues and disease prevention. I also want to ensure ethics are kept within the healthcare industry. I am in the 2nd year of my healthcare administration degree and what we learn a lot about is the abundant amount of fraud and abuse that continues to occur within healthcare facilities. Patients put their trust in the healthcare workers, often holding anyone who works in the industry to a higher standard as far as morals and customer service go. The longer I learn about this issue, the more I learn how common it is for fraud and abuse to occur, and the more motivated I am to do whatever I can to make any kind of difference regarding this issue or morality, honesty, and integrity. I told myself the first class I learned about these issues, that I will be one of the honest ones, I am an honest person by nature (I cannot even lie to my dog, let alone any person, especially in regards to their health where life and death are literally what is at stake). Even if it takes reporting the person in the highest position at the facility, which more often than not is the doctor. I can imagine reporting someone of that authority would be intimidating, however, I could not live with myself if I knew I did not attempt to stop something that resulted in the loss of life or ruining a person financially, or some other catastrophic predicament I know in my heart I may have been able to cease. At the end of my first year of college (Bellingham Technical College) I earned my medical billing and coding certificate that qualified me to work in any department within the office of outpatient offices in Washington state. I am currently in my last quarter before I obtain my Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Administration, with my AA I will also qualify to take the test with the AAPC that will nationally certify me in billing and coding. My ultimate goal is to continue my education in healthcare and get the highest degree possible. I am low-income, but am 32 years old (33 in a couple of weeks) and rely entirely on grants to support my education. God bless America because if it were not for this I would not be able to obtain an education whatsoever. I am an honest, hardworking, loving mother, and someone the healthcare industry would benefit strongly from having me be a part of.

I am a 32-year-old mother to a beautiful 4-year-old boy. I want to make sure I create a stable environment financially, mentally, socially, and physically so that my son can focus on his studies and not have to worry about finances or other things kids should not be focusing on during childhood, but often do when coming from poverty. I am proud of myself for knowing that even if we are not financially stable at this very moment, it is for good reason and will not always be this way. However, it was quite a long road getting to this point in my life where I am mentally prepared to be a full-time parent and have my mind in the right space to go back to school. When I was just coming out of high school, I was rebellious; the last thing on my mind was continuing with college. Unfortunately, this attitude led me down a darker path than I realized. My eyes opened to the real world and what it takes when I got pregnant. I realized I needed to figure out how to quickly improve my resume while having a young baby at home. That made me decide to go into medical billing and administration. I figured I could get a certificate and AA quickly, but I went the route where my AA would be transferable if I decided to do so. I wanted to ensure I was only creating opportunities for myself and not closing off any possible education or career paths for myself, whatsoever. It seems like I just started going back to school, however, I have already finished my first year, and am almost done with the first quarter of my second year. I am officially a certified coder in Washington state, and can finally call myself a college graduate. Another year from now my degree will be an associate in medical administration on top of the certificate I already hold. Going to school this time has opened my mind and inspired me to continue my education and pursue a career I never thought I would have 10 or even 5 years ago. I like the healthcare industry because there are so many ways I could go with my education. I can build on my degree and career without closing any possible options and not having to be completely made up on exactly where I want to go with my education, but since I am certified I can also work and support my child while continuing my education if I choose to do so. I fully believe my son gave me the courage, confidence, and a huge reason why I should obtain a degree. Of course, I am beyond proud of myself, and getting an education is for my benefit and confidence as well; however, I am not sure I would have gone back to school had I not become a mom. I love that my son is getting to see me go to school from home. I hope when my son is older, he looks back at this time and is proud of me and hopefully inspired. One of the biggest things I want to teach my child, which took me so long to learn myself, is that you truly can do anything you want if you are willing to do the work. The only thing or person standing in your way is yourself, and fortunately, that means you have the power to move out of your way. Keeping a positive outlook and open mind is imperative in this life.

