Mental health has played a significant role in shaping my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. My struggles with mental health have taught me the importance of self-care, empathy, and resilience. Through therapy and self-reflection, I've learned to prioritize my well-being and understand the challenges others may face. This has deepened my empathy towards those dealing with mental health issues and strengthened my belief in the power of compassion and support. In terms of relationships, my journey with mental health has highlighted the value of open communication and vulnerability. I've become more comfortable sharing my feelings and seeking help when needed, which has fostered deeper connections with friends and family. I've also learned to set boundaries and prioritize relationships that support my mental well-being, leading to healthier and more fulfilling connections. Regarding my career aspirations, my experiences with mental health have influenced my path in profound ways. They have sparked a passion for mental health advocacy and destigmatization. I aspire to work in a field where I can help others navigate their mental health challenges, whether that's through counseling, education, or advocacy. This desire to make a positive impact in the mental health sphere has guided my career choices and fueled my determination to contribute meaningfully to this important cause. Overall, my journey with mental health has been transformative, shaping my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations in profound ways. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of self-care, while also igniting a passion for mental health advocacy and support. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the growth experienced through these challenges, as they have ultimately led me to a path of greater understanding, compassion, and purpose. One of the most profound impacts of my mental health journey has been on my belief system. I've come to appreciate the complexity of the human mind and the various factors that influence mental well-being. This understanding has made me more open-minded and less judgmental. I've realized that everyone has their own battles, and it's crucial to approach each person with kindness and without preconceived notions. This shift in perspective has enriched my interactions and made me a more supportive friend and family member. In my relationships, I've noticed that being open about my mental health has encouraged others to share their own struggles. This mutual vulnerability has created a sense of solidarity and understanding, making my connections more authentic and supportive. I've also become more adept at recognizing when someone might need support and how to offer it effectively, whether through listening, providing resources, or simply being there. Career-wise, my mental health experiences have driven me to seek roles where I can make a tangible difference. I've become passionate about creating environments that prioritize mental well-being, whether that's in the workplace, schools, or community settings. I aspire to develop programs and initiatives that promote mental health awareness and provide support to those in need. This goal has led me to pursue further education and training in mental health fields, ensuring that I am well-equipped to make a meaningful impact. In summary, my mental health journey has profoundly influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. It has taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the importance of mental well-being. These experiences have not only shaped who I am today but also guided me towards a future where I can help others navigate their own mental health challenges. This journey is ongoing, and I remain committed to learning, growing, and making a positive difference in the lives of those around me.

There was a particularly challenging time in my life when everything seemed to be falling apart. My family was facing severe financial difficulties, and I was overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for my siblings while also trying to keep up with my studies. It felt like every door I tried to open was forcefully shut, and despair was starting to creep in. During this time, I turned to Allah for guidance and strength. I remember spending countless nights in prayer, seeking solace and asking for the courage to keep moving forward. Deep down, I knew that Allah always wants what’s best for my path, even if the journey is fraught with obstacles. This belief gave me the strength to persevere. One particular instance stands out vividly. I had an important exam coming up, but our financial situation was so dire that I couldn’t afford the supplies that I needed. I prayed fervently, trusting that Allah would provide a way. Miraculously, a kind friend, aware of our struggles, offered to lend me the textbooks I needed. This act of kindness felt like a direct answer to my prayers and reinforced my faith that Allah was looking out for me. That experience taught me that even in the darkest times, trusting in Allah’s wisdom and plan can light the way. It reminded me that Allah’s guidance is always there, helping me navigate life’s challenges and steering me towards what’s best for my path. Although many people have many perceptions of who or what “God” really truly is, I believe that we all have very similar beliefs and views of the world. As long as you believe that the universe around us has your best interest in favor, there should never be a question as to whether or not you’ll make it through whatever the challenges may be. Blindly believing in a force is very difficult for some people; Understandably so, that being said, sometimes you really just need to let go of all the stress on your shoulders and let the world work everything else our for you in your favor. This unwavering faith has been and will continue to be my anchor. Reminding me that will Allah’s support and guidance, I personally believe that I can overcome any obstacle or challenge that dares to stare me in the face. I hope that this essay helps to inspire someone else to keep believing or to start

Growing up in a poor Middle Eastern family, my life was shaped by numerous challenges that demanded resilience and strength. From a young age, I was thrust into the role of caretaker for my siblings, a responsibility that required me to mature quickly and put their needs above my own. Our financial situation was dire, with limited resources and constant uncertainty about whether or not we would be able to even make rent that month. Despite these hardships, I learned to navigate through such hardships with determination and resourcefulness, drawing on the strength of my family and the cultural values that were instilled in me. Our home was modest, often lacking basic amenities that many take for granted. The scarcity of resources meant that every day was a struggle to make ends meet. I remember the long hours my parents worked, often taking on multiple jobs just to keep a roof over our heads. Their dedication and sacrifice were a constant reminder of the importance of hard work and perseverance. However, their absence also meant that much of the responsibility for my younger siblings fell on my shoulders. I became their primary caregiver, ensuring they were fed, clothed, and attended school. Balancing these responsibilities with my own education plus a part time job was a constant challenge. There were many nights when I stayed up late, helping my siblings with their homework before turning to my own studies. The pressure was immense, but I knew that education was our ticket to a better future. Despite the exhaustion and the overwhelming sense of responsibility, I pushed myself to excel academically. I wanted to set an example for my siblings and show them that, despite our circumstances, we could achieve great things. The emotional toll of our situation was significant. I often felt isolated, burdened by the weight of my responsibilities and the constant worry about our future. There were moments of despair, when the challenges seemed insurmountable, and I questioned whether I had the strength to continue. Yet, in those moments, I found solace in the close-knit bonds of my family and the unwavering support of my friends. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities were a source of strength that kept me going. These experiences not only taught me the value of hard work and perseverance but also instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and responsibility towards my family and friends. I learned to appreciate the small victories and to find joy in the simple moments of togetherness. The struggles we faced brought us closer, forging bonds that could withstand any hardships. Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the strength gained from my experiences. Growing up in poverty and taking care of my siblings was not an easy path, but it shaped me into the person I am today. It taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult the circumstances. These qualities continue to guide me as I strive to create a better future for myself and my family.

“Why would you want to go into a beauty school”? That seems to be the underlying question everyone has been asking me. Cosmetology has always been an important aspect of my life. Seeing as how I grew up with 3 sisters; doing hair, nails, make up, and facials have always been apart of our weekly/biweekly routine. Being surrounded by predominantly females for the entirety of my life has given me countless opportunities to grow and learn as an aspiring cosmetologist. However, that is not solely my reasoning for applying and pushing towards this career. The arts of cosmetics have always been one of my numerous strengths and honestly, one of the only ways I have been able to escape the torment and pain of my reality. Throughout my years of growing up I decided to take the skills I already have; and shift them towards a career path that genuinely interests and benefits me in the long run. The beauty industry can be both an exhilarating and horrifying experience. In one perspective, there is the idea that you are finally able to put work into something that you know and love. Yet in the next perspective, there is also the fact that these courses are predominantly working women; That alone should give you an idea of the fellow hardworking and determined women there are. With determination generally comes competition, and competition is something women are blindly susceptible to; seeing as how all we do is try to be the prettiest, or the smartest, there is always competition. I personally plan on making the most positive impact on said women possible, by being a positive influence and helping as many others as I physically can.