Family structure is a foundation and influence that impacts those involved in various ways. The experiences from childhood shape a person's development leading into their adult life. My journey with identity and work with the mental health community was impacted by being raised by a single mother in a low-income household.  The household I grew up in supported me and imposed challenges that contributed to the growth of my identity. My mother worked at a bank and took college classes, as our family faced obstacles in the form of illnesses, surgeries, and car wrecks that the Lord carried us through. Being the oldest, I saw my mom adjust to various situations that taught me the value of being resourceful, faithful, flexible, responsible, generous, and optimistic. Although I have memories of her being exhausted or depressed, our relationship deepened from the way she guided me through complex situations such as bullying, racism, and puberty. The support from my family and the intensity of the obstacles I've overcome promote me to be resilient against adversity. Furthermore, my childhood experiences directed me to uplift the community by taking on responsibilities and providing resources. I’ve utilized the knowledge gained from my education in research studies when conducting presentations, ethnography, and literature reviews, as well as collecting data for various outlets. One of my most memorable studies created a platform for local businesses to market and connect to the student body. The leadership positions I’ve held have allowed me to positively impact the lives of others in crises, including leading a campaign for children with leukemia & lymphoma and co-creating a program for victims of human trafficking. As I further my education in the clinical mental health master program, I advocate for the well-being of underserved communities as a reliable resource.