If I could change one negative thing in the environment, it would be to end the destruction of our forests and major wildlife areas. I understand we need trees for their wood to build. However, the extent to which we have obliterated our forests is far beyond our needs. Especially as technology advances, we can build houses with 3D printers now! We as a society are getting to a point of no return, and if it keeps up like this, we are creating our own Armageddon. All of the Earth's communities and ecosystems work together. We will see the negative impacts eventually, we need to change our behaviors and our ways we go about obtaining wood and other materials from the Earth, before it is too late, if it isn't too late already.

I am a 32-year-old mother of 2, a 4-year-old, and a 15-year-old (stepson). Out of high school, I was certainly not ready to go to college or take on any real responsibility for that matter. Plus, my (now) fiancé already had a young child at the time so we both needed to work full-time to provide for our young selves as well as our young child. I was certainly not mature enough to be a parent either, but it was what it was, and of course, I would not have traded it for the world. Fast forward over a decade and I am now a 32-year-old with a 15-year-old stepson and a 4-year-old of our own. Although parenting was not super new to me, being a full-time parent was. There is no better way to grow up and learn responsibility than to carry a child for 9 months and then take care of it 24/7. I credit my son with opening my eyes to the real world and realizing I needed professional background. Entry-level jobs that require competing against the majority of the population for low pay just wouldn’t cut it for my growing family, nor do I want to live that way either. With a stepson going to high school soon and a young son who will be entering kindergarten in a year; I knew I needed to find an industry I was interested in that could also improve my resume quickly. I originally decided to go into healthcare for a few reasons. One, I had friends who had completed medical assisting and medical coding certificates, once they graduated, they seemed to be more than well off financially. Also, listening and empathy are two of my strongest traits; two important aspects of one's personality to have when going into a career in healthcare. Third, the medical field is something that will always be in demand and will always exist. Now that we are dealing with the coronavirus as well, healthcare workers are in even higher demand, and I would love the chance to make a difference in my community, especially when it comes to making a difference as far as the pandemic is concerned. Even if it is as simple as checking patients into the doctor’s office, at least I know I am helping and giving as much as I can and can at the time. I applied to Bellingham Technical College and signed up for their billing and coding program. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that BTC had incorporated the medical receptionist and medical billing certificates into one certificate they called ‘Medical Office Support’. I was able to learn the front desk/office/basic administration aspect as well as the insurance billing and coding at the same time. I have now completed my first year and officially have my certificate of completion for medical office support. I was inspired enough to decide to complete my 2-year degree in medical administration, which will also prepare me to take the AAPC national coding exam once I receive my AA. It feels great to continue to open doors and possibilities for myself and my family. I hope my children will remember me going to school and be inspired as well.

Substance use disorder is an area that has surely been changed by the pandemic. The first thing I want to mention is loneliness. This is a big thing when it comes to recovery. Whether in an inpatient rehab or not, everyone in recovery gets lonely. If it was not for zoom AA/NA meetings, this issue alone could be detrimental to a person in recovery. The next thing I want to mention is bed dates. I know more than one person whose bed date was either canceled or pushed back due to the pandemic. These date changes and cancellations could mean life or death to an active addict. Pandemic or not, a person who decides they want help should be able to get it at any second of the day. An active addict could change their mind in the blink of an eye, and there goes a life that could have been saved. If money was of no concern and I had the chance to make anything possible, as far as online is concerned, I would create a website that lists all available beds or openings. This would make it simple for people who may not necessarily be able to think too clearly. Every life matters and when an addict decides they are ready for change, they need a place they can go to easily help them make that change. Far too many addicts want to change but cannot access help, due to being uneducated or simply due to the difficulty of finding this information. There should be an easy one-stop shop that gives only open spaces for inpatient, outpatient, or whatever kind of help they are looking for. Including contact info, how to apply, literally everything so they feel helped, feel like they can get all the help they need, and do not get frustrated to the point of giving up and using. Sometimes the window to help an addict is so small it can be over in seconds. Especially if the help seems too hard to get, it is far easier to say "whatever, I'll just keep using." Change is the hardest thing people have to overcome when making any lifestyle change, the easier we can make the process, the more likely the case will be one of success.

