My future self is an empowered advocate for those who are underrepresented and/or wronged by the system.

I was introduced to the concept of mental health as a young child. At the age of ten, I observed my dad's entire personality change as he was let go from an occupation he had held for my entire life. Shortly after, my dad decided to check himself into a mental health facility in order to obtain the help he needed. As a child, my parents wanted to keep me in the dark to the not so perfect aspects of our family; however, as I grew older, my mom ensured that I was aware of the symptoms of depression in order to for me to understand that I can receive help whenever I feel necessary. Having a parent with a mental illness such as depression as allowed me to reevaluate how I treat others. I am studying Criminal Justice and my ability to understand mental health is crucial in this field. Witnessing a mental illness within my family has motivated me to be an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Mental illness plays a large role in the Criminal Justice field. If society was more educated on the existence and symptoms of mental illness then we could erase the stigmas that surround it. Overall, my personal experience with mental health has motivated me to educate others and provide hope for those that I will eventually work with in the criminal justice system. I want everyone I work with to know that they are heard and that they will be advocated for.

The quality of myself that I value the most is my ability to be understanding. I find it frustrating when individuals are only able to see situations from one side. I am pursuing an education in the criminal justice field and I feel as though the ability to be understanding is a necessity in this field. As employees in this field, we are working with individuals through the lowest points in their lives. It is beneficial for all involved parties for these employees to be able to see situations from multiple perspectives. While many individuals are quick to judge others for involvement with the justice system, it is important to remember that we are all still humans. Individuals caught up in the system are still entitled to certain rights and these must be given to them regardless of personal prejudices. My ability to be understanding will allow me to create a more personal connection to the individuals that I will be working with in my career field. By obtaining a more personal connection with these individuals, I will be able to obtain their trust. Interactions between all individuals is drastically more efficient when both parties are able to effectively communicate. Effective communication is reliant upon being able to understand situations from multiple perspectives. Throughout my time in this career field, I also plan to work with CPS. Children, especially children that have endured trauma, will be more difficult to communicate with. It is crucial that I understand the difference between communicating with a child versus an adult and take the appropriate measures to ensure I can communicate with the child in the most comforting and efficient manner. My ability to be understanding will allow me to remain calm as I read the situations I am thrown into in this career field. This characteristic will prove to be valuable in more aspects of my life than just my career. The ability to be understanding will be an essential skill within relationships both romantically and otherwise. I pride myself on being able to see both sides of an altercation and I feel as though this ability results in fewer arguments. Overall, the ability to be understanding will be exponentially beneficial throughout my career and personal life. I will be able to effectively communicate with those I am working with as well as with those in my personal life. I will be able to form stronger relationships with everyone I am acquainted with. My ability to be understanding makes me a great fit for my career choice.