I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder progressively got worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running multiple miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. Those three months were life changing. I learned new therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. To give back to the community, I volunteered at this program called Miriam’s house. This program helps single mothers recovering from alcoholism. They help them get back on their feet, find them jobs and apartments so they can get back to living life. I watched their kids, played and made sure they were safe while they were out looking for jobs, in group therapy or when they needed a break. I also volunteered at a high school organizing fabric and buttons for students who were interested in sewing and pursuing fashion. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. To me, success looks like supporting and providing for those struggling with mental health. My brand will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. This scholarship will help me accomplish all of my goals. This scholarship is not only for me, it's also for the people I hope to impact one day. I have a lot of goals for the future. Most of them sprouted when I was struggling and decided I wanted to make a difference. I make sure that my goals align with my values, some of them being awareness, creativity and openness. The goals I have chosen to accomplish coincide with the future career path that I am hoping to pursue, Fashion Design. The college I attend will help me improve my skills and provide me with opportunities to start my journey into the design world. The beginning will be hard, but with the commitment, loyalty and passion I have for my future, I know I can do it. The internship opportunities will teach me the steps I need to learn in order to become a fashion designer.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder get worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running multiple miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. Those three months were life changing. I learned new therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. To give back to the community, I volunteered at this program called Miriam’s house. This program helps single mothers recovering from alcoholism. They help them get back on their feet, find them jobs and apartments so they can get back to living life. I watched their kids, played and made sure they were safe while they were out looking for jobs, in group therapy or when they needed a break. I also volunteered at a high school organizing fabric and buttons for students who were interested in sewing and pursuing fashion. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. This scholarship will help me accomplish all of my goals. This scholarship is not only for me, it's also for the people I hope to impact one day.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder get worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running multiple miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. Those three months were life changing. I learned new therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. The people that I surrounded myself with outside of school were extremely supportive of me going to recovery. My family was right by my side throughout the whole process. They encouraged me to continue and not give up even when times were extremely difficult and seemed not worth it at all. They tried to visit every week to stay connected and motivate me. My other support system were my friends, my best friends. The ones I called while I was gone, helped me escape the reality of my situation for ten to fifteen minutes. I looked forward to those moments everyday. We talked about what was going on at school and how we were doing or coping with the situation I was in. It was relieving and important for me knowing that there were in fact people waiting for me back home, people that missed me just as much as I missed them. To give back to the community, I volunteered at this program called Miriam’s house. This program helps single mothers recovering from alcoholism. They help them get back on their feet, find them jobs and apartments so they can get back to living life. I watched their kids, played and made sure they were safe while they were out looking for jobs, in group therapy or when they needed a break. I also volunteered at a high school organizing fabric and buttons for students who were interested in sewing and pursuing fashion. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. This scholarship will help me accomplish all of my goals. This scholarship is not only for me, it's also for the people I hope to impact one day.

I have always tried to exceed in school. I pushed to do my best and always asked teachers for help when I needed it. I had tutors because I was so committed to understanding the work and getting good grades. However, having depression, anxiety and an eating disorder made it really difficult to stay motivated, concentrated and energized. I have struggled with mental health for as long as I can remember. I used school to distract myself from my problems, doing all my work in class so I wouldn't have to do it at home and to keep my mind from drifting elsewhere during class. I was constantly dizzy, constantly laying in bed listening to sad music and worried about the future and if people liked me. My biggest fear and stressor was failure and not knowing whether I was going to get into college and have a good future. I was mostly worried and catastrophizing about everything and anything, but especially my relationships. This led me to distance myself from my friends, thinking that they all hated me. In tenth grade, I got sent away to a residential for my eating disorder where I was distanced from my friends, family, and the world for three months. Doing school from residential scared me the most. We only had about three hours to work and some of the teachers from my high school were not very flexible. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. My mental health got really bad, so I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior earlier this year. I missed so much of my senior year hanging out with friends, going out and the senior activities. However, I know that it is better to go through recovery now than never. Those three months were life changing. I learned new therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I established external coping skills such as the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. To give back to the community, I volunteered at this program called Miriam’s house. This program helps single mothers recovering from alcoholism. They help them get back on their feet, find them jobs and apartments so they can get back to living life. I watched their kids, played and made sure they were safe while they were out looking for jobs, in group therapy or when they needed a break. I also volunteered at a high school organizing fabric and buttons for students who were interested in sewing and pursuing fashion. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder get worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running multiple miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. Those three months were life changing. I learned new therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. To give back to the community, I volunteered at this program called Miriam’s house. This program helps single mothers recovering from alcoholism. They help them get back on their feet, find them jobs and apartments so they can get back to living life. I watched their kids, played and made sure they were safe while they were out looking for jobs, in group therapy or when they needed a break. I also volunteered at a high school organizing fabric and buttons for students who were interested in sewing and pursuing fashion. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. This scholarship will help me accomplish all of my goals. This scholarship is not only for me, it's also for the people I hope to impact one day.