I am a 32-year-old mom of two young boys. One 3-year-old named Nico, and a 14-year-old stepson named Michael. Michael has known me as his "special mommy" since he was 1 year old and does not know of a time without me in his life. He is just as much of a son to me as Nico, I simply use the term "step-mom" for clarification. I was a young 18 year old when Michael and I came into each other's lives. Paul, my fiance (my boyfriend at the time), and I still had A LOT to learn about life, each other, relationships in general, but most importantly about parenting. We both had to immediately enter the working world, and I can only surely say for myself, but I was not thinking about college whatsoever. I felt this was the life I built for myself financially and "it is what it is." Then, I found out I was pregnant. It was amazing how quickly my mindset changed. The moment I saw the positive pregnancy test my baby's (and therefore my own) health and well-being was the only thing that mattered. I was 28 years old when I became pregnant and far more mature than the 18-year-old that basically had a stork drop a baby on her lap. I will always be grateful to Michael, his mom, and my fiance for giving me a hint of what taking care of a baby looked like. However, I think all parents would agree that you have no clue what you are in for (in the most stressful, but also the most beautiful ways) when it comes to being a full-time mom. With all of that said oddly enough I would have to say the majority of credit has to go to my 3-year-old son Nico when it comes to staying healthy in my mind, body, and soul. Physically, in my opinion, every woman has no idea of the physical strength she has within her until she (1) carries a human inside of her for 9 months, (2) gives birth (which takes an IMMENSE amount of strength, it is no joke), and (3) constantly carries that baby in her arms until that baby decides otherwise. Nico would basically not let me put him down during his first 2 years of life. Within the first 2 weeks of bringing him home, I could feel the major muscle growth I had obtained. He is over 35 pounds now and I can throw him around like a rag doll. Mentally, many parents would not know how they are going to be full-time students and full-time moms. Do not get me wrong, it is hard to explain how nerve-wracking it was when I enrolled. However, I would say this is the part that comes in that is soul-inspiring and positive in my life spiritually. I love that both my sons know I am going to school despite my age and that my little one gets to witness it almost daily. He even reminds me at times to do my homework. I am hopeful it inspires both of my kids and they both learn sooner than I did that you truly can achieve any goal you set for yourself, as long as you as you are willing to do the work. It took me many years to learn the only thing keeping me from achieving a goal, or obtaining a degree(s) myself. Some might say I am too late to start my career goals now, but personally, I know I am right where I belong.

I would think that everyone would say this statement is true. However, the question I think that needs answering is, when do we fault a person for these choices? There are far too many instances where a person makes a stupid decision as a teenager and hurts them for life. This is where being the child of an alcoholic/addict comes to be important in my life. Growing up in this environment often leads to a confused, or lost teen. I made choices I wish I had not, but at the time I had no clue what I was doing to my life as a whole. I am going to give insight as to where I am going with this and why I am finally in college at 32 years old. In 8th grade my friends and I started shoplifting, sneaking out, and rebelling in whatever way brought a good time with it. Many people would say this is basic kid stuff. However, what is basic for one kid, can be detrimental to another. I am still not completely sure why, however, my best friend was always able to keep up on schoolwork, no matter how much rebellion went on after school. It would literally bother her if she skipped an assignment, I would say it was physically impossible for her to do so. On the other hand, I had no problem not doing any of my work. The years went by and I was a sophomore in high school. Then, the middle of my sophomore year I receive a letter from the school telling me I am, in reality, a freshman. Despite my recent rebellion, I had never been held back. For whatever reason, my best friend and I still hoped I would walk beside her at graduation. Instead of working hard, I decided I would continue to slack until Summer. Next year I decided I would try completing high school at the local community college. I actually did really well. I had an advising appointment at the college, I had tons to make up, but if I worked hard I MIGHT be able to walk with my class. I worked my tail off and even completed my 13th-year plan. By the time graduation was coming up I just had way too many missing credits to have any hope of walking at graduation. My class graduated, I was still in high school classes. All of a sudden I was 18 years old. STILL holding onto hopes for my diploma. I gave in at 21 and got my GED. From 21 until 30 I did go into the working life but knew if I did not get an education I would be stuck at low-wage jobs forever and I needed a solid career, especially because now I am having a baby. The point is, if I had more guidance I would imagine I would have made better choices or at least been told the damage I was causing to my life so early. Maybe in another environment I would of been able to do a normal amount of rebelling and still get my work done. I will never know, and I do not blame my family. But like I said in the beginning, can I really blame myself either? Yes, I take accountability that I am where I am now because of my choices. I was only a child though. Perhaps if the pressures were lightened a bit on our youth they could be kids and not have a lifetime punishment for it, especially if guidance lacks in that youth's life.

