The fact that LGBTQ+ individuals face more targeted and violent discrimination compared to heterosexuals is genuinely astounding. Every time I hear a homophobic comment, I begin to feel anxious that it will be directed towards me. While yes, being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is more widely accepted now compared to the 80’s, homophobia is still prevalent. Although I am not ashamed of my sexuality, I live in Stillman Valley--like Robert Gahan, and due to this environment, I am reluctant to tell my peers whom I love out of fear that they would treat me differently. From a young age, I felt alienated from those in my small rural community. I was discriminated against for years because of how I looked and my sexual orientation. Despite attempting to keep this aspect of my life hidden, word went around the school fast that I liked girls. Unfortunately, my attempts at blending in, like a chameleon hides from its predators, had not worked. Not only was being overweight embarrassing enough for a ten-year-old, but feeling different from every single person in the school was even worse. I lost my friends and was harassed on social media and in school. This torment I received from my friends led me into a deep depression, where I became suicidal and thought I was disgusting. Because of these thoughts, especially at such a young age, I was urged to go to therapy by my school counselor. Little did I know that from this recommendation, I would come to realize that there is not something wrong with me. To explain, when selecting which therapist I wished to communicate with, there was an option for “LGBTQ+ Friendly.” I could not believe it. I could talk with someone who understood what I was going through. These two minuscule words completely changed my outlook on life. From then on, I understood I wanted to be a psychologist who focused on children. It will be my very own name like I had seen before, and it will have “LGBTQ+ Friendly” next to it. Despite having a safe, welcoming spot where children and teenagers can come talk to me in the future, I have always been an advocate against LGBTQ+ discrimination. From the moment I could grasp the concept of discrimination, I advocated against it. I would make social media posts arguing that individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community deserve human rights, too, as absurd as it may seem that this is an actual debate. I would stick up for those who, like me, were bullied in the halls for being “wrong” and “so gay.” From these small moments of bravery, monumental change was made. Eventually, the bullying stopped, and I recognized that advocating truly does bring about change. So, to answer the question of what can be done to ensure that future classes experience less and less of that discrimination, I have a simple answer: be an advocate. By becoming a psychologist, I will be able to work in schools or in a facility, allowing me to advocate against discrimination of all kinds, but specifically LGBTQ+ discrimination. I will have open and honest conversations with children that will hopefully show them that there is nothing wrong or unnatural about loving another person, even if they are of the same gender. I can help run or set up pride clubs where members of the LBGTQ+ community, or even allies, can talk about their experiences and celebrate their differences. Normalizing talk about the LGBTQ+ community will ultimately reduce the stigma surrounding queer individuals and the discrimination they face.

When asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up,” I answered with the utmost certainty: becoming a mental health counselor was my passion at the ripe age of nine. The lack of someone who was supposed to support me, particularly in understanding and managing my mental health, inspired my desire to pursue higher education. This experience, though challenging, has given me an alternative perspective with a deep empathy for those struggling with mental health issues. Becoming a mental health counselor and striving to provide the support and guidance that I once longed for was nothing short of clear. From this young age, I was bullied, isolated, and struggled with my self-worth and mental illness. I was forced to go into therapy, something not many fifth graders were having to do, and talk about why I thought the world would be a better place without me in it--a grappling topic that I still occasionally struggle with. It was a daunting and mortifying task as I attempted to keep it hidden from my peers, afraid of what they would say. I was ashamed of my thoughts, something I could not even control, and was told by my therapist that wanting to not be here anymore was a common thought, so I should get over it. Nevertheless, looking back, it was this comment that changed my perspective on therapy. I recognized that there needs to be more understanding of mental illness and those who struggle with it. It inspired me to be the voice of reason for others who feel the weight of similar struggles. I did not realize that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that things do get better. So, it is my mission to spread this word to others who struggle. No one, especially a child, should have to suffer in silence because of the stigma around counseling. It is my purpose to try and beat the idea that mental health is something that one can control by providing the utmost support for those struggling. Because I feel that I did not receive the care a nine-year-old should have, it has inspired me to go into the psychology field with a focus on younger children. I firmly believe that early intervention in mental health issues can make a significant difference in a child's life. I want to be the individual who supports, uplifts, and validates a child’s feelings, not tear them down. I feel it is my responsibility and calling to offer individuals the assistance and guidance I once longed for. In addition to fulfilling my dream, obtaining a psychology degree will have an indefinite impact on children who, like me, need a voice of reason and hope. One of the most important lessons from my journey is the revelation of how crucial it is to listen and be attentive to others. I consider myself an excellent listener, determined, and one who perseveres. These traits have led me to speak out about my struggle with mental health, in the hope of reducing the stigma around it. Despite my young age of seventeen, I am a consistent member of my community through participating in events such as my school’s annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk--a three-mile walk raising awareness about suicide. I am actively working towards creating genuine conversations about mental health and opening opportunities for progression in the psychology field. This is my purpose, and I am determined to achieve it through encouraging and empowering others to speak openly about their mental health.