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder get worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running multiple miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. Those three months were life changing. I learned new therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. The people that I surrounded myself with outside of school were extremely supportive of me going to recovery. My family was right by my side throughout the whole process. They encouraged me to continue and not give up even when times were extremely difficult and seemed not worth it at all. They tried to visit every week to stay connected and motivate me. My other support system were my friends, my best friends. The ones I called while I was gone, helped me escape the reality of my situation for ten to fifteen minutes. I looked forward to those moments everyday. We talked about what was going on at school and how we were doing or coping with the situation I was in. It was relieving and important for me knowing that there were in fact people waiting for me back home, people that missed me just as much as I missed them. To give back to the community, I volunteered at this program called Miriam’s house. This program helps single mothers recovering from alcoholism. They help them get back on their feet, find them jobs and apartments so they can get back to living life. I watched their kids, played and made sure they were safe while they were out looking for jobs, in group therapy or when they needed a break. I also volunteered at a high school organizing fabric and buttons for students who were interested in sewing and pursuing fashion. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. This scholarship will help me accomplish all of my goals. This scholarship is not only for me, it's also for the people I hope to impact one day.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder get worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running multiple miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. Those three months were life changing. I learned new therapies such as dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. To give back to the community, I volunteered at this program called Miriam’s house. This program helps single mothers recovering from alcoholism. They help them get back on their feet, find them jobs and apartments so they can get back to living life. I watched their kids, played and made sure they were safe while they were out looking for jobs, in group therapy or when they needed a break. I also volunteered at a high school organizing fabric and buttons for students who were interested in sewing and pursuing fashion. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. This scholarship will help me accomplish all of my goals. This scholarship is not only for me, it's also for the people I hope to impact one day.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder get worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running three miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. I had been seeing a therapist, but I was lying to her. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. I was there for three months. It was life changing. I learned new skills such as box breathing, the five senses, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me connect my thoughts and beliefs to my heart. It helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. To give back to the community, I volunteered at this program called Miriam’s house. This program helps single mothers recovering from alcoholism. They help them get back on their feet, find them jobs and apartments so they can get back to living life. I watched their kids, played and made sure they were safe while they were out looking for jobs, in group therapy or when they needed a break. I also volunteered at a high school organizing fabric and buttons for students who were interested in sewing and pursuing fashion. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrications. I have always fantasized about successfully inspiring others to pursue their passion through my work. My designs would impact the world and connect with people in a relatable way. There are some people who won't agree with my work, and I completely understand that. Not everyone is going to like my work, but my focus is on creating a safe and powerful message to those that are interested. This industry, however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end. I want to show those who feel the world is against them and not worth it that I am living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. This goal helped me create designs that expressed how I felt when I was struggling in the moment. I created designs that I had a personal connection with through memories, stories and material objects that were important to me. My intention behind creating is to make people feel connected and make people feel like they can relate in the sense that there are people in the world who understand what they have been through or what they are going through. My brand would not only support, but also provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. I have a lot of goals for the future. Most of them sprouted when I was struggling and decided I wanted to make a difference. I make sure that my goals align with my values, some of them being awareness, creativity and openness. The goals I have chosen to accomplish coincide with the future career path that I am hoping to pursue, Fashion Design. The college I attend will help me improve my skills and provide me with opportunities to start my journey into the design world. The beginning will be hard, but with the commitment, loyalty and passion I have for my future, I know I can do it. The internship opportunities will teach me the steps I need to learn in order to become a fashion designer.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrications. I have always fantasized about successfully inspiring others to pursue their passion through my work. My designs would impact the world and connect with people in a relatable way. There are some people who won't agree with my work, and I completely understand that. Not everyone is going to like my work, but my focus is on creating a safe and powerful message to those that are interested. This industry, however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end. I want to show those who feel the world is against them and not worth it that I am living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. This goal helped me create designs that expressed how I felt when I was struggling in the moment. I created designs that I had a personal connection with through memories, stories and material objects that were important to me. My intention behind creating is to make people feel connected and make people feel like they can relate in the sense that there are people in the world who understand what they have been through or what they are going through. My brand would not only support, but also provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. I have a lot of goals for the future. Most of them sprouted when I was struggling and decided I wanted to make a difference. I make sure that my goals align with my values, some of them being awareness, creativity and openness. The goals I have chosen to accomplish coincide with the future career path that I am hoping to pursue, Fashion Design. The college I attend will help me improve my skills and provide me with opportunities to start my journey into the design world. The beginning will be hard, but with the commitment, loyalty and passion I have for my future, I know I can do it. The internship opportunities will teach me the steps I need to learn in order to become a fashion designer.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. I have always fantasized about successfully inspiring others to pursue their passion through my work. My designs would impact the world and connect with people in a relatable way. There are some people who won't agree with my work, and I completely understand that. Not everyone is going to like my work, but my focus is on creating a safe and powerful message to those that are interested. This industry, however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end. I want to show those who feel the world is against them and not worth it that I am living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. This goal helped me create designs that expressed how I felt when I was struggling in the moment. I created designs that I had a personal connection with through memories, stories and material objects that were important to me. My intention behind creating is to make people feel connected and make people feel like they can relate in the sense that there are people in the world who understand what they have been through or what they are going through. My brand would not only support, but also provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. I have a lot of goals for the future. Most of them sprouted when I was struggling and decided I wanted to make a difference. I make sure that my goals align with my values, some of them being awareness, creativity and openness. The goals I have chosen to accomplish coincide with the future career path that I am hoping to pursue, Fashion Design. The college I attend will help me improve my skills and provide me with opportunities to start my journey into the design world. The beginning will be hard, but with the commitment, loyalty and passion I have for my future, I know I can do it. The internship opportunities will teach me the steps I need to learn in order to become a fashion designer.

