One change that I believe would make education better for future generations is a strong, inclusive, and comprehensive learning plan for all subjects. For years education has been used to divide and discriminate people based on race, gender, and sociology-economic status. However, by having the same learning plan for every state and everyone, especially a learning plan that is more comprehensive and does not exclude the difficult, hard to confront moments in history, the people of the younger generations will be in a better position to understand our society and make well informed decisions that shape it. It will also be more beneficial that the “No child left behind” policy that pushes students through grade levels without building a proper foundation of skills and knowledge to help them succeed in school. Both of my parents work in education and many times have I seen their overwhelming concern for certain students that are falling behind their peers and they, along with the school, do not have the resources to help those students. Also with many states dictating with how teachers approach their lesson plans in a way that hinders both the teachers and students, it is more important now than every before that schools across America have a better, more united lesson plan. Not just to make writing lesson plans easier for teachers, who spend countless late nights working on them, but for current and future students who will inherit a dysfunctional society and government left behind by their predecessors. We are witnessing a generation that is more active with politics that directly affect them and their peers. It would be an absolute disservice to this younger generation to not give them the best start in life we possibly can give them. Better education can give them what we, their predecessors, did not have when we were their age, a better chance and hope for change.

Middle school was a difficult time in my life. My older brother got arrested and I became the eldest sibling in my household, taking care of most of the chores and, in a sense, acting as a third parent to my younger sibling. I struggled with school and coping with the trauma left behind from my older brother’s arrest. There were times where I wanted to run from all of the responsibilities and trauma in whatever way possible. This led me down a path of depression and self hatred for many things out of my control. Especially when I tried to do everything to make life easier for my parents who were also dealing with the situation. However, these road blocks did not stop me from trying to reach my goals and aspirations. As I got older and continued with college I reconnected with the subjects that made learning enjoyable and exciting for me. And I got the courage to get the mental health help and therapy I need to help myself process the trauma I went through when I was younger. While I know that the road ahead of me is still ongoing, it will not stop me from my goals now that I have a clearer vision of what I want to do. Along with taking the steps to care for myself and my own mental health.

My love for reading sparked a love for learning, especially about ancient civilizations. I have always felt that by learning about the past we can understand ourselves a little better. Also, ancient civilizations always had this unique kind of diversity that always fascinated me. It is this love for learning about ancient civilizations that I want to pass along. However, I want to pass along a love for learning in general to the next generation. This is because, even though I want to do as much as I can to change the world for the better, I know my time is limited. And if I can inspire one person to continue to their love for learning and making the world a better place in any way they can, I would feel accomplished in my life.

It was late 2021 when I started to get professional help for my mental health. Since middle school I have dealt with anxiety and depression that would get worse during times of significant change and adjustment and feelings of abandonment. And through trial and error I have found that music and reading are way that help me cope with my anxiety. My coping with music lead me to continue with the school band in middle school and high school, even joining the marching band in high school. It was a constant activity in my life that helped me to escape my anxiety and depression. And reading lead to my love of learning, especially when learning about ancient civilizations. And it is the latter that has lead me to my major. While I have struggled with depression and anxiety, I have always had a goal, separate from my academics, to help young teens and people strive for a better life, whether it is at home, in their personal life, or continuing with their education. This is due to times in my life where I have felt alone or that incompetent. It is a feeling that I do not want others to feel, and if i can help ease that feeling for others in any way possible is one of my aspirations for the future. Although, my academic goals are to study and teach others about ancient civilizations. I would love to work in a museum surrounded by interesting artifacts. I would also love to learn about the stories behind those items left behind by these ancient groups of people. Now that I am getting the help I need for my mental health, I am far better equipped with coping strategies. And I also have better vision for the future that I did not have before.