My mental health is definitely something new but exciting. Like many others, the pandemic really kick started my mental. I lost every ounce of motivation that I previously had. The motivation to even get out of bed, brush my teeth, do laundry, and do any school work was tough. However, after I saw how my lack of effort affected my parents, my goals, and my future, I realized I needed to try. After enrolling and being accepted into my top university, I decided that I need to try. I really started to explore and focus on future careers. My goal and passion in life is to be around people, work with people, and help people. I looked back on the roughest school year I've had and realized that in order to function and live my life, I had to help and be around people. The pandemic took that all away from me. Honestly, it wasn't until the summer before my freshman year of college when I realized what my ultimate goal in life was. I wanted to join the military. Specifically the Air Force. I sat down with my parents and had a long conversion about how I was going to get to my goal. I told them I was serious and that I needed to be apart of something bigger. Due to certain medical conditions, I have to work to obtain a waiver in order to join. I did my research, talked to a couple advisors and local recruiters and discovered my path. My dream is to complete four years at my university, obtain a bachelors degree, gain years of experience in my degree field, and ultimately enlist in Officer Training School (OTS). My dream is to join the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, all before I turn 30. I am well aware it's ambitious and could change, but for now, all of my work, all of my hours of studying and completing assignments are to work towards that goal. As most students, I want to make my parents proud and show them that I succeeded with their guidance and support. I know now that I never want to experience such helplessness and sadness as I did during the pandemic. Watching and listening to the news made it all so hard. I still experience some sadness and a good amount of anxiety today, however, I am motivated and determined to show myself and others what I am capable of. It is scary to see how I was so happy and so stable pre-pandemic. I still have anxiety due to my experiences during the pandemic. My anxiety stems from the simple fact my future was jeopardized by the toll my mental health took during the pandemic. It's hard to know and to say that I went through that and that I put my parents and loved ones through it, but I know I came out stronger. I came out knowing who I really am and who I want to be. Even during my most anxious times, that strength of knowing what I don't want to ever experience, has helped me get through. The dreams, knowledge, and strength that has stemmed through my past and previous mental health experiences has made me grateful for absolutely everything.