I have a lot of goals for the future. Most of them sprouted when I was struggling and decided I wanted to make a difference. I make sure that my goals align with my values, some of them being awareness, creativity and openness. The goals I have chosen to accomplish coincide with the future career path that I am hoping to pursue, Fashion Design. The college I attend will help me improve my skills and provide me with opportunities to start my journey into the design world. The beginning will be hard, but with the commitment, loyalty and passion I have for my future, I know I can do it. The internship opportunities will teach me the steps I need to learn in order to become a fashion designer. Eventually when I create my own brand, it will be to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty. Part of me wants to work in every part of fashion, including costume design. I could show my designs through the screen where more people are likely to see it. I want to inspire others to be their own person and understand that style is whatever they make it to be. There will always be people that hate, but what matters is that a person is confident in their style. That is a part that makes a person instantly more attractive. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end. I want to show those who feel the world is against them and not worth it that I am living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. This goal helped me create designs that expressed how I felt when I was struggling in the moment. I created designs that I had a personal connection with through memories, stories and material objects that were important to me. My intention behind creating is to make people feel connected and make people feel like they can relate in the sense that there are people in the world who understand what they have been through or what they are going through. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. I have always fantasized about successfully inspiring others to pursue their passion through my work. My designs would impact the world and connect with people in a relatable way. There are some people who won't agree with my work, and I completely understand that. Not everyone is going to like my work, but my focus is on creating a safe and powerful message to those that are interested. This industry, however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder progressively got worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running multiple miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same, so I am beautiful in my own unique way. This made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. I created designs that expressed how I felt when I was struggling in the moment. I created designs that I had a personal connection with through memories, stories and material objects that were important to me. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder progressively got worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running three miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. However, there was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. I had been seeing a therapist, but I was lying to her. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. I was there for three months. It was life changing. I learned new skills such as box breathing, the five senses, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing and reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me connect my thoughts and beliefs to my heart. It helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs for anyone from different cultures and backgrounds. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder progressively got worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running three miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same, so I am beautiful in my own unique way. This made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. I have a lot of goals for the future. Most of them sprouted when I was struggling and decided I wanted to make a difference. I make sure that my goals align with my values, some of them being awareness, creativity and openness. The goals I have chosen to accomplish, coincide with the future career path that I am hoping to pursue, Fashion Design. The college I attend will help me improve my skills and provide me with opportunities to start my journey into the design world. The beginning will be hard, but with the commitment, loyalty and passion I have for my future, I know I can do it. The internship opportunities will teach me the steps I need to learn in order to become a fashion designer. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. They will demonstrate and highlight how the lowest point of mental health is perceived versus what it's actually like. Then the growth it takes to be committed to recovery and become the person who is living in the present moment improving and focussing on themselves day by day. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear.