Originally I decided to go to school to get my certification in medical billing. However, once I started attending college again, at the age of 31, I was mature enough to realize only I could place a limit on my career and education. I received my certification in June of this year. I have decided to continue my education and go for my AA in health administration, and continue it further from there. I hope to continue to advance my degree and get more involved in the healthcare industry. I hope to become known and trusted enough in the community to possibly get involved in politics. I feel this way I could truly do something that can change the way abuse and neglect are dealt with. I would start with my community and hopefully branch out nationally and possibly even internationally. Since becoming a mom and getting to know other moms, the subject of CPS has come up more times than I could count. The more conversations I had and the more I saw some of my close friends and family deal with CPS, I realized the system is not working the way it is set up right now. Due to the war on drugs, it seems that so many children are being taken from loving parents, but are sick themselves. There are tons of rehab programs for parents, especially women and children. The focus should be to do whatever it takes to keep the child with a parent if abuse and neglect are absent. It seems more times than not addiction alone is the reason for the removal of children, when addiction alone is not defined as abuse or neglect. I started researching and I found when addiction is an issue it is only abuse or neglect if a parent is driving under the influence with a child. I am not saying that CPS should leave these parents alone. In fact, getting involved could potentially help the situation, if gone about in the correct way. One might say to me "this is what CPS does, it is the parents who keep relapsing that causes removal." To me, this sounds like opinions and judgment. Stigmitization is a huge part of the problem. Addiction is a lifelong issue, parents and their children who love each other should not be punished due to relapse. The fact is, these are addicts, and more than likely they will relapse. The real telling if they have their child's best interest is if they get up from that slip and try again. We tell our children "if at first, you don't succeed, try, try again" but then we punish our adults for doing the same thing? I could go on about how the system is not doing what needs to be done in order to truly protect our children and families, but that would not change a thing. I believe my calling in life is to do what I can to make that change. To bring the focus from parents with addiction (despite whether abuse is present or not) back to children who are truly being hurt. I hear over and over about children who die due to abuse, who was checked on by CPS but left with their abusers. It is almost as if abuse is too hard to prove so those cases are left behind, this is simply my opinion and how it looks to me though. Maybe if we could bring our focus back to the real issue, these true abuse cases would not be overseen. Potentially saving children's and their parents' lives.

