My name is Maria, and I am deeply passionate about mental health and social justice. Growing up in an urban community, I have witnessed firsthand the significant challenges that young adults face when it comes to mental health. From a young age, I have been aware of the impact that factors like poverty, racism, and violence have on mental well-being. These experiences have made me determined to make a positive impact in my community. At the present time, mental health is a social justice issue that impacts everyone. In reality, young adults need access to mental health awareness and support more than ever. Being mentally healthy and happy in urban communities is as difficult as solving a complex AP math problem due to trash, poverty, racism, violence, and life experiences. However, it is critical to address teen mental health as a social justice problem since it is a medical condition that negatively affects students' thinking, feelings, mood, ability to relate to others, and quality of life. I am reminded of several people I know who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. They don't talk to or reach out to their parents or school staff about this. They feel as if their signs and behaviors are ignored, and their needs are not addressed. A point often overlooked is that race/ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation can put teens at risk of not receiving treatment and getting poor services. Clearly, negative outcomes happen for everyone due to a lack of accessible, affordable, quality mental health services. This social justice crisis is made worse for young people belonging to minority groups due to the lack of diversity and inclusive representation in the field. Social and cultural stigmas about mental health cause families to be secretive about a member who is struggling. For this reason, I am passionate about studying psychology as a major. Graduating with a degree in Psychology would prepare me for graduate study and a successful career as a child psychologist afterward. My school's Co-op experiential education program will allow me to gain valuable experience and explore my career options. As a person of color, it is important for me to take steps to change the unjust system that negatively affects others. I am interested in starting a clinic for mental health awareness where I can continue to educate myself along with others. I plan to advocate for the Black community to receive treatment without discrimination and work to diminish harmful stigmas. Mental health is a national crisis that affects local cities such as my own in Philadelphia even more exponentially, but I am hopeful, optimistic, unafraid, and ready to get involved during the next three years and beyond by accepting the challenge of campaigning and standing up for mental health awareness and support.