I am currently a high school senior attending Culver City High School. It has been my ultimate dream since the eighth grade to become a fashion designer. I have always been obsessed with the passion, emotion and creativity that designers are able to put into their fabrication. This industry however, can be extremely toxic in many ways such as promoting unhealthy eating behaviors. I have had an eating disorder since the fifth grade, when I got into fashion I wanted to look like the models and be able to wear my own clothes. I wanted to feel accepted and beautiful, so my eating disorder get worse. I struggled so much looking for other peoples validation and attention from not eating for days and running three miles a day to be even skinnier. Eventually I got sent to a rehabilitation center for eating disorders where my perspective changed. I learned that every single person is different, no one looks the same so I am beautiful in my own unique way. There was still a part of me that struggled badly with depression. I had been seeing a therapist, but I was lying to her. My mental health got so bad, I got sent to another rehabilitation center that focussed more on addiction and behavior. I was there for three months. It was life changing. I learned new skills such as box breathing, the five senses, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. I found some external coping skills, the things I love doing like journaling, sewing or reading. I started this new therapy called EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). This kind of therapy helped me connect my thoughts and beliefs to my heart. It helped me process past traumas and come to conclusions about myself on my own. I finally felt worthy, deserving, secure and balanced. I felt proud and happy. Having gone through that made me realize the amount of people that are probably struggling with the same thing I did. I want to become a fashion designer to open minds, to spread inclusivity and beauty in multiple different forms. I want to be an advocate for those that are struggling, living proof that the effort you put in impacts the results you get in the end, living proof that it's possible to live a fulfilling life. My brand would support and provide for those struggling with mental health. My designs would be affordable, they will be inclusive in all sizes and they are designs anyone from different cultures and backgrounds can wear. I want to bring the world together through my designs, and I believe one day I can do that.

I have always tried to exceed in school. I pushed to do my best and always asked teachers for help when I needed it. I had tutors because I was so committed to understanding the work and getting a good grade. However, having depression, anxiety and an eating disorder made it really difficult to stay motivated, concentrated and energized. I have struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember. I used to school to distract myself from my problems, doing all my work in class so I wouldn't have to do it at home and to keep my mind from drifting elsewhere during class. I was constantly dizzy, constantly laying in bed listening to sad music and worried about the future and if people liked me. My biggest fear and stressor was failure and not knowing whether I was going to get into college and have a good future. I stopped eating to make myself look skinnier to others, for their attention and validation. However, my eating disorder was actually my only friend. It was something I could turn to when I was struggling. It supported me and talked to me when no one else did. Not eating anything for a long period of time, broke down my muscle before my fat. I wasn't getting any nutrition, protein, carb, fat, etc. for my brain to work properly. I was running three miles a day for cross country, I would barely make it before passing out. I worried and was catastrophizing about everything and anything, but especially my relationships. This led me to distance myself from my friends, thinking that they all hated me. In tenth grade, I got sent away to a residential for my eating disorder where I was distanced from my friends, family, and the world for three months. I learned a lot and made a bunch of new friends. Doing school from a residential scared me the most. We only had about three hours to work and some of the teachers from my highschool were not very flexible. I was worried I was going to fall behind, but I ended up being just fine. I went to another residential in December of 2023 up until March of 2024. I missed so much of my senior year already, but I know that it was better to go through recovery now than never. I want to be able to live my life to the fullest and be happy not having to worry about things that are not important to me. I have learned so many new coping skills, different types of therapies and information not only about myself but the world. I put my mental health first because it's the most important thing to living my best life. I am the only person who has been, and will continue to be with me for the rest of my life.

As someone who has personally struggled with mental health, it's important for me to spread awareness about the topic. Mental Health is a serious problem worldwide, especially surrounding schools, and a lot of people don't take it as seriously as they should. I have always tried to exceed in school. I pushed to do my best and always asked teachers for help when I needed it. I had tutors because I was so committed to understanding the work and getting a good grade. However, having depression, anxiety and an eating disorder made it really difficult to stay motivated, concentrated and energized. I have struggled with my mental health for as long as I can remember. I used to school to distract myself from my problems, doing all my work in class so I wouldn't have to do it at home and to keep my mind from drifting elsewhere during class. I was constantly dizzy, constantly laying in bed listening to sad music and worried about the future and if people liked me. My biggest fear and stressor was failure and not knowing whether I was going to get into college and have a good future. The lack of motivation, the constant numbness and need for sleep because the night before was a struggle to fall asleep are things a highschool student commonly struggles with. Depression and anxiety have made me unmotivated to participate in school and they have made me lose interest in all my favorite activities. For some students, poor mental health unmotivated students leading to bad grades and a high percentage of absences. It was the opposite for me in the sense that skipping school, missing a day or having a bad grade would give me so much anxiety to the point of panic attacks. I used school as my distraction from the reality I was living. Mental Health is important to me as a student because school can be exhausting and draining, and its important for everyone to understand that asking for help and advocating for yourself is not weak. Talking to someone about the overwhelming amount of work and asking for an extension is possible. In my community, I try to help people by convincing them to get help using my personal growth, knowledge and experience. Other times, I take the first step by asking for help or speaking up so they are likely to do the same when struggling because they saw another person speak up making them feel less bad for asking for help. Mental Health is important so that students feel motivated to have a future and live their life to the fullest by being successful in doing something they love.