I am a 32-year-old mother of 2, a 3-year-old, and a 14-year-old. When I was 18 years old and just coming out of high school I was rebellious and the last thing on my mind was continuing with college. Unfortunately, this attitude led me down a darker path than I realized. It would not be until I got pregnant with my 3-year-old that my eyes opened, and I guess you could say that is when I finally started to grow up. I realized that I needed to figure out how to improve my resume while having a young baby at home, and being able to do so quickly. That made me decide to go into medical billing and administration. I could get a certificate and AA quickly, but I went the route to where my AA would be transferable if I decided to do so. I wanted to ensure I was only creating opportunities for myself and not limiting myself. It seems like I just started going back to school, however, this is the last week of my first year. I will be a certified coder in Washington state after this year. Another year from now my degree will be with an Associates in medical administration on top of the certificate I will already hold. Going to school this time around has opened my mind and inspired me to keep going with my education and pursue a career I never thought I would have 10 or even 5 years ago. I like the healthcare industry because there are so many ways I could go with my education. I am able to build on my degree and career without closing any possible options and not having to be completely made up on exactly where I want to go with my education (at least not yet, after my first 2 years I should probably have a more clear idea of my final goal (at least I feel that way, for my own self.)) I love that my son is getting to see me go to school from home. I want to make sure I create a stable environment financially, mentally, socially, and physically so that my son can focus on his studies and not have to worry about finances or other things kids should not be focusing on during childhood, but often do when coming from poverty. I am proud of myself for knowing that even if we are broke right now, it is for good reason and will not always be this way. I hope when my son is older he looks back at this time and is proud of me and hopefully inspired

I am a 32-year-old mother of 2 boys, 3 and 14 years old. I was a stubborn and rebellious teen and went down a dark path for a while. I have to give credit where it is due and say that my 3-year-old, without question, changed my life 100% and inspired me to make a complete turnaround. I had wanted to change my life for a long time, my son was the motivation and kick in the butt I needed. I moved in with my parents where I was lucky enough to raise my child and stay at home for my child's first 3 years of life. As I saw my child gaining independence, I realized I should be taking this time I do not have rent to get a degree in something. I knew once I entered the workforce again that fighting the majority of unemployed workers to get into whatever entry-level job was available was not going to cut it financially or give myself any confidence or satisfaction. I knew I needed to improve my resume, and quickly. I had a friend that became a medical assistant through a trade school, after just doing a year of schooling it seemed like she was more than financially stable. I decided to do the same, but wanted to make sure I received the billing and coding aspect of it. Luckily Bellingham Technical College recently incorporated both the medical assisting degree and the medical billing and coding into one certifice with the title 'Medical Office Support.' I was overwhelmed at first. It had been 15 years since being in any kind of schooling. I was now 1 of the older people in class. I do not regret anything though, perhaps I would not have taken it as seriously if I went to college right after highschool, and time goes so slow when you are younger I think that would of turned me off back then as well. Being 32 years old, these 9 months have gone by it was seems like a blink of an eye. It feels like I just started and now this is my last week before I earn my certificate. All of a sudden all of these ideas for my future came to mind. I even thought maybe I should do the whole MD medical school route. Maybe I should get a degree in pharmacology, or become a pharmacist. Maybe I should stick to the office side of things and go as far up the ladder as possible. Taking all of this into account, I spoke with my advisor and we decided to continue on and get my AA in medical administration. Since I was in a trade school I had the choice to do a 2 year certificate that was most likely not transferrable if I wanted to keep going with my education. However, being as inspired as I am after this first year I did not want to close any doors on myself. I chose to do the AAS-T degree that is able to be transferred if I choose to go on in school. I likely will go on to get my bachelor's and use my medical coding and administration degree toward a bachelor's in the same or similar field. I want to continue to only open more doors. Also, I love the fact that my son is watching me go to school during these early and crucial years, I hope that he looks back and is proud and inspired.

My name is Keri Breen. I am a 32 year old mother of a beautiful three year old son and a gorgeous 14 year old step son. I have been in my step sons life since he was 14 months old. My children are my inspiration for everything I do. I started out my adult life not making the best choices. As a result of this both my spouse and I lost our jobs and ultimately our place to live. We were homeless for about 2 years until an amazing thing happened, I was pregnant. My parents were willing to take my newfound family in as long as I was working to better myself. I have to say my son saved both my husband and my life. Him and his brother are my everything.